(Photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department)

Arizona is experiencing a bald eagle baby boom, year after year.

Arizona bald eagles had their most productive breeding season this year since they were listed as an endangered species in 1978. Wildlife officials report the increase is indicative of long-term population growth.

Arizona eagles laid 89 eggs between January and June — which brings the population that spends the whole year in state to roughly 220. A record-breaking 66 eaglets made their first flight this year.

“The majority of them are along the Salt and Verde River drainagesm" He said the birds can be found near water sources all around the state, "But they’re expanding into your high mountain lakes as well as out west into Bill Williams and Colorado River corridors," said  Ken Jacobson, a member of the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee.

Bald eagles were removed from the federal endangered species list eight years ago, but it’s still illegal to disturb or take eggs from a nest.