MDI Birds
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    Bald Eagle / Haliaeetus leucocephalus

    : to but and frequently seen. In 2022, there were (??) breeding pairs including some on the . A pair on the Bald Porcupine Island is often seen from the Bar Harbor whalewatch boats as they exit and enter Frenchman's Bay.

    Miscellany: Bald Eagles have been one of the conservation success stories of the last 40 years, following the species' listing for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Mount Desert Christmas Bird Count averaged a bit more than four Bald Eagles per count between 1950 and 1975 and almost 12 between 2000 and 2018. However change often has unintended consequences. Bald Eagles generally prefer fish but are opportunistic foragers and will eat or scavenge available birds or mammals especially when fish are unavailable. In 2011 Bald Eagles were said to have eaten 100% of the fledgling Double-crested Cormorants on Egg Rock.

    You can learn more about Bald Eagles and see images here.

    Last Updated: September 26th, 2022

    Locations

    1. 1. Egg Rock 44.353767, -68.138588
    2. 2. Bald Porcupine Island 44.387277302466, -68.18110221644