Proposal to clear area around old nest

[NewMexiKen]

The iconic Pembroke Pines Bald Eagles, after nesting on City land for fourteen or more years, suffered a catastrophic loss this year. Will they return to nest here?

This pair of Bald Eagles (Pride and his mates Joy, who disappeared in 2015, and Jewel, who replaced her) have nested successfully in Pembroke Pines since at least 2007 and so far the City has taken important measures to reduce disturbances at the nest and also declared the site as a sanctuary for the species. This breeding season the eagles abandoned their long-term nest and constructed a new one, also on City property about 100 yards to the east, nearer the SW corner of Pines Boulevard and SW 208th Avenue. It was precariously located in a very tall and limber Australian Pine. They hatched out two eaglets in early March, 2021. These were the 26th and 27th known offspring produced by these birds.

On April 11, high winds associated with a thunderstorm damaged the nest. Subsequently, as the nest deteriorated, both of their eaglets fell to the ground before they were old enough to fly, one on April 18 and the second on April 28. Both were rescued with the assistance of Florida FWC and Pembroke Pines Fire and Rescue. Although one suffered a fractured "collarbone," both are now in a rehabilitation facility and doing well. Hopefully, they will both fully recover and be eventually released into the wild.

Eagle watchers had been concerned about the Melaleuca trees which increasingly intruded on the old nest. Because of their huge wingspan (nearly 7 feet) the eagles had to dodge obstacles when they flew in and out of the nest under varying wind conditions. Eagles also prefer to nest in a tree which provides sight distance and clear flight corridors to and from the nest. These problems persisted even after the City performed limited pruning of trees on the north side of the nest. Possibly, the encroachment of surrounding trees was a factor in their choosing not to use the old nest.

The growth habits of the Australian Pines which dominate the eagle territory do not provide natural platforms for a nest, and there is a concern that the adults may now abandon the territory. This pair occasionally visited the old nest this year, sometime carrying prey there to consume or butcher for the eaglets. Since Bald Eagles may normally use alternate nests in their territory, it is possible that, if the old nest can be made more hospitable, they might select it next breeding season, which begins October 1.

Other options, such as construction of a platform on a pole or placing an artificial nest at the site of the new nest which was destroyed, are impractical, intrusive and expensive. There is no guarantee that the eagles will reoccupy the old nest, but a careful project to remove the (mostly) Melaleuca trees which block the overstory in a space with a radius of about 15-20 feet on the ground and up above the level of the nest may make it more habitable. Some of the problem trees were bent and partially felled by Hurricane Irma and their trunks may extend much further from the nest tree. The plan would be to spare nearby mature Australian Pines (they serve as a windbreak against high winds) but perhaps remove a few of their intruding limbs. Trunks could be left where felled except for a clear area on the ground under the nest tree.

Execution of the plan would require the approval and support of the City. It is under review by scientists and will not be attempted unless they sanction this action. Florida FWC would be informed, and resources of the City Public Services, arborists, and possibly the Florida Forest Service would be essential. On site, problem trees would be marked for removal in advance of the clearing effort, which then should should be accomplished in one day. Since the activity would take place outside the breeding season and not involve disturbance of the nest itself, a permit from the US Fish & Wildlife Service would not be required.

[naturegirl]

I love the idea of a platform or artificial nest which can be filled with branches and moss half way and these would be stable. Just heard our deerfiled nest fell down so that pair will have to rebuild again next year too. Seems nests are falling every year not sure how often that used to happen.