LAS VEGAS (AP) - Biologists have tallied a record number of bald eagles at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.
The annual count of bald eagles that migrate to the lakes from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere happened Monday. The final figure was 163 - 47 more than the previous high of 116 from two years ago.
Biologists say the high count is a sign the once-endangered birds have made a comeback since being de-listed three years ago.
Officials also say it could be evidence the lakes straddling the Nevada-Arizona state line are becoming a destination, not just a stopover, in the bald eagles' winter migration.
The bird count method for eagle surveys in Lake Mead National Recreation Area was standardized in 2001 and revised in 2007 to improve data quality.
Nine agencies participated in the survey.