New England puffin and eagle populations on the rise

Compared to 2006, when a record 21 young eagles were fledged, only 12 young eagles were fledged in 2007. Despite this, Audubon workers remain optimistic that this year will yield better results because there have not been as many spring snowstorms and northeasters as there were last year. At left, an eagle swooped through tree branches.

Compared to 2006, when a record 21 young eagles were fledged, only 12 young eagles were fledged in 2007. Despite this, Audubon workers remain optimistic that this year will yield better results because there have not been as many spring snowstorms and northeasters as there were last year.

At left, an eagle swooped through tree branches.

(Derrick Z. Jackson/Globe Staff )