Date: 5/6/26 10:01 am From: Linda MCELVANY <00000cecdd61bec7-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Protecting nesting Bald Eagles
Hi Margaret - Heading back to Whitcomb Quarry, Colchester, this week. Have two PEFA on and near nest. But - would you like me to put your email ALERT about BAEA nestings on VT Rare Bird listserv or did you do that. Linda McElvany
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:41:07 PM EDT, Fowle, Margaret <00000db05131094d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hi VT Birding -
This is a friendly reminder that this is an especially critical time during Bald Eagle nesting season. Most of the pairs are feeding small young, and it is essential that these birds are given the space they need feed and protect the young from the weather and potential predators. Disturbing these birds is against the law - disturbance is defined as anything that changes the eagle's behavior. For example, if an eagle stops preening to look at you, then you have disturbed it. Disturbances range from minor (above example) to major (flushing from the nest). The impact of disturbance on nest success can also vary from minor to major, up to causing a nest to fail, and frequent disturbance can cause a cumulative effect, meaning that frequent minor disruptions can be as problematic as infrequent major disturbances. Most of the time an eagle's behavior will tell you that he/she is uncomfortable long before the point of flushing. Learning these behavioral cues will help you know when your behavior is causing stress to the birds.
If you are at a location with a nesting pair, please keep your distance. While there are no formal closures around Vermont Bald Eagle nests, staying at least 1/4 mile away from the nest tree is crucial. No matter the distance, if you sense that the adults are reacting to your presence on any level, PLEASE retreat immediately.
Vermont is lucky to have a booming Bald Eagle population, and there are several sites now that are perfect for taking photos, but please refrain from doing so if it is causing disturbance. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at <margaret.fowle...><mailto:<margaret.fowle...> . You can also report disturbance to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000. Thank you for supporting this sensitive species.
Margaret Fowle
Conservation Program Manager
c: 802.238.0046
Pronouns: she, her, hers
