Bald Eagles Nests Found In Somerset, Union Counties

The bald eagle population continues to increase and several can be found in the Somerset and Union county areas, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The statewide population increased to 172 territorial pairs in 2016, up from 161 last year. Out of those, 150 pairs were known active (meaning they laid eggs), the same number as last year, according to the NJDEP's New Jersey Bald Eagle Project report for 2016.

Three active nests were located in Somerset County and one in Union County.

Somerset County:

• Far Hills/Ravine Lake
• Duke (Raritan River)
• Manville

Union County:

• Linden

"A total of 133 nests (88%) were known to be successful in producing 216 young, for a productivity rate of 1.44 young per known-outcome active nest, which is above the required range of 0.9 to 1.1 young per nest for population maintenance. Twenty-two pairs maintained territories but did not lay eggs," the NJDEP reported.

The number of bald eagle nests and babies born has continued to rise since 1985 in New Jersey.

Most nests were located in the southern portion of the state, particularly near the Delaware River and Bay . The majority of nests were located on private land, while the rest were on state, federal, county and conservation organization lands.

To view NJDEP's entire report of the New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2016 and find more nesting spots CLICK HERE.

(Image via Morguefile)

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