Once endangered, eagle population soaring in Michigan, U.S.

[marmar]

Once endangered, eagle population soaring in Michigan, U.S.
Josh Katzenstein/ The Detroit News


Since they were removed from the endangered species list in 2007, bald eagles have flourished in Michigan and across the United States.

In fact, their population surge has happened almost too quickly.

With more than 700 pairs flying around the state in 2011, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimations, bald eagles have run out of prime habitat — typically cottonwood trees near a body of water with ample fish. Eagles normally live miles apart, but occasionally nest closer together if there are enough resources to share, biologist Matthew Stuber of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

Eagles have recently found homes near power plants, including DTE Energy's Monroe and Fermi 2 facilities, prompting DTE to have a naming contest, with four young eagles being named Spirit, Freedom, Honor and Grace on July 1. Other eagles have nested miles from bodies of water, and 13 pairs call Monroe or Wayne counties home. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://detnews.com/article/20110711/LIFESTYLE14/107110332/Once-endangered--eagle-population-soaring-in-Michigan--U.S.#ixzz1RpqMZnYl

[ClarkUSA]

1. Wonderful story.

Now if we could only win back the House so Republicans don't succeed in defunding the EPA and gutting the Clean Water Act, as the teabaggers are trying to do.

[Drale]

2. We camp in northern Wisconsin every year and

not 15 years ago it was extremely rare to see one eagle flying around, now you see them all the time in pairs sometimes. Last year I saw an eagle swoop down and pick up a fish from a river, it was a fantastic site, although I'm sure the fish didn't think so.:rofl:

[elocs]

3. I live a block from the river here in La Crosse, WI and in the spring eagles are very common.

I sometimes counted more than a dozen on the ice watching for fish, worrying the gulls.

[On the Road]

4. You See Them Down Here in Maryland, Too

sometimes even near populated areas. They don't seem like a vanishing species -- at least not now.

[pscot]

5. No shortage of eagles around here

There was a nest in the trees behind my house this year.