Quinebaug eagle sightings increase more than 10-fold

The 2010 Midwinter Eagle Survey on the Quinebaug River resulted in the sighting of 12 bald eagles, up from 1 that was spotted in 2009.

A team of volunteers from The Last Green Valley, Inc. surveyed 10 locations on the mornng of Jan. 9, from the West Thompson Dam in Thompson to Wyre Wynd Dam in Jewett City.

The Midwinter Eagle Survey is organized by Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection through the state coordinator, Julie Victoria, from the Franklin Wildlife Management Area. Nationally, the program is a project of the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division. Every team observes on the same date and during the same hours to make the Midwinter Eagle Survey a national snapshot of the viability and distribution of our national symbol.

"Winter is the most critical time for these birds," said Victoria. "They arrive in Connecticut to areas of open water to feed on fish which is their preferred food and, at night, they roost in conifers on sheltered ridges.

Access to their feeding and roosting areas without human disturbance is essential to their survival. Please keep your distance from these birds so they don’t deplete their energy flying from you."

The Last Green Valley hopes to expand its survey next year to include more of the waterways in the region. Anyone interested in joining TLGV’s volunteer eagle survey team for 2011 should contact Bill Reid, at 860-774-3300 or Bill@tlgv.org.