In nature, it can be really special to encounter a bird like a Bald Eagle or a Great Horned Owl. A moment like this can be memorable or even life-changing. If you are lucky enough to have this experience, it’s still important to remember that certain bird species are highly sensitive to disturbance—by following a few rules, you can help protect them.
Disturbance is all about what the bird perceives. If a person is too loud, too close, or staying too long, it can affect how a bird assesses whether an area is safe. Around this time of year, eagles and owls are establishing and defending nesting territory, and can abandon their nesting areas if there is too much disruptive activity, even if it’s unintentional.
When you happen upon a sensitive species or an area where they may be present, be especially mindful to:
Keep your distance (if you notice a change in their behavior, you are too close),
Limit how much time you spend in their presence, and
Avoid broadly or publicly sharing the location where you found the bird or nest. eBird has a system in place to protect the reports and locations of sensitive species in Wisconsin and beyond.
The Long-eared Owl is a sensitive species in Wisconsin, hidden in eBird reports. This image by a photographer based in the Pacific Northwest was captured using a long lens and without a flash (photo by Mick Thompson).
Remember, the well-being of the bird should always take precedence over getting a close look or taking a good photo. Even if a bird choses to rest or nest in an area with human activity, do your best to reduce unnecessary interaction. The Feminist Bird Club has an excellent guide to ethical owling with additional important considerations.
Be aware that there are federal protections for eagle nests (whether occupied or not) under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act that require people to stay back 330 or more feet to avoid disturbing the nest. If you observe an eagle nest, you can report the location information to Brenna Marsicek, one of the coordinators of the Bald Eagle Nest Watch program, at bmarsicek@swibirds.org. The location information is kept confidential.
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Cover: Two Bald Eagles perch at their nest in a pine tree (photo via Pixabay).
