Re: MAY 1: Update from Pelican Harbor

Posted by NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/MAY-1-Update-from-Pelican-Harbor-tp7576172p7576177.html

In reply to Naturegirl, my understanding is that the first eaglet, if it continues to do well, will be released into the wild by the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. They have flight cages which permit the juvenile eagles to perfect their flight skills so they are at much less risk when they take their first free flight. I do know that some birds which are too impaired to survive in the wild have been used for educational purposes, but am not aware that they send any healthy birds to zoos.  

As for creating an artificial nest, my feeling is that the eagles are quite site-specific and might utilize one. The failed nest is about 80 feet above ground and not accessible by a bucket truck unless a new road were to be cut through the woodlands. A pole with a platform would need to be ridiculously tall and strong, and would entail much disturbance and expense even if feasible. A pole could not have guide line supports as these would pose a hazard to flying birds.  

I think they abandoned their previous nest because it was low down and overgrown with other exotic trees such as Melaleuca. They had to fly through obstacles to reach the nest and it did not provide a view of the surroundings. Eagles prefer to occupy the highest tree in their territory.  I wonder if they might return to the old nest if the impinging trees could be removed around the perimeter of the nest. Might be worth exploring, but not feasible this season. I wonder what the experts might think of this. It is on City property and they have been supportive of protection for the nest and residents are proud of their local eagles.