POWERGRAMS

SHORELINES Protection through detection Employees assist bald eagle survey on company lakes Eagles are drawn to the ice-free waters of Alabama. W ith 7-foot wingspans and unmistakable While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates white plumage, bald eagles stalking prey over as many as 1 million bald eagles soared above the Alabama Power lakes are an eye-stopping testament country in the past, pesticides disrupted the birds' to a symbol of our nation. reproductive cycle in the 1950s and 1960s. The last Each year, North America's preeminent bird of known nesting pair in Alabama disappeared in the prey is drawn to the moderate winters and ice-free 1950s. waterways of Alabama, where it nests and feeds Along with the statewide survey – now coordinated before returning north through the Alabama for the summer. Today a Department of Conservation common cycle, this growing and Natural Resources – 91 migration is the result of juvenile bald eagles were Wingspan of 7-8 feet local and national efforts to released across the state from Can live up to 30 years in wild save from extinction a bird 1985-1991. In 2012, nearly featured on our national seal. 100 bald eagles were recorded White head and tail do not develop "Since 1986, Alabama in survey areas across until about 5 years of age Power has partnered with Alabama. Can see prey from as far away as 1 mile state and federal agencies "Going from almost zero on the midwinter bald eagle birds to around 100 in a survey," said Jason Carlee, field services supervisor decade and a half marks a huge recovery of bald for Environmental Affairs. "Because of our work in eagles," said Keith Hudson, a wildlife biologist with the field, we have been able to provide consistent ADCNR. "With similar recoveries nationwide, the data on bald eagle populations along the Coosa, bald eagle was removed from all listings under the Tallapoosa and Warrior rivers here in Alabama." Endangered Species Act in 2007." This information is crucial in identifying eagle habitat, nesting patterns and problems that may By Brandon Glover harm nesting populations in the state. Its impact has been visible. "When the original surveys were conducted, we surveyed lakes Smith, Martin and Mitchell and identified only two eagles during the two-week survey period," said Carlee. "This year, we recorded eight eagles on those same reservoirs – six adults and two adolescents. "We also have seen three others on Lake Harris in May, after the official survey period was over." For a bird that averages laying two eggs a year and lives for as long as 30 years in the wild, this increase in population is a big step in the right direction and a giant leap from its march toward extinction half a century ago. Bald Eagle Facts PAGE 5

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