Pair of Eagles Make A Temporary Home In Barnegat Township
President of Southern Ocean Birding Group believes pair are juvenile bald eagles
What is likely two juvenile bald eagles have decided to make at least a temporary home in the areas of Aphrodite Drive and Hannah Lee Road in Barnegat Township.
"My wife and I were sitting in the backyard, and we heard all this screeching going on, and we looked up and saw two of them flying around," said Frank Passenti, who lives in the neighborhood. "They are both pretty big, a 5-foot wing span I'd say. They were way bigger than hawks."
According to information on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife's website: "The bald eagle is a shining example of recovery in New Jersey. In 1973, when the Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act was passed, there was just one nesting pair, in a remote forest in Cumberland County. Today, there are more than 100 nesting pairs of eagles in the state."
The website notes, however, that these raptors remain on the endangered list, "due to their sensitivity to environmental contaminants, habitat loss and human disturbance."
Speaking on the Barnegat pair, Susan Puder, who is the president of the Southern Ocean Birding Group, said she believes they are juvenile bald eagles. She said that based on Passenti's and other neighbor's descriptions of the birds' size, and the fact that they do not yet appear to have the signature white head and plumage that is typically seen on bald eagles.
"It takes four years to develop the white head and tail plumage," she said. "And, people saw bald eagles flying over Manahawkin Lake during the winter, so they are in the area."
The Southern Ocean Birding Group was organized in September 2008 for its members to share just these types of experiences, Puder said. The SOBG presents monthly educational programs and field trips and meets at the Tuckerton Seaport in Tuckerton, New Jersey, and is open to the public.
The next regular meeting of the Birding Group is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Tuckerton Seaport at 7 p.m.
|
Sally Dusenbery Collins
7:47 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
There is a pair of eagles in Stafford Forge. They have had young the past 2 years as we see them all the time and I have been up close to the adult. They are incredible.
carolyne morris
8:37 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
i noticed so many different birds in the area! I am also noticing lots of Bats! Lots of insects-HUGE spiders spinning webs all over the Settlers Village area. I knew I saw EAGLES when I was driving but didn't mention it to my family, who humor me but still don't believe me, when I report such phenomena! Happy Bird Watching! (Sit by Barnegat Beach and look towards the Bird Sanctuary - Egrets, Swans - it's beautiful and takes one's breath away.
Terry F
9:25 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
We also heard and saw the eagles. They were huge. We were on our deck and saw them in our backyard. They had a distinct sound and had very large wingspans. We took pictures of them. They were beautiful. We thought they were golden eagles.
"Sandy" proof
9:56 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Our son is a professional Falconer. Think we'll take a ride tomorrow and see them. He'll know right away how young they are. He sees them all the time at work in Burlington and he loves it when everyday people take notice of any raptors around. Too many people forget to look up.
Colleen Platt
10:20 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
Thanks all for sharing your comments! Terry, I asked Susan about the eagles possibly being goldens, and she said she was pretty confident based on how they were moving (reported toward the ocean at certain times of the day) that they were bald eagles instead of goldens. She said golden eagles are exceptionally rare in New Jersey, but we'd love to hear more opinions or a confirmation if anyone knows for sure. - Colleen
Transparent C
11:43 am on Friday, August 31, 2012
I hope once they verify what type of Eagle they are the people in that area make sure the township puts a stop to their proposed clear cutting for another patronage builder they favor. The incumbent officials have ignored all sorts of information about endangered species in that wooded area - but if these are in fact bald eagles - the area should be preserved as eagles are territorial and will come back to nest again. I hope Donna Frank will come back and post an update after her son makes his observation.
Armando Quiroz
12:07 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
These birds are absolutely beautiful! I have noticed three cardinals (my favorite birds) in the Settler's Landing area. Generally, I see just one male each winter, so it was surprising and worrisome. I can't help but think the cardinals gracing the area above my home were forced out of the acres of woods (by the Barnegat trails) that was recently mowed down for more residential housing.
CSmiley
12:47 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
I've seen so many different types of birds this year and in large amounts. This year was the first time I ever saw Eastern Finches. Considering the northbound parkway trails are right behind my house, I expect to see lots more this fall. Carolyne, we too have been inundated with Black Widows, Recluse, Garden and various other spiders and the webs are EVERYWHERE!
Avenging Angel
1:46 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012
Leviticus 11:13 - And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey.