Eagle Fishing

Senter Cove Guy · 07-01-2009, 07:35 PM

Direct from Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, Conservation Department
Pictures by Chris Martin

On Tues 6/30/09, NH Audubon volunteers Hal Busch and Everett McLaughlin and I paddled out to Poplar Island in Moultonboro Bay to investigate the report of an active bald eagle nest that had "disappeared" from the nest tree. The nest was documented to have at least one eaglet as recently as 6/20. On 6/25, Charley Hugel first reported the nest "missing" from the tree, a fact reconfirmed by Donna Ulbricht on 6/26.

As we walked toward the nest tree, Everett McLaughlin was the first to spot the 8+ week old chick (see attached) sitting quietly on a large rock under the nest tree. When we approached the bird, it stood up, spread both wings for balance, and hopped/galloped away without hesitation. It was apparent to us that it had weathered its fall from the tree and the past 6+ days on the ground without much of a problem. We noted a number of consumed fish carcasses scattered on the ground around the site, further evidence that the chick was being fed below the nest by the adults. We also saw both adults nearby.

We decided not to pursue the chick further for fear of injuring it or displacing it from familiar territory. From a management perspective, what is MOST NEEDED for the next couple weeks is for people to remain OFF the island until the chick is able to flap climb up into a tree where it will be somewhat less vulnerable to predators. Water-based observation by volunteers through July should continue. If all goes well, this chick should be flying by the final week in July.

- Chris

Nice work Chris!!

SteveA · 07-01-2009, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the update!

Nice to see what looks,for now, like a good ending!

Jonas Pilot · 07-01-2009, 09:11 PM

It’s nice to know we have qualified and passionate folks out there trying to monitor and safeguard our natural resources. We must let nature takes it’s course though. Hopefully things will work out for the best.

SIKSUKR · 07-02-2009, 08:59 AM

Great update SCG.Score one for the wildlife vs nature.

Grant · 07-03-2009, 07:54 PM

I do hope the eagles return to nesting on that spot. Let's hope the youngster makes it through the summer okay. Must've been one hell of a storm to blow that nest down -- think of all the storms over the past year that it withstood!

Senter Cove Guy · 07-18-2009, 01:43 PM

I visited the island about noontime today on my Seadoo. Got in real close and shut off my engine. As I floated by, I had a great view of the eaglet sitting comfortably on a large rock away from the shore. Rocky II is BIG. He watched me for awhile then stood up, flexed his wings and hopped/floated down off the rock and into the brush. Looks like he's/she's being well fed. Can't wait to see him/her up in the tree.

EricP · 07-18-2009, 07:20 PM

Great news, thanks for the upsdate!

07-01-2009, 07:35 PM	#1
Senter Cove Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 600 Thanks: 296 Thanked 431 Times in 142 Posts	Eaglet Update Direct from Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, Conservation Department Pictures by Chris Martin On Tues 6/30/09, NH Audubon volunteers Hal Busch and Everett McLaughlin and I paddled out to Poplar Island in Moultonboro Bay to investigate the report of an active bald eagle nest that had "disappeared" from the nest tree. The nest was documented to have at least one eaglet as recently as 6/20. On 6/25, Charley Hugel first reported the nest "missing" from the tree, a fact reconfirmed by Donna Ulbricht on 6/26. As we walked toward the nest tree, Everett McLaughlin was the first to spot the 8+ week old chick (see attached) sitting quietly on a large rock under the nest tree. When we approached the bird, it stood up, spread both wings for balance, and hopped/galloped away without hesitation. It was apparent to us that it had weathered its fall from the tree and the past 6+ days on the ground without much of a problem. We noted a number of consumed fish carcasses scattered on the ground around the site, further evidence that the chick was being fed below the nest by the adults. We also saw both adults nearby. We decided not to pursue the chick further for fear of injuring it or displacing it from familiar territory. From a management perspective, what is MOST NEEDED for the next couple weeks is for people to remain OFF the island until the chick is able to flap climb up into a tree where it will be somewhat less vulnerable to predators. Water-based observation by volunteers through July should continue. If all goes well, this chick should be flying by the final week in July. - Chris Nice work Chris!! Attached Images __________________ Lake Winni - The only place I want to be during the summer.

07-01-2009, 08:18 PM	#2
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	Wonderful! Thanks for the update! Nice to see what looks,for now, like a good ending! __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

07-01-2009, 09:11 PM	#3
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Another thanks! It’s nice to know we have qualified and passionate folks out there trying to monitor and safeguard our natural resources. We must let nature takes it’s course though. Hopefully things will work out for the best.

07-02-2009, 08:59 AM	#4
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Great update SCG.Score one for the wildlife vs nature. __________________ SIKSUKR

07-03-2009, 07:54 PM	#5
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,501 Thanks: 377 Thanked 231 Times in 125 Posts	I do hope the eagles return to nesting on that spot. Let's hope the youngster makes it through the summer okay. Must've been one hell of a storm to blow that nest down -- think of all the storms over the past year that it withstood! __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

07-18-2009, 01:43 PM	#6
Senter Cove Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 600 Thanks: 296 Thanked 431 Times in 142 Posts	Eaglet Update I visited the island about noontime today on my Seadoo. Got in real close and shut off my engine. As I floated by, I had a great view of the eaglet sitting comfortably on a large rock away from the shore. Rocky II is BIG. He watched me for awhile then stood up, flexed his wings and hopped/floated down off the rock and into the brush. Looks like he's/she's being well fed. Can't wait to see him/her up in the tree. __________________ Lake Winni - The only place I want to be during the summer.

07-18-2009, 07:20 PM	#7
EricP Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 329 Thanks: 28 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Great news, thanks for the upsdate!