Photo by Wes Phelan.
Nick and Nora, our White Rock Lake bald eagles, are growing their family of two with the sighting of two eaglets added to the nest, Brett Johnson, conservation manager with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department confirms.
Since March, Johnson has been observing Nick and Nora’s nesting behavior. In April, Johnson spotted their two newest family members (neighbors have yet to give them a name).
Dallas Park and Recreation is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to provide technical assistance that protects the health and safety of the bald eagle family.
“The USFWS is glad to see the eagles have returned and have at least one eaglet observed in the nest,” said Omar Bocanegro with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We continue to coordinate with the City of Dallas to assist to ensure the nest is undisturbed.”
To prevent unintentional disturbance of the eagle family, Dallas Park and Recreation encourages park visitors to stay at least 300 feet away from the eagles. In January, an orange fence was installed around the nesting area to prevent eagle watchers from disrupting the nest. Dogs have been observed to disturb the eagle family, because of this, the city asks owners to keep animals on a leash. Spectators are urged to keep noise levels low near the nesting area.
The department has limited certain recreational activities near the nesting area at Lake Highlands Park.
Limitations include erecting a fence near the nesting area, actively monitoring restricted park areas and postponing construction activities and athletic tournaments.
Disruption of the eagle’s natural activities is prohibited and a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Many birds in North America are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, not to mention Bald Eagles are also the nation’s birds. Therefore, the city must assist them by sectioning off areas to aid in eagle nesting spots suitable for raising eaglets.
