You raise a valid point. The adult eagles have become quite accustomed to human presence over the past 8 years that we have been observing the nest. Yet they do pay close attention when you approach the nest or their roost. They may not fly away, but they are in a heightened state of alert. The sidewalk was put in a couple of years ago to provide safe passage for pedestrians who commonly walked along the shoulder of the road. It was constructed during the non-breeding season and is now considered to be an "existing disturbance" that is technically not subject to the 330 foot restriction in the FWC guidelines. The roadway itself is such an "existing disturbance."
The fence was constructed at the request of the eagle watchers and was donated after several photographers and members of the general public walked up to the nest tree during breeding season. The parking restrictions on the south side of the road were instituted for the safety of observers (including small children and pets) who crowded along the shoulder and created a grave safety hazard. FDOT considered construction of a viewing area or platform but highway engineering principles require ample crash avoidance clearance along the sides of the highway, so this was not possible.
Complaints to the City about observers crowding along the fence in front of the nest led to complete prohibition of pedestrians on the south side of the street during breeding season. While I do feel that a noisy crowd would constitute an "unusual" disturbance that should be prohibited, the complete exclusion of pedestrians seems not necessary. However, the City has put up the signs and has the police power to enforce the restriction, so I urge all to comply.
We formerly viewed from the shoulder on the south side but this is now also prohibited. If watchers violate the restrictions and then cause other observers to call the City or the Police Department I fear that even the compliant nest watchers may be regarded as an unnecessary nuisance. The City could extend parking restrictions all the way down to the Post Office parking lot at 210th Avenue which would constitute a major inconvenience.
In sum, I recommend that eagle watchers not view from the sidewalk, but I urge others to use restraint when it comes to annoying the City or Police department by complaining. A polite reminder might be in order if people are creating a disturbance. Anyway, the viewing is actually better from the median than from sidewalk because of the width of the nest. The eaglets will be branching and helicoptering this week and we certainly do not want one of them to be startled and fall before ready for flight.
Locked
