The Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (ALDCNR)

The KBC and the ALDCNR are collaborating to bring both of our native eagle species to public attention. It is only through the blessing and generosity of the ALDCNR that we are able to present these magnificent symbols of wild America to the public. Since 2003 these organizations have been working on ways in which both could benefit from the exhibition of captive eagles. Both “Cinch” and “Vaquero” are used to highlight the State's conservation efforts. The KBC's mission is enhanced by adding depth and diversity to existing operations.

During January of each year, wildlife biologists with Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries coordinate a statewide survey to determine the trends in the winter bald eagle populations. Several agencies and volunteers across the state count wintering eagles along standardized survey routes. When the survey was initiated in 1979 only 21 eagles were counted statewide. Since then, the trend has been upward and, in recent years, yearly surveys average about 100 birds.

In the early 1980s, the Bald Eagle Restoration Project was initiated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Nongame Wildlife Program to restore nesting Bald Eagles to Alabama. To be successful, juvenile eagles would have to be forced to take their first flight in Alabama to become imprinted on the geographic area. This process is known as hacking, and from 1985-91, ninety-one juvenile eagles were released.

Since the release of the juvenile eagles, aerial nesting surveys have been conducted each year during late winter and spring. Wildlife and Fisheries biologists monitor all known nests for activity, date of hatching, nest productivity and survivorship. In 2006, there were 77 nests statewide. In the 20 years since bald eagles began re-nesting in Alabama, through 2006, there have been 493 known nesting attempts, with 557 young eagles successfully fledging these nests. Thanks to ALDCNR the recovery of the bald eagle has been one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of wildlife management in Alabama. For more information, please visit www.outdooralabama.com or email Mark.Sasser@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Department of Agriculture and Industries

The Department of Agriculture and Industries has been serving Alabama farmers and consumers for over 120 years. Whether through it's Executive, Food & Safety or Agriculture & Animal Protection Divisions, the Department's goal is to serve Alabamians to the best of their ability each day. Ron Sparks, Commissioner of Agriculture since 2002, has been a friend of the Conservancy since it's inception.