Eagle found in Connecticut could be added to endangered list

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A rare eagle that hasn’t built nests in New England since the 1990s could be added to the nation’s endangered list.

The American Bird Conservancy has filed a 22-page petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the eastern golden eagle under the Endangered Species Act.

It’s estimated that there are fewer than 5,000 eastern golden eagles in the breeding population. And although it used to be seen across the swath of the nation, the Connecticut Audubon Society has estimated that there are only about a dozen sightings of them in the state each year.

“I think they hold a special place for us in North America as a symbol of wildness and independence and freedom and strength and all these different things that we consider to be virtues of our country,” said Lewis Grove, the director of wind and energy policy at the American Bird Conservancy. “And I think that we have a higher level of responsibility to ensure that these things are a continuing element of our environment out there, because they really are inspirational and just remarkable birds.”

If the petition to add the eastern golden eagle to the threatened or endangered species list is approved, the birds would have designated “critical habitat” spaces protected, along with preservation measures.

Golden eagles, in general, can be found across the U.S. However, the population has been segmented, with a separate population to the east. Most of the birds now breed in Quebec, Canada — only a fraction of the land nests used to be spotted in.

“Given the lack of mixing with western birds, a decline to this small population could quickly spiral into complete extirpation,” the petition reads.

Adult golden eagles are brown, with a golden nape to their shoulders, and have wingspans of more than six feet.

“They’re these massive birds and they’re just absolute masters of wind,” Grove said. “They’re so powerful in the air.”

The eagles face unique challenges. They rely on the Appalachian forest corridor and ridge lines, often flying through off-road trails and using utility swaths in forests.

Grove said that means that if something impacts the forests, it also impacts the birds. A top concern is wind power developments across the ridgetops. While other species don’t have issues, he said the eagles can be affected because the same strong winds that are ideal for turbines also help with the birds’ migration.

Lead ammunition used for hunting is toxic to the birds, and the eagles can be electrocuted on power lines. Grove said possible solutions include lead ammo buyback programs and retrofits to power lines.

“We think those three kinds of things is three big ones together, could really, really pay dividends for this population,” he said.

The American Bird Conservancy petition has been in the works for years. Grove estimates it will receive a hearing by summer, and then the group will learn if it’s made it past the first level in the approval process.

“We’re hopeful that there’s really some good solutions to it and that these birds can continue to thrive in the east,” Grove said.

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