community weblog - [ Eagles no longer rarity in area skies ]

WEST MICHIGAN -- Two decades ago, the only certain place to find a bald eagle in West Michigan was on the back of the $1 bill.

Today, as the effect of now-banned pesticides and industrial chemicals subside, the majestic bird is growing in numbers along the area's river corridors and forests.

"When you saw an eagle 20 or 30 years ago, it was a pretty big event," Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Nik Kalejs said. "Now, it's still exciting, but not as rare. And that's nothing but good."

The eagles' gradual resurgence in West Michigan, and across the United States, comes as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service looks to take the national symbol off the federal list of threatened and endangered species.    more...