One NJ resident got a rare, up-close look at our nation’s official bird, the bald eagle.
Once an endangered species, the majestic birds are no longer at risk of extinction thanks to decades of conservation efforts. Approximately 300,000 bald eagles inhabit the contiguous United States, though catching glimpse of one is still somewhat rare, especially up-close.
The photos of a bald eagle in Sussex County were posted to Reddit by David Zweier who said he came across the bird chowing down on a deer carcass while on a stroll in the woods.
In New Jersey specifically, one commenter pointed out that bald eagle conservation programs have been a “smash success.” Pointing out the recovery of the species: “In the 1970s we had 1 single breeding pair. Today we now have 264 found in every single county of New Jersey.”
So, if you’ve ever wanted to catch sight of a a bald eagle yourself, New Jersey might just be the place to do it. Time to get hiking.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.