Bald Eagle Protection - 2007
Environmental Report Section 10.12.1.3
R. E. Durham, C. A. Duberstein, and M. R. SackschewskyOn July 9, 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the threatened and endangered species list. Following the federal delisting, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reclassified the bald eagle from threatened to sensitive in January 2008. Bald eagles on the Hanford Site are still federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Washington State bald eagle management guidelines recommend 400-meter (437-yard) buffers around active nests and communal roosts (RCW 77.12.655; WAC 232-12-292). Current protective measures on Hanford follow these guidelines. Buffer zones were resized around four traditional communal roosts and the active nest area near the White Bluffs boat launch. In addition, two new 400-meter (437-yard) buffer zones were established in the Hanford town site around active communal roosts identified during the previous two winters (Figure 10.12.3).
A pair of adult bald eagles returned during 2007 to occupy the historical nest site in the vicinity of the former White Bluffs town site. As of March 15, 2008, bald eagles were still being observed at the town site. However, researchers determined the historical nest site was no longer occupied by the bald eagle pair. Primary causes of eagle nest abandonment may include 1) adverse weather, 2) food availability, 3) human activity near the nest site, and 4) avian predator interactions (such as hazing and harassment by magpies and ravens). The causes of eagle nest abandonment along the Hanford Reach have not been determined.
