When a nesting area of a Bald Eagle is disturbed the birds will abandon the nest and leave their eaglets to die. The largest threat, to the survival of the Bald Eagle, is humans. Noise made by people, motorized vehicles and boats will drive birds out of their habitat.
The United States Congress passed legislation protecting Bald Eagles and their nesting sites by making it illegal to get within 350 feet of a perched Bald Eagle or their nest. There is a fine of $100,000 and a one year jail sentence for violation of the law.
Friends of Irondequoit Bay Conservation Role
With the approval of the DEC, volunteers from, “Friends of Irondequoit Bay” installed fencing and signs to educate the public about the nesting site. Our volunteers patrol around the perimeter of the restricted area to ensure that no one goes within 350 ft of the nest or harasses the Bald Eagles.
Friends of Irondequoit bay and the Sierra Club organized an presentation to help educate our community about the bald eagles on Irondequoit Bay.
Click here to see photos about our educational presentation "The Return of the Bald Eagle on Irondequoit Bay" that was held on February 27, 2008
If you would like to help with our Bald Eagle conservation efforts please contact us.
How can I see these Bald Eagles with out disturbing them?
The best way to see the Bald Eagles, residing on Irondequoit Bay Wet Lands, is to enjoy some great photographs, taken by Mr. Bird Nerd. He took pictures of the nesting site, after a friend asked him to identify the birds living there. These photos were taken before “Friends of Irondequoit Bay” installed any signs or fencing. Mr. Bird Nerd has not been back to the nesting site since and he encourages you to do the same.
stay away from their nesting site and do not approach a Bald Eagle that is perched.