FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:MAY 5, 2010 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:JANE CHRISTYSON or BOB ROTATORI216-635-3200, EXT. 3229 or 3263Cell: 216-780-9592 (Christyson) Cell: 216-926-3250 (Rotatori) The second successful hatching of a bald eaglet in ClevelandMetroparks Rocky River Reservation was recently reported. This is only the second time in decades that eagles have nested inthe Rocky RiverValley, and the second confirmed nest inCuyahogaCounty. In 2007, the first pair of eagles in over 70years successfully nested and fledged young in CuyahogaCounty, inCleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation. Chief of Outdoor Education Dr. Robert Hinkle describes the nest as"Approximately 5 feet in diameter, made of sticks and about 60to 80 feet above the ground. The birds nested in a former hawk nestlast year and returned to the same location. The nest was damagedover the winter, but the pair rebuilt the nest and laid eggs. I am thrilled that this pair was able to hatch this chick andcontribute to the growing numbers of bald eagles in thisarea." "I am pleased that Cleveland Metroparks has provided thehabitat necessary for nesting bald eagles," said Chief ofNatural Resources John Mack. "This again confirms theimportance of preserving and protecting wildlands in urbanspaces." The specific location of the nest has not been disclosed. Humandisturbance can have an impact on the bald eagle, as most needprivacy and quiet to raise their young. Many times, peoplewanting to observe or photograph the eagles can disturb them enoughto cause them to abandon a nest. For this reason, the location willnot be made public and access to the area will be restricted. Go to Cleveland Metroparks Facebook page(facebook.com/clevelandmetroparks, and click "notes" tab)to see images and videos of the eagles and eaglet. Although recently removed from the endangered species list, thebald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden EagleProtection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal lawsprohibit taking, killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles,their nests or eggs. It's an eaglet! . . . in Cleveland Metroparks - part of yourlife, naturally.
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