2020 Blackwater NWR Eagle Survey

The 40th annual Mid-Winter Eagle Survey took place in January, 2020, at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

A total of 176 eagles were counted during the 30-minute count period at 14 survey points on and around the Refuge.

The total included:

• 159 bald eagles (108 adults and 51 immatures)
• 4 golden eagles (2 adults and 2 immatures)
• 13 unidentified eagles

The location with the highest eagle count was the Rt. 335 bridge over the Blackwater River with 27 bald eagles. The survey was undertaken by 36 volunteers who shared their time and expertise on the project.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the largest breeding populations of bald eagles in the United States.

Each year, Blackwater NWR holds an Eagle Festival in March.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued the following statement regarding the March 14th 2020 Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge:

“Eagle Festival Cancelled at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has cancelled the Eagle Festival on Saturday, March 14, due to the coronavirus pandemic, in order to protect our community, visitors, and volunteers.

We will continue to welcome guests to the Refuge and Visitor Center as we closely monitor this situation.”

source: Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge