Bald eagle count today across Massachusetts

(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/ file 2008)

By Globe Staff

Dozens of birders and wildlife officials are fanning out across Massachusetts today with binoculars and telephoto camera lenses for the state's annual bald eagle count.

The survey will focus on the coast and major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It is conducted each year in conjunction with a national effort to survey the birds in the lower 48 states.

In January 2008, 73 eagles were counted across the state, just off the record of 76 in 1998. That was up 25 eagles from the 48 counted in 2007. On average, the national tally counts 13,000 to 16,000 eagles each year.

The tally today in Massachusetts will include 40 to 50 state and federal wildlife officials and volunteers and a National Grid helicopter flight around the shoreline of Quabbin Reservoir. MassWildlife will have spotters looking for eagles in the following locations:

-Enfield Lookout on the Quabbin

-Wachusett Reservoir in Worcester County

-Deer Island in Amesbury on the Merrimack River

-the Cashman Park Boat Ramp on the Merrimack River in Newburyport

-Pocksha Pond and Great Quitticas Pond in Lakeville

-Wattuppa Ponds and the Westport River area

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