April 9, 2005
Updated Bald Eagle Breeding Closures in AZ
Although the small section of Lake Pleasant that had been closed for a breeding pair has been opened as of 1 April, all other closures remain in effect. AZFGD provided these details on 8 April via e-mail:
Every year, the department closes about 19 bald eagle breeding areas during the winter and spring, in order to help protect the birds' efforts to produce young. Human activities and low-flying planes can disrupt breeding attempts. This year, the closure at Lake Pleasant is ending earlier than expected.
"The pair of bald eagles at Lake Pleasant laid eggs twice, but both of the breeding attempts failed," says James Driscoll, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Bald Eagle Management Program. "This particular female eagle is spending her first year paired up with a male in this nest at Lake Pleasant, and sometimes it takes a couple of tries before an eagle can reproduce. We expect better luck next year."
Closures remain in effect at several other locations in Arizona, including sites along the Salt, Verde, San Carlos, and Little Colorado rivers; at several lakes; and at Tonto Creek until June 30. The Lake Pleasant breeding area will close again on Dec. 15 for the next breeding season.