OCR Text |
Show PAGE 24 THE ZEPHYR JAN-FE- B 1991 Our Nations Emblem the threatened Bald Eagle by Damian Fagan Evoking tales of patriotism and heroism, the stars and stripes reflected this countrys growing pains. Rejecting British rule, the flag flew on the winds of freedom, Justice and equality. That was 1777, when the Preying mainly on fish caught or stolen from other birds (herons or osprey) these nesting eagles will or at least have traveled out Into the Cisco desert to search for prairie dogs. Now that the prairie dog population has crashed, these eagles need to seek another food source. To assist with the feeding program, the Bicklngs and the state DWR, began a supplemental fish feeding program. They and several of the local river companies along with the Westwater BLM ranqers, began dropping off fish near the nests. One pair of eagles readily took to this additional food source, while the other female ignored these provided meals. Interestingly, this one female seemed to be alone during the nesting season. Usually, the male will assist In the feeding, which left some to wonder if the two females had not been breed by the same male. Though polygamy Is not unheard of In this state, this circumstance Is "Nationwide, the primary decline In eagle populations, In the past, was DDT. That has been pretty much overcome since the vast majority of the population doesnt migrate to Mexico and further south, where DDT Is still a problem for raptors, "Nelson Boschen, a DWR wildlife biologist, said. "Presently, the primary reason for decline Js lack of habitat Not Initial habitat, but what remains of Initial habitat due to conversion by man. Locally, the habitat would be large cottonwood groves that are Inaccessible by man, to Include the privacy factor that Bald Eagles require. The cow and the plow, has altered the riparian corridors into pastoral land, much to the neglect of these eagles. Like a heavyweight fighter In the fifteenth round, this right-le- ft combination has knocked down our prized bird. Threatened with extinction, the Bald Eagle Protection Act, was signed In 1940, to safeguard this species. Twice more, up to 1972, the act was strengthened, especially when Wyoming ranchers were caught poisoning these birds and shooting them from helicopters. Down but not out, this bird Is struggling to get back Into the ring. Historically, Information Is uncertain or absent, when considering population figures in Utah. Now, we know that birds begin to arrive In November, to winter over until March. Found mainly along rlverways, these migratory eagle feed upon fish, carrion, waterfowl and even whitetailed prairie dogs, before returning north to Canada. Some birds, though, opt to stay longer, get domestic and raise their young here. Here, being a stretch of the Colorado River, In southeastern Utah, that contains the only two known nesting populations for the state. Why only two locations? Bald Eagles need several variables to successfully raise a brood: suitable cottonwood groves for nest location and concealment, little disturbance by man and abundant prey Items. Difficult to find all three, nowadays. unusual for eagles. Further studies during courtship and Incubation may answer this question. Over the past five years, out of eight nesting attempts, four young have fledged. Last season, each nest fledged one young. To aid these nesting birds, according to one BLM spokesperson, several Ideas have been examined. Placing chicken wire around the base of a nest tree, had been done, to protect the tree from beavers. Both the BLM and the state, have contacted private landowners, along the river system, to work out agreements on fencing off the cottonwood groves. This would keep cattle out of the area, reduce human activity near the nests and perhaps allow for regeneration of the cottonwood seedlings. No trespassing signs may be placed along private land, to restrict boaters from approaching the nests. Using saplings or branch cuttings of cottonwoods, has also been discussed, to regenerate the groves. Nelson even built a new nest near one that is In an old snag and In potential for collapse. The new nest Is In a live tree, better protected from direct sunlight and better supported than the current one. Whether the birds will use It, remains to be observed. The fete of these nesting eagles Is of great concern and founding fathers located a seamstress who could sew together such Ideals. In 1782, after considerable debate, a national emblem, to symbolize this fledgling country was decided upon. The Bald Eagle, was adopted for Its fierce reputation, but In reality these statesmen chose a timid, fish and carrion feeder. Such Is the fete of newborn nations. Now, two hundred and nine years later, the flag Is being shredded by various Interpretations of Its original meaning. The nations symbol, too, Is reeling from bouts of habitat loss, poisoning, shooting and DDT eggshell thinning. Usted as Endangered In most of the lower 48 states, threatened by others, our expanding country had run rough-sh- od over Its very character. uncertainty. "The winter population would do fairly well (In light of some disaster).Hthe nesting populations are more difficult to predict, Nelson said. "These could go two ways essentlally.elther remain at the level It Is now, primarily because of the lack of additional territories for expansion or another very likely possibility Is the population will become lower or completely die out, due to present or Increased conflicts with man. If the current nesting populations bottom out, there Is a possibility that some of the wintering birds may fill this available spot But, If the conflicts are too severe, these birds will not attempt or may |