An annual bald eagle count in Kings County, Nova Scotia, has reported a significant increase in the number of raptors this year. The count, held every February, documented a total of 605 bald eagles, more than double the 265 birds recorded in 2023 and far surpassing the mere 22 eagles observed back in 1977.
According to organizer Soren Bondrup-Nielsen, the surge in eagle sightings reflects a positive environmental turnaround. He explained that the historical use of DDT pesticides led to eagle fatalities due to DDT poisoning from consuming contaminated prey, which also affected egg production. The ban on DDT in Canada during the 1970s has since paved the way for the recovery of the bald eagle population.
Bondrup-Nielsen, a naturalist, noted that eagle numbers in the Annapolis Valley fluctuate annually. This year’s harsh winter likely contributed to the high count as eagles scavenged for food, particularly feasting on Canada geese and ducks that froze on the icy landscapes.
The eagle count, conducted by volunteers along designated driving routes, lasts for an hour to minimize duplicate sightings. Bondrup-Nielsen emphasized the importance of this tradition in monitoring ecological well-being and human impact on the area. With a thriving community of naturalists in the region, including Acadia University’s proximity, there is no shortage of volunteers eager to participate in the count and contribute to conservation efforts.
