Quick Take
- Constructing a home spanning 5 feet is a mandatory achievement for successfully hatching resilient eagle chicks.
- The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act mandates specific permits that complicate urgent infrastructure maintenance.
- Preserving a hundred-pound nest is more effective than total environment relocation.
- Identifying the non-breeding season is necessary to prevent total reproductive failure during relocation.
Finding a balance between protecting nature and human infrastructure can lead to some difficult situations. This Instagram post by @pawsittivevibes shows an eagle’s nest on top of a telephone pole being knocked down. The massive nest, which took weeks to build, contained the eagle’s eggs. Fortunately, with some assistance, the eagle was able to rebuild her nest and successfully hatch a healthy chick. Read on to learn more about eagle nests and proper removal methods.
Eagles’ nests take months to build and require ongoing maintenance.
©Jon C. Beverly/Shutterstock.com
Eagle Nesting Behavior
Eagles‘ nests are large and high off the ground. They typically use a massive amount of sticks to build their nests in tall trees, on cliffs, and, less commonly, on man-made structures. The nest shown on the power pylons in the video is one such example. They build in elevated areas to reduce predation, increase visibility of their surroundings, and because they are territorial. The nests can be enormous, reaching up to five feet across or more, and weighing hundreds of pounds. This can not only damage infrastructure but also pose potential dangers to the birds’ safety; hence, the removal in the video.
Eagle nests are protected under the law, given their cultural significance and conservation importance.
©Mickey Eric Mackwan/Shutterstock.com
Removing Nests
The best option for removal is total relocation. Relocating allows the eagle to adapt safely to a new environment without causing significant stress. It also helps protect any eggs that may be present. However, nest removal is subject to a number of legal protections that must be considered. Since eagle nests are legally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, removal requires permission from wildlife authorities.
When relocation is possible, it should take place during the non-breeding season, typically from late summer through winter. This ensures that no eggs are present in the nest at the time of removal. Because eagles are often territorial over nests they spend years building, ensuring the original structure remains intact can help alleviate their stress. This can be achieved by building a safe platform nearby to support the existing nest. Ideally, after relocation, the eagle can return to its normal routine.
Eagles exhibit behavioral responses to damage or destruction of their nests. While we can’t say for certain that eagles have emotional responses, their behavior reveals much about the impact of territory loss. Because eagles are territorial over their nests, removal can cause stress due to the energy required to build a new nest. Nest removal also disrupts breeding and reproduction. Thankfully, eagles are resilient and able to adapt, as shown in the video.
