DOCSLIB.ORG

Spatial Relationships of Nesting Golden Eagles in Central Utah

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Spatial Relationships of Nesting Golden Eagles in Central Utah White, C. M. 1974. The 1974 raptor surveyof the AlaskaPipeline between Franklin Bluffsand Big Delta. Unpubl.interim rep. to U.S.Fish and Wildl. Serv.,Anchorage, AK. 10 pp. White, C. M., T. D. Ray,and L. W. Sowl.1977. The 1970-1972-1974raptor surveys alongthe Trans-AlaskaOil Pipeline.pp. 199-221.In.' Chancellor,R.D. (ed.).World Conferenceon Birdsof Prey, Reportof the Proceedings.International Council for BirdPreservation. 440 pp. + appendices. SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS OF NESTING GOLDEN EAGLES IN CENTRAL UTAH by DwightG. Smith• BiologyDepartment SouthernConnecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut 06515 and JosephR. Murphy Departmentof Zoology BrighamYoung University Provo, Utah 84602 Abstract We examinedthe distributionof GoldenEagle (Aquila chrysaetos)nest sites in the easternGreat Basinusing the Clark-Evansnearest-neighbor method of analysis.Distri- butionvalues indicated. uniform spacing of nestsites within the hills and ridges,which providedall of the potentialnesting sites in the studyarea. Analysis of GoldenEagle nestsite distributionwith three other large raptorssuggested a tendencytoward uni- form spacingbetween diurnal raptor speciesand aggregationwith the Great Horned Owl (Bubovirginianus). Introduction Odum(1971) suggested that populationsexhibit one of threedistribution patterns: (1) random,where habitat is homogenousand individualsdo not normallyinteract; (2) uni- form,where habitat is homogenousand individualscompete for one or moreresources; (3) aggregated,that mayresult from either heterogenous habitat or a tendencyto aggre- gatesocially. Newton (1979) noted that manyspecies exhibit uniform distribution of ter- ritoriesand nest sites except where available sites are limitedand concentrated,such as in the SnakeRiver Birds of PreyNatural Area. Our observationsof GoldenEagles in the easternGreat BasinDesert revealed a concentrationof nestsites in high, north-south orientedridges and hills but nonein interveningbroad, flat valleys.Herein we examine thisdistribution using the Clark-Evansnearest-neighbor model (1954). 'Addressall correspondenceto: Dwight G. Smith 128 RaptorResearch 16(4):127-132 Winter1982 Smithand Murphy--Spatial Relationships 129 StudyArea We beganlong term raptorstudies on a 7700km • portionof the easternGreat BasinDesert in 1966.Data usedherein are from a 120km • segmentof the areawhich includes portions of Utah and TooeleCounties. We havedescribed the climate,topography and major vegitation of the studyarea previously (Smith and Murphy 1973). Methods Our studieswere from 1966-1970.Details of methodsare providedin Smithand Murphy(1973). The Clark-Evansmodel is a measureof the ratio (R) of the distancebetween nearest-neighbor sites (fa), in thiscase active eagle nests, to thetheoretical nearest-neighbor distance (œs) expected if all nestswere in fact uniformlydistributed: wherera isthe average of the observed distances, ia = E distances/Nand N is the totalnumber of distances sampled.The theoretical value, ifs, is determined, i s = 1/2•/p wherep isthe population density expressed as the numberof activenests per unit of area.The calculatedR indicatesthe spatialpattern of distribution.If random,R equalsor approaches1; ff aggregatedR equalsor approachesO; if uniformR equalsor approaches 2.15.The significanceof the calculatedR is testedby the following: C = ra - rE/ofE whereC is the standardvariate of the normalcurve and oœs is the standarderror of the averagedistance to the nearest-neighborin a randomlydistributed population of densityp. This maybe determinedas follows: œs= 0.26136/Np The 5% and 1%significance levels are representedby C valuesof 1.96and 2.58 respectivelyfor a two-tailed test. The Clark-Evansmodel requires knowledge of the breedingdensity of the species.Golden Eagles and other largeraptors in centralUtah nested primarily in foothillsand ridges and hunted in the valleys.Large tracts of thesevalleys were not usedby the collectiveraptor population during the nestingseason. In 1969and 1970, we determinedminimum home ranges of GoldenEagles and otherraptors on a smaller120 km z of the origi- nal studyarea by observationof movementsof eachnesting pair fromblinds. We observedeach pair a mini- mum of 10 hrs overseveral days. The area of the combinedGolden Eagle home ranges was consideredthe ecologicaldensity and includedin the calculations.Miller and Stephen(1966) used this methodto examine spatialrelationships of individualsin feedingflocks of SandhillCranes (Grus canadensis) with the Clark-Evans model. Results and Discussion Distributionof activenests of the GoldenEagles, Great Horned Owl, Ferruginous Hawk (Buteoregalis), and Red-tailedHawk (Buteoiamicensis) on the 120 km2 area are shownin Figure1. In 1969 and 1970, nearest-neighbordistances between the 34 active GoldenEagle nestsaveraged 4.3 4-1.33 km andranged from 1.7 km to 5.1 km. Comparatively,nearest-neighbor distances between the 34 activeGolden Eagle nests locatedon the entire1170 km 2 areafrom 1967-1970,were slightly,but not significantly less,averaging 3.714-1.1 km (range1.12 km to 10.3 km). Nearestactive nests were usu- ally locatedon oppositesides of high ridgesand pairshunted primarily in oppositeval- leys.For example,in 1968,nests of 3 pairs in the foothillssouth of Lake Mountain formeda triangle1.12 km, 2.4 km and 2.4 km on the three sides.Caminzand (1969) notedthat the 2 nearestnests of this trianglewere separatedby a ridge 38.1 m higher than either nest site. Adults at these3 nestsreportedly occupied separate hunting ranges.These observations coupled with the distributionpatterns illustrated in Figure I 130 RAPTORRESEARCH Vol.16, No. 4 1969 1970 ,kmSCALE Figure1.Distribution ofactive nests ofGolden Eagles (GE), Great Horned Owls (GHO), Ferruginous Hawks (FH)and Red-tailed Hawks (RTH) on a 120km 2portion ofthe central Utah study area in 1969 and 1970. Winter 1982 Smithand Murphy--SpatialRelationships 131 suggestan aggregatedpattern of nestplacement resulting from the limited potential nestsite habitat. Results of nearest-neighboranalysis of GoldenEagle nest distribution do nothowever indicate an aggregatedpattern (Table 1). For comparison,we havein- eludedanalysis of GoldenEagles with 3 otherlarge raptors nesting on the studyarea. Table1. Analysis of nestsite distribution of GoldenEagles and other large raptors in centralUtah. GoldenEagle Goldeneagle X GoldenEagle X GoldenEagle X GreatHorned Owl FerruginousHawk Red-tailedHawk 1969 1970 1969 1970 1969 1970 1969 1970 N 4 3 8 6 12 7 6 4 /'n- 3.28 2.57 0.82 1.26 1.98 2.29 2.32 2.28 rv. 2.20 3.15 1.43 1.58 2.34 1.41 1.86 1.81 R 1.49 0.82 0.57** 0.79* 0.84 1.62' 1.24' 1.15 *Significantat P < 0.05 **Significantat P < 0.01 Distributionvalues of GoldenEagle active nestsin 1969-1970, were R = 1.49 and R = 0.82 respectively.The 1969 valueindicates a trend towardsuniform spacing of nests whilethe 1970value shows random spacing. The analysisdoes not suggestaggregation, evenwith the restrictedarea of potentialnest sites. Distributionof active GoldenEagle and Great Horned Owl nestshad valuesof R = 0.57 in 1969and R = 0.79 in 1970.Both values are statisticallysignificant (p<0.05) and indicatea trendtowards aggregation, undoubtedly a functionof similarityin choiceof nestsites by the two speciesplus lack of interactionbecause of differingdaily activity patterns.Distribution of activeGolden Eagle and Ferruginous Hawk nestshad valuesof R -- 0.84 in 1969 and R = 1.62 in 1970. These values indicate random nest location in 1969and a trendtowards uniform spacing in 1970.Comparative values of GoldenEagle and Red-tailed Hawk nest distribution were R = 1.24 in 1969 and R = 1.15 in 1970. Bothvalues suggest a trendtowards uniform spacing. GoldenEagles nested in cliffsor rock outcropsat elevationsranging from 1460-1910 m, althoughmost were locatedat elevationgreater than 1680 m. Great Horned Owls nestedin cliffsand junipers at elevationsranging from 1485-1890m. Distancesbetween activeGolden Eagle and Great HornedOwl nestsaveraged 1.12 km. The nearestactive nestswere 0.08 km apart in the samequarry cliff face while the mostdistant was 2.45 km. Red-tailedHawks selected nest sites in severalcliff typesand treesat elevations rangingfrom 1508-1847m. Distancesbetween active nests of GoldenEagles and Red- tailed Hawksranged from 1.34 km to 4.26 km and averaged2.45 km, considerably greaterthan those between Great Horned Owls and Golden Eagles. Nestsof FerruginousHawks were locatedon rock outcropsand in a varietyof tree and groundsites at middleand lower elevations.A total of 85.1%were foundbetween 1511-1660m and nonewere at elevationshigher than 1710 m. Distancesbetween ac- tive nestsof GoldenEagles and Ferruginous Hawks averaged 2.45 km andranged from 0.88 km to 4.04 km. Thereis an apparentcorrelation between daily activitypatterns of the four raptor speciesand distribution of active nests. Thus the two raptors with the least similar daily activitypatterns, Golden Eagles and Great Horned Owls show an aggregateddistribu- tion patternwhen considered together. The two raptorspecies with the greatestsim- ilarityin dailyactivity patterns, Golden Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks, show a trendto- wardsuniformity of distributionof activenests, suggesting interaction to at leastsome degreeduring nest site selection. The spacingof GoldenEagle and Ferruginous Hawk activenests is morerandom and may reflectthe somewhatcrepuscular activity of the FerruginousHawk. Literature Cited Caminzand,F. J. 1969.Nesting ecology and behavior of the GoldenEagle (Aquila chry- saetos).Brigham Young Univ. Biol. Ser.10:4-15. Clark,P. J.,and
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Occurrence and Reestablishment of White-Tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle As Breeding Birds in Denmark
    The occurrence and reestablishment of White-tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle as breeding birds in Denmark Erik EhmsEn, LEnnart PEdErsEn, hans meltoftE, tschErning cLausEn & timmE nyEgaard (Med et dansk resumé: Forekomst og genetablering af Havørn og Kongeørn som danske ynglefugle) Abstract Except for a number of largely unsuccessful breeding attempts during the second half of the 20th century, the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla had been absent as a breeding bird in Denmark for more than 80 years, when a popu- lation established itself during the second half of the 1990s. Released from persecution and contaminants the population has grown to 37 pairs in just 16 years. Reproductive success has grown with age and experience of the birds, so that the average number of fledged young per breeding pair peaked with almost two per pair 8-10 years after the establishment of each breeding pair. Similarly, the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos reestablished a small population in Denmark from 1999 onwards after probably having bred here until about 150 years ago. For both species, this success was facilitated by conservation efforts including protection zones around eagle nests, monitoring and public outreach mainly carried out by volunteers from the Danish Ornithological Society / BirdLife Denmark. Introduction in former times, while the White-tailed Eagle bred in The reestablishment of White-tailed Eagle Haliaee- Denmark until it was driven extinct by persecution tus albicilla and Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos as in 1912 (Løppenthin 1967). The latter species made breeding birds in Denmark in the 1990s is one of a number of – usually unsuccessful – breeding at- the greatest achievements in modern Danish bird tempts during the second half of the 20th century, and nature conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • Possible DRAFT Rule Language to Cover Taking Young
    Attachment 3 DIVISION 55 FALCONRY LICENSES, PERMITS AND REQUIREMENTS 635-055-0000 Definition of Terms For the purpose of these rules, the following definitions apply: (1) "Captive bred" means any raptor, including eggs, hatched in captivity resulting from parents that mated in captivity, or are the progeny of artificial insemination. (2) "Falconry" is caring for and training raptors for pursuit of game, and the sport of hunting wild game with raptors. (3) “Indigenous raptor”, for purposes of falconry, means golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipter striatus), Cooper’s hawk (Accipter cooperii), northern goshawk (Accipter gentilis), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), merlin (Falco columbarius), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus, and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), (4) “Management or operational activities” means activities on nest-site structures (bridges or buildings) that are operational or maintenance actions to the structure deemed necessary by the structure owners or managers. These activities do not include nest entries for the purposes of banding birds for scientific purposes. (4) (5) “Passage” means first year migrant raptors capable of flight. (5) (6) “Post-fledgling” means a young first-year bird capable of flight which has recently flown from its nest. (6)(7) "Raptor" means any species or hybrid of the families Strigidae, Falconidae and Accipitridae. (7)(8) “Raptors at hack” means the intentional release of a raptor as a training technique, with the expectation of recapture after a period of time. (8)(9) "Take", for the purposes of these rules, means to trap, capture, or attempt to trap or capture a raptor from the wild for the purpose of falconry.
    [Show full text]
  • Predation by a Golden Eagle on a Brown Bear Cub
    SHORT COMMUNICATION N Sørensen et al. Predation by a golden eagle on a brown bear cub Ole J. Sørensen1,4, Mogens Totsa˚ s2, Tore eagles attending bears. Murie hypothesized that Solstad2, and Robin Rigg3 eagles attending bears were waiting for opportunities to capture prey trying to escape from the bears. He 1North-Trondelag University College, Department of also observed eagles swooping at and diving low over Natural Resource Sciences and Information Technology, grizzlies and other carnivores, but interpreted this Box 2501, N-7729 Steinkjer, Norway behavior as play or curiosity, rather than predation. 2 Norwegian Nature Inspectorate, N-7485 Trondheim, C. McIntyre (US National Park Service, Fair- Norway 3 banks, Alaska, USA, personal communication, 2008), Slovak Wildlife Society, PO Box 72, 033 01 Liptovsky a golden eagle researcher in Denali National Park for Hradok, Slovakia many years, has never seen an eagle attack a bear, although she has often observed eagles following Abstract: During spring 2004 an adult female brown bears in open terrain, perhaps positioning themselves bear (Ursus arctos) and her 3 cubs-of-the-year were to take prey escaping from the bear as suggested by observed outside their den on a south-facing low- Murie. Commensalistic hunting, as well as curious or alpine slope in central Norway. They remained near play behavior by eagles in the vicinity of bears, could the den for 8–10 days and were, except for one day, be misinterpreted as eagles hunting, attacking, or observed daily by Totsa˚s and other wardens of the inspecting bears as possible prey. Predation by eagles Norwegian Nature Inspectorate.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eagle Huntress Ancient Traditions and New Generations
    1 The Eagle Huntress Ancient Traditions and New Generations By Adrienne Mayor [email protected] May 1, 2016 "The sight of a Eurasian nomad hunting with swift horse, loyal dog, and powerful golden eagle is a majestic scene with ancient roots. For thousands of years this was how the nomadic peoples of the northern steppes from the Caucasus to Manchuria hunted for survival. " This is a revised and expanded version of the two-part article that appeared April 5-6, 2016 online at ancient-origins.net and reprinted April 18, 2016 http://bust.com/feminism/16147-the-untold-history-of-the-eagle-huntress.html "A fast horse and a soaring eagle are the wings of a nomad." --Kazakh proverb 2 FIG 1. Kazakh eagle hunter (Shutterstock) Falconry, training raptors to hunt for game, is particularly suited to vast grasslands especially in combination with horses and dogs. The earliest images of falconry appear in Assyrian and Hittite reliefs of the 9th and 8th centuries BC. Classical Greek and Roman authors Ctesias, Aristotle, Pliny, and Aelian described falconry. A Persian textile (10th century AD) depicts the Banu (Lady Governor) of Rayy (ancient Rhages, near Tehran, northern Iran) riding with her falcon. In AD 1270 Marco Polo described how the nomads of Central Asia hunted on horseback with small falcons, hawks, and eagles. FIG 2. Banu (Lady Governor) of Rayy, Persian textile, 10th century AD 3 For thousands of years, golden eagles have been the favorite raptor to train as a hunting companion across the northern steppes from the Caucasus to China. Eagles are strong predators especially adapted to winter hunting for hare, marmot, wild goat, deer, fox (even lynx, pallas cat, and wolf, although these are unnatural prey and dangerous for the eagles).
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Eagle
    A publication by: NORTHWEST WILDLIFE PRESERVATION SOCIETY Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Photograph by Jim Crotty (Flickr) By Jennifer Chow The golden eagle is the largest bird-of-prey in North America, and one of only two eagle species in Canada along with the bald eagle. They are graceful, powerful, swift and agile raptors. Some regard the golden eagle as one of the most formidable birds on Earth. Sightings of this beautiful raptor are rare, but always exciting and memorable. Golden eagles are symbols of freedom and majesty throughout their range. NWPS Headquarters NWPS Vancouver Island t Vancouver 604.568.9160 720-1190 Melville Street PO Box 39058 t Victoria 778.967.3379 Vancouver, BC V6E 3W1 RPO James Bay e [email protected] Victoria, BC V8V 4X8 w www.northwestwildlife.com Characteristics Golden Eagles are dark brown with golden-brown feathers on their head and necks, giving them their namesake; with yellow feet, black claws and beak, and feathers going all the way down to the toes, they are truly an impressive sight. They are large birds measuring 70 to 84cm (28 to 33 inches) in height with a 210 cm (84 in) wingspan. Females are typically larger than males, with females weighing 5 kg (11 lbs) and males slightly less. Other than the size difference, males and females look alike. Their feathers actually weigh more than their bones and golden eagles can have around 7,000 feathers! Very young chicks are covered in a white down, with dark feathers as they grow in. Young golden eagles have defined white patches at the tail base and in the wings for the first few years.
    [Show full text]
  • Pocket Guide to Raptors of the Pembina Valley Region, Manitoba
    A POCKET FIELD GUIDE TO RAPTORS OF THE PEMBINA VALLEY REGION www.arocha.ca TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements . 3 Introduction . 4 Osprey About raptors . 5 Vulture Osprey How to use this guide . 6 Turkey Vulture Glossary . 7 Vultures (Turkey Vulture) . 9 Osprey . 11 Eagles . 13 Harrier Bald Eagle . 13 Northern Harrier Golden Eagle . 15 Harriers (Northern Harrier) . 17 Eagle Accipiters . 19 Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk . 19 Golden Eagle Cooper’s Hawk . 21 Northern Goshawk . 23 Accipiter Buteos . 25 Sharp-shinned Hawk Broad-winged Hawk . 25 Cooper’s Hawk Swainson’s Hawk . 26 Northern Goshawk Red-tailed Hawk . 27 Rough-legged Hawk . 31 Falcons . 33 Falcon Buteo American Kestrel . 33 American Kestrel Broad-winged Hawk Merlin Swainson’s Hawk Merlin . 35 Gyrfalcon Red-tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon . 37 Peregrine Falcon Ferruginous Hawk Rare raptors in the Pembina Valley Region . 39 Rough-legged Hawk Check-list of raptors . 40 Bibliography . 41 1 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INTRODUCTION Funding for this pocket guide was provided by Birds of prey have fascinated people through the the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Manitoba ages. They have appeared in the courts of kings, Tourism Secretariat and A Rocha donors. Special on the arms of falconers and have been studied thanks goes to the following people who by many biologists and scientists. For anyone provided photographs: Alfred Aug, Vic Berardi, who has grown up on the prairies, the lazy Gordon Court, Jerry Liguori, Bob Shettler, Phil circling of a hawk on a warm summer day is an Swanson, Dennis Swayze, Robert Visconti and iconic memory. Historically persecuted for their Brian Wheeler.
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
    Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) NMPIF level: Biodiversity Conservation Concern, Level 2 (BC2) NMPIF assessment score: 12 NM stewardship responsibility: Low National PIF status: No special status New Mexico BCRs: 16, 18, 34, 35 Primary breeding habitat(s): Cave/Rock/Cliff (often mountain canyons near open grassland or shrubland) Other Habitats used: Widespread foraging across multiple habitat types Summary of Concern Golden Eagle is a widespread raptor of Europe, Asia, and North America. Although trends appear stable, this species is vulnerable due to its relatively small population size and various sources of mortality, including habitat loss or degradation. Associated Species Ferruginous Hawk (SC1), Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon (BC1), Prairie Falcon (SC2), White-throated Swift (SC2), Common Raven Distribution Golden Eagles breed across a great range of latitudes in North America, from the Brooks Range in Alaska south to central Mexico. The species also breeds in Europe and Asia. In the United States, Golden Eagle is resident in all western states, with a breeding range extending east into the Great Plains. United States populations increase in winter with the arrival of migrants from northern breeding areas. In New Mexico, Golden Eagles breed locally in suitable habitat throughout the state (Kochert et al. 2002, Parmeter et al. 2002). Ecology and Habitat Requirements During the breeding season, Golden Eagle occurs primarily in areas of mountain cliffs or canyons. In the west, it is often associated with rimrock terrain adjacent to open desert or grassland areas. Suitable nesting sites may exist within a variety of surrounding habitats, from desert to mountain areas, although dense forests tend to be avoided.
    [Show full text]
  • BEAR CART the Following Items Should Be on the Cart, If They Are Not
    BEAR CART The following items should be on the cart, if they are not let someone in education know. If you discover a new problem with any biofact (broken pieces, loose teeth, etc.), it is your responsibility to let the staff know and make a notation with the date, time and your name on the sign out clipboard. Note: Please return all items to their appropriate place on the cart, and make sure lids and bungee cords are secured. Things should be left exactly as you found them. Note: Do not try to open the Lucite containers with the food. We are trying to prevent animals from getting into the bone room. BEAR CART INVENTORY • Black Bear skull • Kodiak Bear skull • Kodiak Bear front leg including the scapula, humerus, radius, and ulna (see note below) • Kodiak Bear paw with claws • Black Bear, Polar Bear & Lion claw • Kodiak Bear pelt • Box of Bear’s Bile Powder - Traditional Chinese medicine (DO NOT OPEN BOX!!) • 2 lucite boxes containing grizzly bear and polar bear food • Golden Eagle egg • Golden Eagle leg/foot • Bears Resource Notebook Note: You will need large piece of AstroTurf if you intend to use the leg bones. Please do not place bones directly on the ground. Lay the bones on the AstroTurf starting with the humerus at the top; visitors can then lie down next to them to see how tall they are in relation to an adult male Kodiak bear. Remember this “shoulder” height is with the bear standing on all four legs. Do not let the public pick up the bones, they are heavy.
    [Show full text]
  • Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Module 1 — Land-Based Wind Energy
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Module 1 – Land-based Wind Energy Version 2 Credit: Brian Millsap/USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Bird Management April 2013 i Disclaimer This Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance is not intended to, nor shall it be construed to, limit or preclude the Service from exercising its authority under any law, statute, or regulation, or from taking enforcement action against any individual, company, or agency. This Guidance is not meant to relieve any individual, company, or agency of its obligations to comply with any applicable Federal, state, tribal, or local laws, statutes, or regulation. This Guidance by itself does not prevent the Service from referring cases for prosecution, whether a company has followed it or not. ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Overview Of all America’s wildlife, eagles hold perhaps the most revered place in our national history and culture. The United States has long imposed special protections for its bald and golden eagle populations. Now, as the nation seeks to increase its production of domestic energy, wind energy developers and wildlife agencies have recognized a need for specific guidance to help make wind energy facilities compatible with eagle conservation and the laws and regulations that protect eagles. To meet this need, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed the Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (ECPG). This document provides specific in‐depth guidance for conserving bald and golden eagles in the course of siting, constructing, and operating wind energy facilities. The ECPG guidance supplements the Service’s Land‐Based Wind Energy Guidelines (WEG).
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Eagle Migration
    FALL 2019 IN THIS ISSUE: Golden Eagle Migration Profile In Conservation: Tim Schaeffer, PA Fish & Boat Commission Bear Mange in PA Prescribed Fire—Land Management Tool and more! FOUNDATION fall 2019 FOUNDATION CONTENTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE Wildlife for Everyone Foundation 341 Science Park Road, Suite 103 State College, PA 16803-2287 (814) 238-8138 Photo© Mark Nale Mark Photo© [email protected] 4 8 10 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Russ Schleiden FEATURES: utumn is to Wildlife for PRESIDENT Aone of my Everyone so that Janet Nyce 4 PENNSYLVANIA PLAYS PROMINENT ROLE IN favorite seasons in we may expand TREASURER GOLDEN EAGLE MIGRATION Bill Bennett Pennsylvania. I love our activities SECRETARY By Greg Grove. PA’s location central to migration corridor. how the verdant and increase our Michael Schaul GETTING A READ ON BEAR MANGE trees morph into Great Egret in Tom Ridge Wetlands impact across the John Blaschak 8 Margaret Brittingham By Asher Jones. Researchers look for answers to rise in disease. yellow, red, and state. If you are Ashley Diehl orange hues. I love the cozy warmth of fleece already a contributor to Wildlife for Everyone, James Eckles PROFILE IN CONSERVATION John Frailey 10 sweaters as the air turns chilly. please consider giving more. Mike Harpster By Barbara Schroeder. Featuring Tim Schaeffer, PFBC. When you love nature, it transcends all When I first started raising money for non- Gregory Isabella Ralph Martone CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY four seasons. Wildlife for Everyone works profits, I felt a little uncomfortable asking people Reed McCormick 14 hard all year long for all nature lovers and to give more.
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Eagle Pointers
    Golden Eagle Pointers Golden eagles winter in the blufflands of southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Although these elusive raptors can be tougher to find than bald eagles that also winter in the Mississippi River valley, taking the time in the right habitat and knowing what to look for can improve your chances. Here are some tips from National Eagle Center Education Director and Golden Eagle Project Co-­‐coordinator Scott Mehus for finding and identifying golden eagles. Distinguishing golden eagles in flight • Raptors seen in the winter months with a DIHEDRAL (V) should stop traffic! That raptor could be an unseasonably late or early Turkey Vulture, eagle, wintering golden rough-­‐legged hawk or Northern Harrier, all birds worth getting out to see! About 80 % of the time when I observe a Golden in a full soar I see it al. using a slight dihedr Definitely not as pronounced as a Turkey Vultures classic dihedral, but much more ld than the Ba Eagles’ flat as a board profile. • Notice the almost headless appearance a of golden eagle. Obviously it is not headless, but the projecting head is e about on third the length of it’s tail and when compared with seeing ald a b eagle overhead, which has as much head projecting out ail in front as there is t sticking out behind, this gives the golden eagle an almost headless appearance. • Notice that wings pinch in at the body along the trailing edge of the wing. This makes the secondary flight feathers bulge out and gives the wing more curvature, different d than the unpinche straight plank like trailing edge of ve a Bald.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Environmental Assessment
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Final Environmental Assessment Wild Horse Wind Project Eagle Permit Prepared by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Birds and Habitat Program 911 NE 11th Ave Portland, OR 97232 October 2019 i Wild Horse Wind – EA Contents Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................. iv Chapter 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 6 1.1. Environmental Assessment Overview ............................................................................. 6 1.2. Project Description ........................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2 Purpose and Need ................................................................................................... 13 2.1. Purposes and Need for Federal Action ........................................................................... 13 2.2. Decision to be Made ....................................................................................................... 13 2.3. Tiered EA ....................................................................................................................... 13 2.4. Authorities and Statutory and Regulatory Framework................................................... 14 2.5. Scope of Analysis ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]