Maine Audubon’s annual bald eagle survey has documented a record 922 nesting pairs across the state in 2026, continuing a remarkable recovery story that has seen the iconic raptor rebound from near-extinction in Maine to one of the densest nesting populations on the East Coast.
The count represents a 6 percent increase over last year and marks the 25th consecutive year of growth in the state’s bald eagle population. In 1978, when the species was first listed under the Endangered Species Act, Maine had just 29 known nesting pairs.
“The bald eagle recovery in Maine is one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history,” said Maine Audubon executive director Andrew Beahm. “It took decades of protection, habitat conservation, and the banning of DDT to get here, and the results speak for themselves.”
The survey, conducted annually by Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife using a combination of aerial surveys and ground observations, found nesting pairs in every Maine county. The highest concentrations are along the coast, around major lakes, and along large rivers, with Hancock, Washington, and Lincoln counties hosting the most nests.
The recovery has been so successful that eagles are now common enough to be seen regularly by casual observers — a dramatic change from the days when a sighting was rare enough to make the local news.
“I see eagles almost every day now on my morning walk along the river,” said Augusta resident Patricia Hale. “My grandchildren think that’s normal, but I remember when you might go years without seeing one.”
While the population growth is cause for celebration, biologists note some ongoing concerns. Lead poisoning from spent ammunition and fishing tackle remains a significant cause of eagle mortality. Maine Audubon and wildlife officials continue to advocate for the use of non-lead alternatives.
“Lead poisoning is the number one human-caused killer of bald eagles in Maine,” said state wildlife biologist Charlie Todd. “Switching to non-lead ammunition and tackle is the single most impactful thing people can do to protect eagles.”
Maine Audubon hosts eagle-watching events throughout the year at several locations around the state. Information about viewing sites and upcoming programs is available at maineaudubon.org.
