WESTBOROUGH (AP) - Massachusetts wildlife officials say bad weather has caused experts and volunteers to spot only 26 bald eagles during the annual midwinter survey of the coast and major rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

The count went ahead Friday even though bad weather had forced a helicopter to cancel flights at the Quabbin Reservoir and Connecticut River, which together account for about two-thirds of the eagle population in Massachusetts. Last year, Massachusetts counted a record 107 bald eagles. The first count in 1979 revealed eight bald eagles. The count is part of efforts to monitor the recovery of bald eagles after poisoning by the pesticide DDT decimated their population.

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Assistant Director Thomas French says authorities changed the bird's legal status in Massachusetts this year from endangered to threatened.