Eagle numbers are increasing

Federal officials say bald eagles reached a record 750 breeding pairs in Michigan in 2014. Consumers Energy reports that many of the eagles trace their roots to eagles that nested near Tippy Dam and other hydro facilities the utility operates along the Manistee, Au Sable and Muskegon rivers. The dams create backwater habitat where eagles can find secluded nesting sites and plenty of fish that are safe for them to eat. Bald eagles have fledged 270 young around Consumers Energy hydros since 1994 when the company implemented a bald eagle management plan, part of an agreement with regulators to operate river hydro generating facilities. The 750 bald eagle breeding pairs in Michigan estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the highest number since their census has been taken, and they are now commonly seen throughout the Great Lakes State.  (MRN)