32nd NH eagle survey set for Saturday starting in Nashua

NASHUA – January marks the 32nd consecutive winter that New Hampshire Audubon has coordinated the state’s midwinter bald eagle survey. Part of a national effort, the count provides data on the eagle population, as well as an opportunity to monitor winter habitat. The count will take place along the Merrimack River from Hudson to Manchester from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 14. New Hampshire started participating in the survey in the winter of 1980-81. Back then, seeing an eagle in the state was unusual, and they were on the state and federal endangered species lists. But after three decades of eagle population recovery, many in the state now expect to see eagles at New Hampshire rivers, lakes and estuaries no matter what the season. Last year on the day of the survey, 54 bald eagles were sited throughout the state.