Eagle, Seal Populations Are Up, But...

With the harshest part of winter ebbing, maple buds perking-up and crocuses waiting in the wings, we begin looking to spring and an outdoor enthusiasm bubbles to the surface. This has been a great year for eagle watching in Connecticut. When describing to folks weathering the cold to catch a glimpse of our very regal, yet at one time nearly extinct national emblem, I feel a giddiness inside as I pronounce to the crew who has spotted an adult Bald Eagle perched in a white pine, "Now look two trees to the left, and you will see four, much better camouflaged juveniles. Although we think of these birds as solitary, which they are during the breeding season, this time of year they can be, (dare I say it...) quite gregarious."There is an excitement among the group, many have never seen a Bald Eagle in the wild, most have never seen one in Connecticut. It’s a great day to be outdoors. Later in the day, I take a smaller group to a spot I stumbled across one day, a spot to see Harbor Seals hauled out of the water in a location easily seen from land.

These two beautiful creatures, although miles apart in appearance and lifestyle have at least one thing in common, a recovering population. At their lowest point, there remained only 400 Bald Eagles in the lower 48; today estimates put them close to 5,000. Since their reintroduction to the Quabbin reservoir in Massachusetts beginning in 1982, the population stretching into Connecticut has grown to over 100, including three nesting pairs. Similarly, the number of Harbor seals has slowly and quietly been on the rise along our shoreline. Currently, the Thimble Islands alone have become a wintering home for about 25 Harbor Seals.

Last year one of the three nesting pair of eagles in Connecticut abandoned their nest; the reason, too many people too close to the nest. The visitors did not intend harm, they just wanted to see the pair, perhaps take a picture, and maybe if they were really lucky, find a feather. But these are wild animals with a healthy fear of people. They do not differentiate between those that would harm them and those wishing to get a closer look. An eagle can see a rabbit from over a mile away - they see you before you see them. Harbor seals are habitual creatures generally hauling out on the same rocks at low-tide, but if disturbed they will leave their rock, and not return until the following low tide, losing valuable resting time. If either population is to recover we must give them the space they need to eat, rest and breed. As the days get longer and the sun begins to feel warm again keep a few things in mind as you head out to see what wild friends are about:

• Keep your distance - Binoculars and spotting scopes enable us to see a great deal without getting too close. If you don’t have binoculars/spotting scope, participate in a group field trip.
• If the animal sees you and stops what it was doing, back up slowly; give it time to get used to you. If the animal runs away, you have come too close.
• Avoid eye contact - Avoid staring at an animal, instead, gaze all around, keeping the animal in sight through the corner of your eye.
• Use the lay of the land - Use cover provided by the hills, rocks, gullies and ridges. Sit in front of things so your outline blends in with the surroundings.
• A bird that performs displays in front of you or flies over your head calling is requesting that you move away from its nest. Do so quickly, looking where you put your feet. Many birds nest on the ground and are vulnerable to trampling.
• Young that appear to be "orphaned"should be left behind. The parents are probably waiting for you to move on before they retrieve their offspring.
• View wildlife from appropriate distances - It is critical to view an animal at a distance where it feels comfortable. Observe the animal for any warning signs such as displays, calls, freezing, raising the head or interrupting of actions of any kind. Is the animal doing something different in your presence than it was when you first arrived? If the answer is yes, you may be too close, back up slowly.
• Stay clear of nests and dens - They are especially vulnerable to human disturbance.
• Use calls and whistles selectively - Calls, whistles and recordings interrupt an animal’s normal daily routine.
• Stay on the trail (even through mud-puddles) - Staying on established trails helps you walk quietly, minimizes habitat trampling, and keeps the trail from spreading.
• Respect trail signs - sections may be closed to the public for many reasons including re-vegetation and nesting sites. Obvious or not, the sign is there for a reason.
• Spread the word about appropriate wildlife viewing behavior - Teach others, including children, about the importance of not disturbing wildlife when viewing them.

I wish you luck and good sightings.

Submitted by SuZanne Botta

Home · Advocacy · Conservation · Biodiversity · Newsletter · Calendar · Education· Links
Email webmaster@menunkatuck.org
Last updated 18 September, 2004 .