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Thursday, April 22, 2004
By Mary Gales Askren
Capital Journal
Although they will need binoculars, area residents currently have the unique
opportunity to view a pair of bald eagles nesting, according to wildlife
biologist Doug Backlund with the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks.
"The
nest was built five years ago, but eagles have never nested in it before," he
said.
The
nesting eagles are visible from the historical marker site at the top of the De
Grey hill 20 miles east of Pierre on S.D.
Highway
34. The nest – a large stick structure in a dead cottonwood in the reservoir –
is clearly visible among the smaller nests used by cormorants and great blue
herons, according to Backlund.
"From
the top of the hill, I can see a female in the nest incubating ... and the male
was setting on a dead tree near the nest," he said. "That's a pretty good
indication that they probably have eggs in there, which should be hatching any
day now."
Earlier
this spring a pair attempted to nest on La Framboise Island. Even though hiking
trails on that portion of the island were closed, the pair abandoned the nest.
Backlund said that a number of factors may have contributed to this.
"Sometimes they may build a nest and not use it the first year and come back the
second year and add a little more to it and not lay any eggs," he said. "They
get used to the site and get used to each other. Eagles generally mate for
life."
This
year, 32 active nests have been identified statewide. Prior to 1992, nests had
not been found in South Dakota for more than 100 years, according to Backlund.
That year, nests were found at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Karl Mundt
National Wildlife Refuge.
While
an estimated 100 eagles winter in the Pierre area, nesting eagles area is a
relatively new development. However, the habitat is suitable, according to
Backlund.
"They
need big trees to build their nests in because they build these huge stick nests
that can weigh hundreds of pounds," he said. "Cottonwoods that grow along the
river bottom are perfect."
In
addition, the Missouri River provides a food supply. The eagles also need an
area in which they will not be disturbed.
"They
are likely to abandon the nest if they get disturbed," Backlund said. "We
recommend that people stay at least a quarter-mile away from a bald eagle nest." | 
