Nature's Focus: A challenge facing a pair of American Bald Eagles NJ

[Donna]

Throughout history, the American Bald Eagle has encountered numerous barriers which threatened their future.  The Bald Eagle has faced a decline to the point of near extinction, yet with the assistance of both federal and state government interventions, the Bald Eagle population has increased beyond our imagination.

In 2007, the federal government removed the American Bald Eagle from its Endangered Species list because of the resurgence of their population in the lower 48 states.  Here in New Jersey, even though there is a healthy population, the Eagle will remain listed as a state-endangered species.  By doing so, we can assure that all regulatory protection will remain in effect to guarantee the future of this wonderful species.

Bald Eagles still have a variety of natural threats to their lives, which they face on a daily basis. The most unpredictable threat is weather.  During the first few months of 2010, the late winter and early spring weather patterns were quite brutal toward wildlife.  In New Jersey, numerous Bald Eagle nests were destroyed by excessive wind storms, heavy snow and/or ice storms, and also from steady rain storms.  The loss of a nest, especially at that time of year, is a disaster to the Eagles because they already have mated, laid their eggs, and started the incubation process.
On February 19, 2011, a severe weather pattern brought steady gusts of wind ranging from 35 MPH to 50 MPH to the northern reaches of New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania and the lower Hudson Valley. Unfortunately, the heavy winds blew down the upper half of a 75' high White Pine that contained a seven year old Bald Eagle nest, which was home to a pair of adult Bald Eagles.  After arriving at the site, it was a sad feeling, to not only see the top half of the tree and the nest destroyed, but the pair of Eagles perched nearby "screaming" at each other.  It is an unexplainable feeling to somehow have a sense of the loss, which they were enduring.  This particular pair apparently mated recently and were facing a crisis caused by nature.

After an hour or so, the male flew from the perch and disappeared over the tree line.  Within a few minutes he returned carrying numerous branches in his talons, which he began to arrange within the crown of another nearby White Pine.  He continued constructing their new nest site for an hour or more.  It was interesting to watch the Eagle's process. When he would return with a new branch, he would first fly to the female as if to make sure what he chose would be sufficient, and he then took the material to the new site.  It is possible that this pair may still succeed with nesting this year, and it is also proof of how intelligent and hardy this impressive species can be.

WILDNEWJERSEY

[Bobbie Ireland]

Splendid! The real meaning of Keep Calm and Carry On. A lesson to all.

[MAK]

Splendid! The real meaning of Keep Calm and Carry On. A lesson to all.