WILDLIFE
There is one in Fort Myers and a Google search will list
eagle cams all over the United States for those who want to
see firsthand what goes on in a nest. Some cam sites have
real-time chat streams running beside the live video so
people can comment and ask questions.
GROWING POPULATION
There are eagle nests at the north and south ends of the
state park, but for the eagles’ safety, locations are not given.
Although no longer on the national endangered species
list, eagles are still making a comeback from the days when
deadly DDT insecticide was routinely used, weakening egg
shells and killing their main meal: fish. The number of eagles
in Florida has been growing steadily since DDT was banned
in 1972.
Florida has been remarkably successful in reintroducing
eagles with 1,634 nests listed in 2014 by the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission. Today, the state has more
eagles than any other in the lower 48 states.
There are at least 37 active and inactive eagle nests along
the Treasure Coast, usually in live pine trees, according to the
FWC nest count database. An inactive nest is one that has not
been occupied by eagles for at least five seasons, according to
FWC. There are 14 nests St. Lucie County; nine were active as
of 2012, the latest year on the FWC county-specific nest list.
“If people become interested in eagles, I hope they will also
develop respect for other creatures,” Owen says. “They are
wonderful and intricate. Everything has its place and balance.
EAGLE FACTS
An adult eagle uses
its sharp talons to
catch and carry prey.
FWC
Port St. Lucie Magazine 49
It’s man that goes in and messes things up.” E
Nest size: An average size is about 5 or 6 feet across and 4 or
more feet deep, depending on the age of the nest (eagles usually
return to the same nest each year). Material is added yearly.
The nest sizes make them fairly easy to spot high in a pine
tree. The eagles bring sticks, sometimes quite large, to weave
into a nest. The middle is filled with grass or other soft material
to form a bowl for the eggs. Frequently, nests take on a
massive conical shape from top to bottom.
According to the National Eagle Center, the largest nest in
the nation was recorded at St. Petersburg. It measured 9.5
feet across, 20 feet deep and weighed almost 3 tons.
Food: Fish and small mammals; fish is preferred. Eagles are opportunists
and will steal food from other raptors. They sometimes
scavenge at dumps or eat dead animals found on the
ground. If you go eagle watching, leave your pet at home.
Where to find eagles in Port St. Lucie: There are four known
nests, though two are inactive. One is near the North Fork on
the west side of U.S. 1; another is near Tesoro; and two are
in the Savannas Preserve State Park on the east side of U.S. 1.
Since bald eagles prefer fish, you are likely to spot a nest at
the top of a Florida pine tree not far from a marsh or river.
Where else to find eagles in St. Lucie County: There are
several nests in the western part of the county and one on
the west side of U.S. 1 in the northern savannas near Indrio
Road. Visit www.myfwc.com for a nest locator.
Territories: An eagle needs at least one mile around its nest
and will defend its territory fiercely. Nest predators include
raccoons and the great horned owl. Sometimes squirrels will
take up residence beneath the nest but within the massive
structure where they are hidden from the eagle’s keen sight.
Eyesight: Eagles can focus straight ahead and to the side at
the same time, according to the National Eagle Center. Eagle
organizations generally agree that from 1,000 feet in the air
an eagle can see a small moving object, a rabbit, for instance,
within three square miles of its position. However, its night
vision is said to be no better than human vision at night.
Speed: Typically an eagle flies at about 30 miles an hour, but
can reach speeds of about 99 miles an hour when diving.
Male or female? The female is larger than the male - enough
so that when seen together it is fairly easy to tell the gender.
Mates: Bald eagles usually mate for life.
Lifespan: About 20 years.
What to do if you see an injured eagle: The Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends calling a
licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In St. Lucie County, FWC lists
Creature Safe Place, Fort Pierce, at 468.6616. Eagles are
powerful birds. It is best to stay some distance away. Other
contacts are Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Refuge in
Palm City at 221.1231 and Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital
in Palm City at 286.6200.
Protection of eagles: Although the bald eagle has been
removed from the federal endangered or threatened species
lists, it continues to be protected by the federal Bald and
Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
and the state bald eagle rule. The FWC eagle management
program sets a 660-foot buffer zone around eagle nests. If
you spot a nest, be sure to stay outside the buffer zone.
Sources: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
American Bald Eagle Information;National Eagle Center; WildFlorida;
Audubon; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
/www.myfwc.com