THE ARIZONA BALD EAGLE NEST WATCH PROGRAM
Arizona is home to almost the entire population of desert nesting bald eagles in the United States. The eagles live along
rivers and lakes in the upper Sonoran desert. In 1988, less than 30 nesting pairs lived in Arizona. Today, that population
has expanded to 43 nesting pairs in 2006. Protecting this small, unique population of
bald eagles is the equally unique Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program.
See photos of nestwatchers in action.
THE PROGRAM
The Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program is dedicated to the study and conservation of bald eagles in the Southwest.
A corps of paid Nest Watchers monitors the eagles during their breeding season. As many as 16 trained observers,
in teams of two, work in the field for the entire nesting season collecting data and protecting nest sites from natural
and manmade disturbances.
Although working conditions can be rugged and some eagle territories are in remote locations, nest watchers feel privileged to be
a part of the program and develop a special bond with "their" pair of eagles.
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Photo by: George Andrejko
AZ. Game and Fish Department
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THE GOALS
The goals of the nest watch program are:
- To protect the desert nesting bald eagles, their nests and nestlings
- To collect data on life history, nesting habits and surroundings of bald eagles
- To provide information for further conservation efforts for bald eagles
- To educate the public about bald eagles
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HISTORY
The Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program began in 1978 when US Forest Service officials in Arizona asked the local
Audubon Society chapter to provide an observer to monitor and protect a single nesting pair of eagles. Today, the Nest
Watch Program is coordinated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with input from the Southwest Bald Eagle Management
Committee. The committee is represented by 18 different agencies, tribes and organizations that provide guidance on such matters
as which breeding pairs should have nest watchers assigned to them.
WHY WATCH BALD EAGLES ?
The most significant problems affecting bald eagles today are human disturbance and loss of habitat. Bald eagles can be found near
water in areas that also are attractive to boaters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The eagles' survival depends on the quality of
life in these areas. Human carelessness can have serious consequences. Even passing near a nest may disturb the eagles and cause them
to abandon their eggs. Nest Watchers aid the breeding success of eagles by asking people to refrain from getting too close or disturbing
the birds. Nest Watchers also educate the public and solicit cooperation in protecting the future of bald eagles.
A SUCCESS STORY
The Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watch Program is the only program of its kind in the United States. Since its modest beginning in 1978,
the program has contributed significantly to the recovery, maintenance and growth of this unique population of desert nesting bald eagles.
The Nest Watch Program has provided valuable data on nesting and foraging activities, habitat use and food requirements.
Throughout the years, Nest Watchers have also rendered emergency assistance to birds in distress. For example, in 1984 Nest Watchers
stopped a bulldozer from toppling a tree with young in the nest. Also, that year, Nest Watchers plucked young chicks from a nest
that was in the path of floodwaters. These chicks were placed in the empty nest of another pair of eagles and later fledged successfully.
At another site some eaglets had fallen from their nests and the Nest Watchers put them back into the nest. The nine rescued eaglets
represented 60% of the Arizona's eagle production that year. The Nest Watch Program, proves that there is no substitute for living with
bald eagles to learn how best to protect them!
WHAT NEST WATCHERS DO
After a detailed orientation on eagle biology, management, protection, and data collection, each Nest Watch team goes to its assigned
area and makes camp. Arizona Game and Fish Department field biologists spend a day or two working with each team as it observes
the eagles and records data.
Once established, the team settles in for the eagle breeding season which runs from about February until June. Nest Watchers will
stay at the same breeding area throughout the season. However, if a breeding area fails, teams will be moved to another location
based upon which breeding areas are still active, what types of vehicles people have, and the management needs.
Typically, the Nest Watchers work ten days on and four days off. Most of their time is spent watching the nest through a spotting
scope and tracking the eagles with binoculars. Nest Watchers use photos, maps, and grids to record flight paths, perches, feeding
stations, and foraging areas. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not provide any housing; Nest Watchers camp out at the
breeding area and provide their own equipment and food.
Nest Watchers wearing official t-shirts and caps also protect breeding area closures by asking people to stay away from the nests
and reporting any airspace violations by low flying aircraft. Nest Watchers also provide information about bald eagles to the
public.
The Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program is soliciting contracts for the 2008 breeding season. Nestwatchers will
be camping on location for 10 days on, 4 days off work schedule. Contractors must have their own transportation to
and from the site (4WD preferred), camping equipment, and binoculars. Salary is $85.00/day. For more information on
the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web page
at http://www.azgfd.gov/inside_azgfd/employment_eagle.shtml,
call Kenneth Jacobson at (602) 789-3575 [after November 12th call (623) 236-7575], or e-mail at
baldeagl@azgfd.gov. If you wish to participate in this
nationally recognized conservation effort, application information can be acquired in person at AGFD headquarters,
downloaded from the AGFD webpage, or by writing Donna Bailloux at Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 West
Greenway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85023. Applications are available until November 29, 2007.
Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watcher Program Contractor Information :
2008 Notice of Intent for the Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program
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