Field Notes from Eagle Eye Nye February 5, 2002 Hello Journey North 2002 Kids! Peter Nye with Eagle E63 As we go into this winter, we have seven bald eagles with working satellite radio transmitters; all these are currently being tracked. You can go back and see where each of these were caught and where they traveled to last spring, in preparation for following them this spring. Do you think they will leave at the same time, and go to the same places as they migrate back north this year? Perhaps this season's mild weather will change their behavior? Link to Past Season's Migration Maps and Data Eagle with Satellite Backpack We have been intensively studying bald eagles of the Hudson River in New York for the past three years, a study that has now ended. We learned much, both about these birds' local movements while they were here, as well as their long-distance movements and origins. Although these satellite radios are the ideal way to "follow" eagles as they migrate long distances, they are equally good at providing us detailed information of areas the eagles use while they are wintering here in New York. The data provided by these Hudson River eagles has given us tremendous information about what are the most important habitats to them here in NY. Based on this study, we have prepared "critical habitat" maps of areas along the Hudson River. We are already using these maps to help manage the land for bald eagles. We want to make sure that their most important habitats are not destroyed or over-used by people. That is exactly why we conduct such research and how we use it. Our attention in NY now turns to the Upper Delaware River, a 73-mile stretch of river between Port Jervis, NY and Hancock, NY on our southern border with Pennsylvania. (See if you can find this on a map). This is our largest and most important bald eagle wintering area. Next winter we will launch a 3-year study of eagles along the Delaware, in a similar effort to determine the most important habitats used by eagles there. That information can be used in a management plan to protect the area and its eagles. We hope to get an early start on this study by trapping and radio tagging some eagles along the Delaware in February. But, we will need some cold (icy) weather in order to do this! We will deploy at least two satellite radios there, in addition to several "conventional" radios (which cannot be tracked by satellite but are tracked by researchers on the ground).We may also try to capture and satellite tag an immature golden eagle hanging around in this area this winter--stay tuned. Like you and me, bald eagles and other wildlife need a place to live undisturbed and food to eat. So much of our land today is being converted from undisturbed, "wild" areas, to housing developments, shopping malls, snowmobile trails, or other high-human use areas, we must be alert to the needs of wildlife and make sure we set aside and maintain areas for them to live as well. Be aware of your own neighborhood and state; what is happening around you? Are the wild places being gobbled up? Get involved and give your opinion! Bald eagles have always captured our imagination and awe, adorning our national symbol, our money, and thousands of other items. Despite the fact that the eagle has been one of our most studied species of the 20th century, there is still much to learn, and much to do, to ensure that we know what we need to in order to protect our eagles now and into the future. I'll keep in touch as the winter progresses! In the meantime, ask yourselves what is happening to the wildlife habitat in your state; is it being lost? Eagle Eye Nye New York State Dept. Environmental Conservation Delmar, NY Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form