Look at the presidential seal, currency, and numerous other national monuments and you will notice eagles as a prominent feature symbolizing the freedom we associate with our country. It has also become a symbol of environmental success since its continental U.S. population has recovered from a low of 400 nesting individuals to a current nesting population of over 10,000 pairs.
Bald eagles utilize forested habitat near lakes and rivers where there is an abundance of large trees that are available for nesting. In north-central Minnesota they usually nest in mature white and red pines and in southern Minnesota they utilize large hardwoods such as oaks, aspen, and cottonwoods. These nest trees usually occur within 1 mile of water and are often located directly on the shores of lakes and rivers.
Bald eagles are sensitive to human activities especially during the nesting season. The sensitivities of individual eagles vary with the type and frequency of human activities. Tree removal, road grading, development, and other infrequent landscape altering activities may be more detrimental to nest establishment than regular small scale activities such as car traffic, trains, or aircraft approaches. However, because some eagles are easily disturbed, contact with eagle nests should be avoided especially during their breeding season. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Management Guidelines for Bald Eagle Breeding Areas and the Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan provide recommendations for protecting occupied and active nest sites. In Minnesota, the critical nesting period occurs between February 10 and May 15th. Activities that should be avoided within 660 feet of a nest during this critical period include: landscape alteration, construction of structures, burning, forest maintenance, motorized access, human entry, and low flying aircraft.
Scott Krych
