Peek Into a Nest

Eagleye Nye

Peter Nye is an eagle biologist. He was a pioneer in re-establishing eagles after their population declined dramatically, due to DDT. He and his research team studied eagles in New York State for over 30 years.

Pack your gear! Let's travel with Pete to peek inside an eagle's nest.

Where Do Bald Eagles Nest?

Study this map and imagine how Pete Nye prepares for a research trip to an eagle's nest in New York state.

Questions to ponder: What words describe what kind of habitat eagles need for nesting during breeding season? Amount of land? Near water? Densely populated or remote? Flat? Hilly? Dense or sparse vegetation?

Getting to the Nest

Few roads lead to an eagle's nest. Pete and his research team travel in a helicopter to reach nests built in remote areas.

Questions to ponder: Why do eagles build nests where they do? If you were traveling with the research team what would you hope to see? discover? What equipment do you think they bring?

Deep in the Woods

An eagle nest is high up in this tree. Something is wrapped around the trunk to keep animals from climbing up.

Questions to ponder: What predators could harm the nestlings? What advantages are there for being up so high? Any possible disadvantages?

Preparing to Climb

Pete puts on boots with grippers that can dig into the tree.

Questions to ponder: Besides gripper boots, what else does he wear? How does his clothing, gear, and equipment prepare him for the climb and protect him once he reaches the nest?

Checking the Equipment

Pete packed his bag with lots of equipment. What do you see in this bag? How might "Eagleye" use these things?

Questions to ponder: What do you see in this bag and why do you think Pete packed each item? How might Eagleye use each item?

Going Up

Pete will climb almost to the top. The nest is about 60 feet up!

Questions to ponder: What kinds of jobs do you think the team must do to ensure a safe climb up and down the tree? What items go up with Pete to help him collect data?

Getting Up There

Eagleye must be physically fit to be an eagle researcher! He climbs high, weaves around branches, and must be ready for surprises.

Questions to ponder: How do you think he deals with the branches he reaches during the climb to the nest? What else do you see by the tree?

Using the Ropes

Pete uses safety ropes to climb up the tree and descend down.

Questions to ponder: How many ropes do you see in the photo? How many ropes do you think he needs? What are the ropes made of and how thick and strong do they need to be? How does he use the ropes?

Keeping Safe

Climbing these tall trees safely takes teamwork. A partner watches from the ground. He holds a rope to keep Eagleye safe. His rope will catch Pete in case he starts to slip.

Questions to ponder: Why is it important to have a spotter on the ground carefully watching the climb and descent? What kind of training do you think researchers need to be on the team?

Reaching Closer to the Nest

Pete continues to climb. He is close to the nest.

Questions to ponder: Do you think the eagles heard him coming? What do you think Pete was thinking and feeling as he gets closer and closer to the nest? What will he do when he reaches the nest?

At the Nest

Pete goes right to work when he reaches the nest.

• Examines the eaglets
• Inspects the nest
• Collects blood samples from the babies
• Attaches bands and radio-tags
  

Climbing Back Down

Pete gets safely down. Now it's time for everyone to pack the gear.

Before They Go

There's one more thing to do...

Capture the Moment

Pete and his team are helping protect eagles. Their research builds understanding as we ask: How can we protect their nesting habitat and make sure eagles will be here for future generations?