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Bald
Eagles Make A Comeback in Garrett County
Bald Eagle sightings are increasing in Maryland every year. Since the 1970's nesting pairs have increased six fold with 260+ pairs nesting in 1999 compared to 41 pairs in 1977. The reason for the increase in Bald Eagle nesting pairs is the ban on the use of DDT and other organchlorine pesticides. When DDT was in use it caused thin shelled eggs which cracked when the mature eagles sat on them. Of course, cracked eggs cannot produce young. All eagle nest sites are protected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources under the authority of the Federal Endangered Species ACT. Bald Eagles principal diet is fish, so water quality can play a big part in the fish stocks and hence the Eagle's ability to find food and good nesting areas. In our area there are reports of Eagles around Deep Creek Lake and there has been a nesting pair on the Jennings Randolph Lake for several years. One of the most exciting discoveries regarding Maryland Bald Eagles is a nesting pair that have made the Savage Reservoir their home. Four years ago the pair started building a nest and last year for the first time I observed the immature Bald Eagle that was the pairs first successful hatching of an eaglet. It was really awesome to see the parents teach the young eagle how to fly and fish.
On one occasion I was out kayaking and saw the immature eagle swoop down along the shore and try to catch a fish. He missed, but out of nowhere came the adult with a slightly different flight path and BAM! he/she caught the fish and flew off. What was amazing was the immature flew over to the adult and in mid air the adult handed off the fish to the immature while flying! We often see the eagles fishing on our All Earth Kayak Tours and at this time of year the eaglets are just getting ready to fly off the nest. We'll see if another has been hatched in the next few weeks. By mid-June the eaglet(s) should be off the nest and we'll see them.
The eagles have their young in mid March and they sit on the eggs for 12 weeks. Eagles make huge nests that they add to and return to each year. Eagles add new materials to their nest every year, and eagle nests in use for many years have been estimated to weigh several tons. Eagles always make their nests in large hard to get to trees that have a clear space to fly on and off the nest from. Eagles can't fly in really tight spaces so their nests are always clear of the woods and in fairly exposed places. The eagles on the Savage have their nest way up on the mountain and spotting them on the nest is difficult, but if you know where to look you can spot the white heads which look like tiny white spots up on the mountain side.
Immature bald eagles are the same size as adults, standing nearly three feet tall. They are dark brown in color including their heads and tails and some have white mottling on their bellies and under their wings. Juveniles can be mistaken for large hawks or vultures. Immature eagles wander around the area looking for food and a safe place to roost. It's exciting to know that eagles are coming back to our area. These majestic and very large birds are impressive and awe inspiring to see. Let's hope we see more in the future. Here are some links to Eagle web pages: American Bald Eagle Information US Fish and Wildlife Service Eagle Info
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