Since the discovery of an empty Bald Eagles nest on Davis Island in Edgecomb, and the consequent shelving of bypass route N8c, many Lincoln County residents have wondered why the nest simply can’t be moved. The explanation, according to Sarah Nystrom the US Fish & Wildlife, is complex.
“While I understand the uproar over an empty nest, we can’t determine for sure when or if an eagle might return, therefore it’s considered a protected habitat,” said Nystrom.
As it turns out, Bald Eagles can have multiple nests in close proximity to each other and why they choose a specific nest isn’t entirely clear. The Davis Island eagle appears to have arrived sometime in 2009 and essentially “summers” in Edgecomb while spending winters elsewhere said Nystrom.
“The nest is typically occupied beginning in February which is breeding season. Will the eagles choose this nest or another one? We don’t know for sure,” she said.
Nystrom says in order to move a nest, a permit must be issued for very specific reasons including matters of public safety, potential harm to the eagle, and the disruption of an existing man-made structure.
“It’s really about disturbance, not a buffer zone. If an eagle builds a nest next to a train track and another track is laid near that one, it’s considered ok. The eagle has acknowledged the existing disturbance,” said Nystrom.
An eagle will look for the right type structure said Nystrom and will often build alternate nests to breed, eat, or simply perch. Strict protection acts prevent the disruption of a nest because humans cannot accurately determine where an eagle should live, Nystrom said.
“I think when the eagle was taken off the endangered species list, people incorrectly thought we had enough eagles. That’s not entirely true, which is why it’s still a heavily protected species,” she said.
Certain “acts of God” can occur, such as a storm, that may result in the nest being dislodged or destroyed. In such an event, there is no effort made to replace the nest, leaving the choice, once again, up to the eagle.
“They are unpredictable creatures as I’m sure the Midcoast of Maine has discovered,” said Nystrom.
