Bald Eagle Nests Spotted In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ— As the bald eagle population continues to increase in New Jersey, hikers might be able to spot some nests in Morris County, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Five active nests were located in Morris county:

• Picatinny / Lake Denmark
• Mount Hope lake
• Parsippany
• Great Swamp
• Two on Lake Hopatcong

The state overall saw in increase in the bald eagle population, with 172 territorial paris in 2016, an improve over 161 in 2015. Out of those 172, 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.

"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.

--Reporting by Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff)

Image via Morguefile