Bald Eagle numbers slowly increase on Lakeshore
January 6, 2002

The Winter Bird Cencus, officially known as the Christmas Bird Count, for Manitowoc County has ended.

The counting period was from Saturday, Dec. 15 through sunday, Dec. 30.

This nationwide "scientifically-useful" pastime began in 1900 by people who recognized the need for a year-to-year survey to help determine population trends of our native birds.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center began coordinating the counts in Manitowoc County in the mid 60's.

However, numerous individuals were involved with the census in our area long before that.

Within a week or two, after the county counts are compiled, we will be reporting to you on what was seen. For a preview, we can make a report on a species that is currently showing a definite increase in our area.

Bald Eagle numbers have been slowly increasing in Manitowoc County through the past several years.

This species was reported in all four of the quarters of Manitowoc County during this year's winter bird census.

There was one bird in the Shoto area. ONe was seen in the Collins area and one in the Cleveland area.

Six of these magnificent birds were seen in Two Rivers and Point Beach State Forest!

Two birds were seen within the city limits of Two Rivers, in Picnic Hill park. They were in the morthern-most wooded area and flew out over the College Hill area. The other four were seen in the State Forest.

The Bald Eagle is a very large bird, having a wingspan of up to 7 1/2 feet.

The adult birds have a white head and tail, but the young birds are all dark.

They are usually found near open water, where they dine on fish, but are also carrion eaters.

How wonderful it is to see these birds in our area.

Perhaps, years ago, local residents saw these birds and considered them a "normal" part of the landscape, but to us, living in a time when wildlife habitat continues to disappear, seeing these birds is, indeed, a treat!