Colorado Windstorm Destroys An Active Bald Eagle Nest

Battling high winds isn't just a problem for people in Colorado, but animals too.

According to a report from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, an active Bald Eagle nest was completely destroyed by one of the most recent windstorms.

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The Bald Eagle, The Symbol of America

On June 20, 1782, the Second Continental Congress selected the Bald Eagle as the official U. S. National Symbol.

The Bald Eagle is unique to North America, and like Americans, these magnificent birds are strong and fiercely independent. The Bald Eagle serves as a symbol of strength and determination.

Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts

In the past, Bald Eagles were listed on the endangered species list, but they have since been delisted due to their rising population numbers.

However, Bald Eagles are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act which was enacted in 1940.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act:

prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from 'taking' bald or golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. Penalties increase substantially for additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony.

Bald Eagle Nest Destroyed at Barr Lake State Park in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife believes that on Wednesday, April 6, the nesting tree holding an active Bald Eagle nest was destroyed by powerful winds.

Every year since 1986, at least one pair of Bald Eagles has been observed at Barr Lake State Park. Unfortunately, this year disaster struck. Almost a year to the day prior, another Bald Eagle nest was destroyed at Barr Lake State Park in 2021.

“It is with a heavy heart that we report that our eagle nesting tree fell down in the windstorms last week,” said Park Manager Michelle Seubert. “This was a new nest that they started this year after the other nesting tree fell last year. We are hopeful next year they will choose the tree we put our wire basket in. You just never know what mother nature has in store for us.”

Sadly remains of the nest or eggs have not been recovered due to the high water levels in the area where the nesting tree fell.

In 2021, 122 nests were occupied by Bald Eagles at Barr Lake State Park, and 59 young eagles were fledged.

Let's hope that despite this setback, we see even more young eagles fledged in 2022.

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