Re: Bald Eagle Sanctuary Steering Commitee members raise concerns about safety of nest observers

Posted by Mike Fossler on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/Bald-Eagle-Sanctuary-Steering-Commitee-members-raise-concerns-about-safety-of-nest-observers-tp3337385p3370257.html

Ken,

The idea of having diagonal parking along the southern end of 208th seems great if land/space is available. Of course, this takes away from having a western vantage point. On the west looks to be the "easiest" place to work-in access and viewing - the only negative is the eagles seem to love to roost on the dead malaleucas and we wouldn't want to do anything to upset the routine as we know it. But maybe they would just roost on them anyway as they did at the australian pine in front of us along the roadway? Also, they may choose to roost to other dead trees to the south.

Elevated walkways (a la Chapel Trail) are used because they are supported by posts which can be driven in the ground by machine without much distruption to the immediate area and allow the natural habitate to continue to grow beneath them. Also, animal life can traverse across without any apparent impedement.

If access could be provided from 208th to an area behind the nest (south) this may ultimately be the best solution. It would probably be best to take a group out into the area now while the eagles are gone and verify some of the available spaces and views around the site. This way, some of the suggestions could be ruled out or brought to the top of the wish-list.

Another thought about parking at the south part of 208th is it partially gets the cars out of site from passer-bys. When they see cars parked and observers standing around, they tend to slow (or even stop!!!) right in the roadway while other cars are approaching them at 45 or 50 mph. MF