Yesterday, on my local public radio station, I heard a story that said the number of bald eagle nests in Illinois has increased from only 2 to roughly 100, but no further explanation was given. Is this increase due to an actual increase in the overall bald eagle population or have these birds just migrated from somewhere else that (presumably) became unlivable for them?

lanfranco

Well, here's yesterday's story in a Springfield paper. While it's not absolutely clear, it looks as though both migration and consequent population increase may be at work. Improved habitat conditions over the last several years seem to have been attracting nesting pairs, while their offspring choose to remain in the state once they reach young adulthood and can breed. The story also points out that habitats all over the States have improved, so that bald eagles are about to be removed from the threatened species list: http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/78306.asp Feb 10 06, 1:33 PM

Eolena

Interesting article. Thanks for finding it. Feb 10 06, 2:42 PM