An Endangered Species Recovers

This April, Friends partnered with the US Forest Service to contract with Bloom Biological Inc., to band two bald eagle chicks that had recently hatched in Lake Hemet. The chicks, one male and one female, were about three weeks old in these photos. Funding for the banding project is provided by a grant from Edison International.
 
Bald eagles are a success story of the federal Endangered Species Act. They were listed as endangered when the Act was originally passed in 1973, having suffered staggering population declines despite some previous legal protections. In southern California, breeding populations of bald eagles had been completely wiped out by the late 1950’s. Through protection under the law and other measures, including banning a harmful pesticide DDT in 1972, as well as captive breeding and reintroduction programs, populations recovered and the bald eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007. There are currently over 10,000 pairs breeding in all 49 of the continental United States.

Banding of bald eagle chicks is important to ensure that bald eagles never return to the brink of extinction. The bands are color and alpha-numerically coded to allow for IDs of each unique individual. Banding must take place before the chicks fledge, because once they can fly, the opportunity is lost, and with it a lifetime of valuable data about the species. Because time was of the essence, the Forest Service requested our help, and we were able to provide funding for the project.

Once put on, the bands remain in place their entire lives, about 20 years. For as long as these birds live, scientists will be able to use visual observations of their bands’ unique identifiers to monitor the birds. The observational data over their lifespan will inform our understanding of how and where these magnificent birds are nesting, feeding, and thriving. With the information contributed by these birds over time, we continue to learn about this species and how best to protect them.

Forested areas around lakes and reservoirs are important habitat for bald eagles. For nesting, most bald eagles prefer more northern climates, migrating south only during winter when their preferred foods, mainly fish and ducks, are scarce or inaccessible at their nesting sites. However, some birds prefer to stay in more southerly climates like our area year-round. There have been nesting pairs of bald eagles observed at each of 4 Southern California lakes since 2003, including Lake Hemet. The same pair tends to use a nesting site for several years.

In 2008, the nest that had been in the tree shown in the photo fell apart in a windstorm. Subsequently, a platform was built for added support, and the birds continue to use this nest. The Lake Hemet bald eagles have had numerous successful fledglings.

Because of the influx of migrating bald eagles to southern California during the winter, the easiest time to see eagles at Lake Hemet is still between December and March. Just look in the tallest trees around the lake near open water for perching eagles. You may even get lucky and see an eagle pass through the valley floor, like this one near Palm Desert High School in 2019, and this one at Sunnylands just a few months ago.

Bald eagles still have full protection under the Bald Eagle Protection Act and under the State of California's Endangered Species Act. These laws make it illegal to harm or harass bald eagles. It is also illegal to possess bald eagle parts, even a single feather. Please remember that human presence may distract or disturb the eagles, so try to limit your movements and do not make loud noises when you see one. If possible, remain in your car while looking at eagles - the car acts as a blind. Stay a respectful distance of at least 200-300' away from perched bald eagles, and at least ¼ mile away from nesting bald eagle. Trying to get a closer look may result in eagles becoming agitated and knocking eggs or chicks out of the nest. Observe and enjoy, and do your part to help protect our national bird!

By Jennifer Prado
Director of Education and Land Programs
 
Special thanks to Kim Boss, District Wildlife Biologist, San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Ranger District. All photos credit US Forest Service Staff.