PHOENIX - Arizona Game and Fish Department officials say the state's bald eagle species continues to flourish.

This year, a record 77 eggs were laid by bald eagles - an increase of six over last year - with a record 67 of those eggs hatching successfully.

In addition, the state celebrated the second-best year on record for the number of fledglings that took to Arizona's skies with 47 eaglets taking their first flight. That's an important milestone for a young bird's chances of survival.

Bald eagle numbers over the past 30 years have grown more than 400 percent in Arizona.