2 Pairs Of Bald Eagles Are Nesting In Mercer County Park

PRINCETON, NJ — Two pairs of bald eagles have chosen Mercer County Parks for nest sites and to celebrate the bald eagle-themed programs will be available for locals.

The programs are being offered by the Park Commission, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF), PSE&G and the Wildlife Center Friends as part of a partnership.

The first free public event will be at Mercer County Park at the West Picnic Area on Friday, Feb. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will meet with naturalist staff and walk to the viewing site, where interpretation on eagle nesting will be offered. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view eagle activity through a spotting scope and binoculars.

"We now have the perfect opportunity to educate school children, local families and the public about the recovery of bald eagles,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. "Mercer County’s preserved open space and parklands provide a rich habitat for nesting eagles and we hope the community can learn about our newest inhabitants."

This new weekly series will run through May.

The Park Commission's is reminding visitors that for the safety of the eagles all viewing will be done from a distance. Bald eagles and many bird species are sensitive during their nesting season.

Park patrons must remain on marked trails at all times; disturbance to wildlife will cause harm, where they may refuse to return in the future. Public programs will provide important tips to park users on "eagle etiquette," including information on federal regulations prohibiting the disturbance of bald eagle nests.

Local and regional wildlife photographers are encouraged to share their images of the breeding eagles through email or social media. Images can be emailed to parksinfo@mercercounty.org with the photographer’s name, or shared through social media by tagging or mentioning the Mercer County Park Commission on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If posting pictures of eagles in Mercer County parks, tag the Park Commission and use the hashtag #capitalcountyeagles. Credit will be given to the photographers if outside photos are shared.

To learn more about bald eagle programming opportunities, visit mercercountyparks.org or conservewildlifenj.org.

(Image by Jenn Rogers: Nesting bald eagles find a new home in the capital county.)

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