Laws that protect Bald Eagles today - Audubon EagleWatch

1 Laws that protect Bald Eagles today The Bald and Golden eagle Protection Act - BGE- PA Protects Bald and Golden Eagles with fines of up to $5,000. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act - MBTA protects migratory species with fines for violations ranging up to $2,000 and/or two years of imprisonment. The Bald eagle management guidelines to Florida - The National Bald eagle management guidelines - Audubon EagleWatch A Citizen Science Nest Monitoring Program Audubon EagleWatch is a program of Audubon Wildlife Alert is a reward program administered by Center for Birds of Prey and Audubon Florida. the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is dedicated to mission for persons providing information about a promoting a stewardship ethic towards Florida's wildlife offender.

2 Informants remain anonymous, birds of prey and their habitats through medical and are eligible for up to $1,000 reward if a convic- rehabilitation, interactive education and practical tion results. To report a Wildlife Emergency: 1-888- research. Each year the Center treats more than 75 Based at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, 404-FWCC. Bald Eagles with the goal of releasing them back Audubon EagleWatch seeks information about into the wild. Testimonials from Audubon EagleWatch Bald Eagles , active nest locations and possible Volunteers For more information visit our website at: , find us on FB or follow us on disturbances or threats to nesting activities. I've been in EagleWatch for 10 years now. When I twitter @auduboncbop As one of the premier Citizen Science programs started I didn't know there were bald Eagles in Florida!

3 Over the last 10 years we have seen the delisting of the in Florida, EagleWatch works to protect bald eagle and watched the population explode. I've enjoyed every single eagle and all of the people that I approximately 20% of the states nesting pairs. have met through the years that share their love for Eagles . - Barb Walker, Pinellas County EagleWatch EagleWatch is overseen by a very experienced group of 1101 Audubon Way people who have demonstrated their ability to imple- Maitland, Fl 32751. ment successful, on-the-ground conservation for bald (407) 644-0190 or Eagles . They have effectively integrated volunteer train- e-mail ing, nest monitoring, education and outreach efforts to better protect Florida's Eagles among a growing human population.

4 To donate to the Audubon EagleWatch program -Michelle Vandeventer, visit our webpage FWC Bald eagle plan Coordinator Join Audubon EagleWatch Bald Eagles Audubon needs dedicated volunteer citizen scientist to Bald Eagles , one of the largest birds in North America, The Audubon EagleWatch Program seeks to: help protect and conserve Bald Eagles , their nests and are native only to our continent and are a successful surrounding habitat. EagleWatch focuses on collect- example that protection under the Endangered Compile data for publication to document ing important nesting and productivity data on urban Species Act works. nesting activity nests around the state. Volunteers are located statewide in more than 40 Florida counties.

5 With more than 1,400 nesting pairs, Florida has one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the contiguous Emphasize monitoring of pairs nesting in artifi- Your data is important. As part of the Audubon United States, excluding Alaska. The nesting season cial structures to record long-term nesting trends EagleWatch program, volunteer participants are trained extends from October 1 through May 15, with individ- in general eagle nesting biology, applicable laws, the ual pairs often returning to the same nesting territory Identify potential threats to nesting success since identification of nest threats, monitoring techniques year after year. Most nests are located in the tallest pine most threats are related directly or indirectly to and the verification of previously unrecorded active or cypress tree near water or pasture land, although in human activity eagle nests.

6 Data collected is compiled and used to urban areas the birds are increasingly utilizing man- assist both state and federal agencies protecting Eagles made structures. and their habitat. Expand Audubon EagleWatch on a statewide The state's bald eagle management plan prioritizes basis while generating increased public awareness Your investment contributes to conservation education of the general public on remaining, post- of our national symbol. delisting legal protections for Eagles . Public outreach is As an EagleWatch volunteer, your investment of time, a an important component of the EagleWatch program Influence decision makers on appropriate protec- transportation and training is appreciated. Volunteers in order to ensure that Eagles continue to thrive in tions and conservation measures for both the are asked to donate approximately 2 hours a month Florida.

7 Education programs include current protec- Bald eagle and its habitats. to monitor, document, and collect important data on tions for Eagles and potential threats to nesting success. a specific eagle nest or nests. Volunteers must be able Threats to Bald Eagles include collisions with cars and to travel to your nest location. Staff works to mini- power lines, illegal shooting, lead and other toxins, Work with state and federal mize travel and match nest locations close to your loss of habitat due to development and fishing line agencies to assist with implementation area. Audubon EagleWatch trainings are free and held entanglement. of the bald eagle management plan , throughout the state. As a new volunteer, Audubon and to provide information to law recommends participating in a training workshop at enforcement when requested.

8 The beginning of the eagle nesting season. About the EagleWatch Program Benefits to volunteers The Audubon EagleWatch Program started in 1992 in the Central Florida region, with only 22 volunteers. Audubon values our citizen science volunteers. As an today the program is statewide, reaching more com- Audubon EagleWatch volunteer, you will gain exten- munities each year and continuing to heighten aware- sive knowledge of an iconic species and will be pro- ness of Bald eagle nesting activities throughout the vided with training and support from Audubon staff state. Audubon EagleWatch volunteers contribute sig- and other volunteers. You will be able to spend time nificantly to the conservation of Bald Eagles in Florida outdoors becoming part of an active community of by being the eyes in the field and citizen scientists that help protect Florida's lands and wildlife.

9 Advocates in their community. To be a part of this team of conservation volunteers email