2010-04-06_REVISION - M1979205 (13)

Home Browse Search

BALD EAGLE NEST MONITORING AND REPORTING Objectives One objective of this monitoring program is to gather information on the nesting chronology of the Bald Eagles as the 2010 breeding season progresses. Primary information to be gathered includes final nest construction and pre-nesting activities/behavior, determine the date when egg(s) are laid, determine hatching dates, and fledging dates. Information gathered would be used by United to make an informed decision on when to begin their project development. Since the Rifle Bald Eagles are resident birds, the data collected could be used by United and the CDOW/USFWS for future gravel mining operations. Monitoring Area and Nest Site The Rifle Bald Eagle nest is located about 1 mile east of Rifle, CO on the south bank of the Colorado River (see map). The nest is near the top of a large cottonwood tree that is part of a large cottonwood gallery. The area is composed of typical riparian vegetation and the Bald Eagle nest site is in similar habitat and proximity to the Colorado River as other Bald Eagle nests along the Colorado River in this area. The nest is a new site and was constructed by a pair of resident Bald Eagles that have nested in the general area for at least the past three years and probably longer. The historic nest site was destroyed on or about June 18, 2009 when erosive actions of the Colorado River undercut the banks and the nest tree fell into the river. Three eaglets, which were within approximately 5 to 7 days of fledging, were in the nest when it fell into the river; one chick survived the loss of the nest tree. Bald Eagle Monitoring Personnel: Monitoring of the Rifle Bald Eagle nest will be conducted by wildlife biologists (Van Graham or other qualified biologists) who are associated with WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, CO. Methods: The formal nest-monitoring program is scheduled to be initiated in early February 2010 and continue through fledging and post-fledging of eaglets, which is likely to occur during June and continue into July 2010. Observations at the nest site are scheduled to occur once a week during; February and March when eggs will be laid (February) and hatching (March) will most likely occur. Both dates are important to predict an accurate fledging date. After eaglets hatch, monitoring during April and May could be reduced to once every 10 days. During June, monitoring; should be increased to at least once per week. After each monitoring event is completed, results will be e-mailed to United, Garfield County, CDOW and USFWS. Information recorded during each monitoring event will include the following. Beginning and ending time of observations (generally 2-4 hrs), Weather conditions, Bald Eagle activity in and around the nest, WestWater Engineering 3 3/16/2010