Florida's bald eagle population is up 9 percent in the past four
years, an encouraging trend for our endangered national symbol.
In 1973, there were an estimated 88 Florida nests. Today, based
on a 2011 aerial survey, the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission estimates there are 1,457 active bald
eagle nests in Florida, including five in Lee County and nine in
Sarasota County. The increase is attributed to a 2008 FWC bald
eagle management plan. Florida’s bald eagle population is up 9
percent in the past four years. "Bald eagles have made a
remarkable recovery in Florida," said FWC Chairman Kenneth
Wright. The FWC and Audubon are working together to protect bald
eagles in Florida. For 20 years, Audubon Florida has recruited
citizen-scientists to monitor eagles and their nests through the
EagleWatch program in more than 40 counties, including Lee and
Charlotte. By monitoring more than 20 percent of the state's
nesting pairs, volunteers make a significant difference in
conserving the species, officia