NJ Raptor Reports for 2010 Now Online

Peregrine on prey

Raptors, commonly referred to as "birds of prey," include hawks, owls, eagles, falcons and vultures. Raptors have fascinated people for thousands of years and inspire people even today. Fortunately, after some frightening declines in some of our largest species, raptors represent some of New Jersey's greatest success stories.

The bald eagle, osprey and peregrine falcon have made impressive comebacks from the brink of extinction, in large part thanks to the efforts of division biologists. Unfortunately, not all species of raptors are thriving - the American kestrel, for instance, has experienced a sharp decline in recent years, and the work of biologists in the Endangered and Nongame Species Program continues

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has posted the 2010 annual reports for Bald Eagle, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon on its website.  The reports summarize management and research activities, nest productivity and related information on these state endangered species.  Thanks to the efforts of the division's Endangered and Nongame Species Program and others, all three species have staged remarkable comebacks in the state.

To view the reports, as well as other information about these species, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/raptor_info.htm .