| Bald
Eagle Use of Camp Navajo |
| |
 Background:
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a federally-listed threatened
species, and is considered a species of special concern by the Arizona
Game and Fish Department. Bald eagles are also afforded special federal
protection by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act which prohibits harming this species. Large numbers
of these and other raptors have been documented wintering in northern
Arizona, particularly making use of open fields in and around The National
Guard's Camp Navajo. The extent to which bald eagles use Camp Navajo
is of primary concern because the Army National Guard is considering
the installation of wind turbine generators on Camp Navajo. Wind turbine
generators have been implicated in causing the death of numerous raptor
species (for example, red?tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), American
kestrels (Falco sparvarius), and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos).
In addition, proposed forest restoration activities on Camp Navajo
may modify Bald Eagle winter roost areas.
Location:
During the winter months, the bald eagle is
a common resident on Camp Navajo, located about
10 miles west of Flagstaff near Bellemont,
Arizona.
Approach:
Captured bald eagles are fitted with Fish and Wildlife Service and color
alpha-numeric leg bands. Radio-transmitters are also attached after some
important measurements have been collected. This allows us to track individuals
and identify roosting and foraging habitats. We will also be able to identify
commonly used perches in the proposed turbine construction area. Through
this research, we hope to learn more about the complex relationship between
this majestic species and its habitat during the winter season.
Benefits:
The primary purpose of this investigation is to document the number of
bald eagles using Camp Navajo during the winter months. Such knowledge
will identify the potential impact wind turbine generators may have on
the wintering population of bald eagles in northern Arizona. Also, this
study may suggest wind turbine?related or habitat modifications that would
result in a lower incidence of eagle and other raptor mortalities. In addition,
we will identify roost areas that may need special consideration when Camp
Navajo implements their proposed forest treatments.
For more information
contact:
Mylea Bayless, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
.
Phone: (928) 213-9591 E-mail: mbayless@gf.state.az.us
Michael Ingraldi, Ph.D., Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
.
Phone: (928) 523-5625 E-mail: mingraldi@cybertrails.com |
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