Staff and volunteers at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge successfully completed the refuge's 29th annual mid-winter eagle survey on January 10, 2008.  This collaborative effort involved a total of 7 refuge staff and 27 volunteers.  Survey participants were scattered across the refuge at stationary observation sites as part of this two-part survey.  The non-roost (morning) count produced a total of 145 eagles consisting of 75 adult bald eagles, 33 immature bald eagles, 1 adult golden eagle, and 36 eagles that could not be identified to species.  The roost (evening) count produced 130 eagles consisting of 67 adult bald eagles, 53 immature bald eagles, and 10 eagles that could not be identified to species.  This year's morning count set a new record of 145 eagles observed; breaking the previous record of 142 eagles observed in 2002.  Trends indicate a steadily increasing eagle population at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

In addition to a record number of eagles, observers were given the opportunity to participate in the release of a rehabilitated adult bald eagle.  In December 2007 the injured bald eagle had been transported from Blackwater NWR to Tri-state Bird Rescue and Research, Inc. in Newark Delaware, and treated for soft tissue damage.  This eagle returned to the refuge on January 10, 2008, and was released with the help of Tri-state staff and refuge volunteers.