Eagles getting assistance, but still endangered

(Mark Wilson/Globe Staff and Dave Fuller)

Two young bald eagles have a panoramic view of the Quabbin Reservoir from their nest, one of eight there. Photographer Mark Wilson handed a preset camera to state wildlife technician Dave Fuller, who carried it up a tree and clicked the shutter.

By Kate Augusto, Globe Correspondent

Governor Deval Patrick banded two five-week-old bald eagles today, assisting in the effort to keep track of the endangered birds.

“I am so proud that our restoration program has helped keep these magnificent birds soaring over our Commonwealth,” Patrick said in a statement.

The number of bald eagles has dropped significantly across the country from habitat loss, unregulated shooting, and pesticide exposure leading to reproductive failure, according to MassWildlife. Though they were taken off the federal endangered species list last July, they remain on the state list, where they were placed in 1982.

MassWildlife started a restoration project that year, which continues today. Part of the project includes bringing young eagles from Canada and Michigan and raising them in cages near the Quabbin Reservoir, one of 26 breeding territories identified by MassWildlife.

Patrick assisted in outfitting the two chicks -- each weighing a little over 9 pounds – with numbered metal leg bands so that researchers can identify them. This is done to all bald eagles hatched in Massachusetts and is important for measuring the success of restoration programs.