FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 5, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
JANE CHRISTYSON or BOB ROTATORI
216-635-3200, EXT. 3229 or 3263
Cell: 216-780-9592 (Christyson)
Cell: 216-926-3250 (Rotatori)
The second successful hatching of a bald eaglet in Cleveland
Metroparks Rocky River Reservation was recently reported.
This is only the second time in decades that eagles have nested in
the Rocky RiverValley, and the second confirmed nest in
CuyahogaCounty. In 2007, the first pair of eagles in over 70
years successfully nested and fledged young in CuyahogaCounty, in
Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation.
Chief of Outdoor Education Dr. Robert Hinkle describes the nest as
"Approximately 5 feet in diameter, made of sticks and about 60
to 80 feet above the ground. The birds nested in a former hawk nest
last year and returned to the same location. The nest was damaged
over the winter, but the pair rebuilt the nest and laid eggs.
I am thrilled that this pair was able to hatch this chick and
contribute to the growing numbers of bald eagles in this
area."
"I am pleased that Cleveland Metroparks has provided the
habitat necessary for nesting bald eagles," said Chief of
Natural Resources John Mack. "This again confirms the
importance of preserving and protecting wildlands in urban
spaces."
The specific location of the nest has not been disclosed. Human
disturbance can have an impact on the bald eagle, as most need
privacy and quiet to raise their young. Many times, people
wanting to observe or photograph the eagles can disturb them enough
to cause them to abandon a nest. For this reason, the location will
not 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, the
bald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal laws
prohibit taking, killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles,
their nests or eggs.
It's an eaglet! . . . in Cleveland Metroparks - part of your
life, naturally.
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