By Jim Wright

Special to The Record | USA TODAY NETWORK - NEW JERSEY

   As we celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday, what better topic to write about than America’s symbol, the majestic bald eagle? It’s especially important to celebrate one of America’s great environmental success stories in these turbulent times of climate change and other concerns. 

   Last month, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection proposed removing the bald eagle from its endangered species list, reflecting the charismatic huge raptor’s comeback here. Huzzah!

   Consider: Even though DDT was banned in the United States in 1972, the pesticide’s residual effects had reduced the number of nesting bald eagles to one pair statewide in late 1970s. You read that right – one pair in our entire state.

   Fast forward to last year and check out these gaudy numbers. New Jersey was home to 286 bald eagle nests, and 255 of those pairs laid eggs.

   Kathy Clark, the chief of the DEP’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, started with the agency almost 40 years ago when times were lean. I recently asked about the eagles’ past and future in the Garden State.

   “Our initial goals were very modest, like thinking we could improve to 25 nesting pairs.” the wildlife zoologist replied. “That was the result of watching the single nest teeter on the brink of survival for years.”

   Clark said that It was hard to imagine a time when eagles wouldn't struggle for survival in New Jersey: “In the early 1990s, each year would see a one-nest increase in population – very slow.” 

   Then came the turn-around. “In the last 10 years, the population growth and nesting success has been impressive and something we didn't imagine 40 years ago,” she said. 

   According to Clark, the reasons include the prohibition on DDT, cleaner waterways (which led to recovery of fish and aquatic populations), habitat protections around nests, and education and a change in attitudes toward birds of prey. 

   “We know that illegal shooting remained a problem for a long time, and it’s not completely gone,” she said. “But the vast majority of New Jerseyans love eagles, and that makes habitat and other accommodations a bit easier.” 

   Nonetheless, Clark believes that the eagles aren’t quite out of the woods yet. “Eagles require large tracts of habitat that is predominantly in private ownership, so landowners are important stewards for eagles and other wildlife,” she said. 

   She also pointed to such threats as disease and environmental contaminants – chemicals, lead, and poisons – that could result in a backslide in the eagle population.

    Her advice for the future:  “It will be important to continue to monitor nests and nest success, and to secure habitats through landowner partnerships and other means.”

    Despite the need for continued vigilance, the recovery of the symbol of our nation is worth crowing about on this Independence Day.

  The Bird Watcher column appears every other Thursday. Jim’s latest book, "The Screech Owl Companion,"  was published by Timber Press. Email Jim at [email protected].