Arizona bald eagle management program summary report

              ARIZONA BALD EAGLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
2004 SUMMARY REPORT
Kenneth V. Jacobson, Bald Eagle Field Projects Coordinator
Jorge S. Canaca, Bald Eagle Biologist
John G. Koloszar, Bald Eagle Biologist
James T. Driscoll, Bald Eagle Management Coordinator
Nongame Branch, Wildlife Management Division
Technical Report 247
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program
Branch Chief: Leonard Ordway
Arizona Game and Fish Department
2221 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023-4399
December 2004
CIVIL RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMPLIANCE
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission receives federal financial assistance in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information please write to:
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Office of the Deputy Director, DOHQ
2221 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023-4399
And
The Office for Diversity and Civil Rights
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4040 North Fairfax Drive, Room 300
Arlington, Virginia 22203
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The Arizona Game and Fish Department complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document is available in alternative format by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Office of the Deputy Director at the address listed above or by calling (602) 789-3290 or TTY 1-800-367-8939. RECOMMENDED CITATION
Jacobson, K.V., J.S. Canaca, J.G. Koloszar, and J.T. Driscoll. 2004. Arizona bald eagle management program 2004 summary report. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 247. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors acknowledge and appreciate the assistance of the following people: Nick Fiscina, Arizona Public Service; Dana Banwart, GeoMarine Inc. (U.S. Air Combat Command); Terry Gerber and Darcy Kinsman, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department; National Audubon Society (Arizona chapters); Dave Ritchie, Rio Verde Ranch; Marilyn Ethelbah, Tudor Montague, and Dixie Padilla, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; John Keane and Lance Stewart, Salt River Project; Stefanie White, San Carlos Apache Tribe; Amy Heuslein, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs; J.T. Hesse, U.S. Department of Defense (Luke Air Force Base); Ted Cordery, U.S. Bureau of Land Management; Henry Messing and Mark Santee, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; Greg Beatty and Mary Richardson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Janie Agyagos, Jim Copeland, Noel Fletcher, Cavetta Jones, Gen Masters, Vincente Ordonez, Heidi Planke, Mike Ross, Albert Sillas, Linda Whitetrifaro, and Todd Willard, U.S. Forest Service; Robin Brean, Verde Valley Railroad; Cynthia Dale, White Mountain Apache; Elisabeth Burgard, Barbara Jewett, and Robert Magill, Arizona Game and Fish Department. A special thanks goes out to all the winter count coordinators and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
This report, in part, summarizes the results of monitoring by the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program using the breeding area (BA) reports submitted by contractors in 2004. Those include: Steve Alsup and Lindsay Reynolds, Bartlett BA; Jean Carpenter and Ernie O’Toole, Box Bar BA; Sara Kennedy and Lyndsay Helleckson, Coolidge BA; Joe Peddie, Cresent BA; Suzanne Ehret and Robert Klotz, Ladders BA; Joe Peddie, Michele Young, Jean Carpenter, Luna BA; Belita Marine and Brian Gerber, Orme BA; Marie-France Julien and Melanie Pilon, Pinto BA; Adriane Albertowicz and Aran Meyer, Pleasant BA; Samantha Burrell and Carl Bullock, San Carlos BA; Jennifer Ottinger and Marion Finucane, Tonto BA; Chris Harrison and Joanie Smith, Tower BA.
PROJECT FUNDING
Funding for this protect was provided by: Arizona's Nongame Wildlife Checkoff; the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Heritage Fund; Arizona Public Service; Geo-Marine Inc.; Salt River Project; San Carlos Apache Tribe; State Trust Fund Grants; U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Department of Defense (Luke Air Force Base); U.S. Forest Service (Coconino, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (State Wildlife Grant); and Verde Canyon Railroad. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................4
Study Area.......................................................................................................................................4
Arizona Bald Eagle Winter Count...................................................................................................3
Introduction.........................................................................................................................3
Methods...............................................................................................................................3
Results and Discussion........................................................................................................4
Management Recommendations..........................................................................................5
Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Survey.....................................................................................................5
Introduction.........................................................................................................................5
Methods...............................................................................................................................6
Results.................................................................................................................................6
New Locations Surveyed.........................................................................................7
Historical BAs..........................................................................................................8
Survey Sites with Existing Large Nests...................................................................9
Breeding Areas.........................................................................................................9
Overview................................................................................................................11
Management Recommendations........................................................................................11
Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program.......................................................................................12
Introduction.......................................................................................................................12
Methods.............................................................................................................................13
Results and Discussion......................................................................................................14
Bartlett Breeding Area...........................................................................................14
Box Bar Breeding Area..........................................................................................15
Coolidge Breeding Area........................................................................................16
Crescent Breeding Area.........................................................................................16
Ladders Breeding Area..........................................................................................17
Luna Breeding Area...............................................................................................17
Orme Breeding Area..............................................................................................18
Pinto Breeding Area...............................................................................................19
Pleasant Breeding Area..........................................................................................19
San Carlos Breeding Area......................................................................................20
Tonto Breeding Area..............................................................................................21
Tower Breeding Area.............................................................................................21
Other Interventions............................................................................................................22
Granite Reef Breeding Area...................................................................................22
Management Recommendations........................................................................................22
Literature Cited.............................................................................................................................23 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Summary of the Arizona bald eagle winter count 2004......................................................4
Table 2. Summary of Arizona bald eagle winter counts 1981-1985, 1992-2004..............................5
Table 3. Arizona bald eagle productivity summary 2004................................................................6
Table 4. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, new locations.........................................7
Table 5. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, historical BAs........................................8
Table 6. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, nest sites.................................................9
Table 7. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, BAs......................................................10
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Location of known bald eagle BAs in Arizona, 2004......................................................2
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: 2004 Arizona Bald Eagle Winter Count Results......................................................25
Appendix B: Raptor Reproductive Status Criteria...........................................................................29
Appendix C: 2004 Arizona Bald Eagle Productivity.......................................................................30
Appendix D: 2004 Nest Survey Results........................................................................................32
Appendix E: Bartlett Breeding Area Summary.............................................................................38
Appendix F: Box Bar Breeding Area Summary............................................................................42
Appendix G: Coolidge Breeding Area Summary..........................................................................44
Appendix H: Crescent Breeding Area Summary...........................................................................49
Appendix I: Ladders Breeding Area Summary..............................................................................51
Appendix J: Luna Breeding Area Summary..................................................................................57
Appendix K: Orme Breeding Area Summary................................................................................59
Appendix L: Pinto Breeding Area Summary.................................................................................61
Appendix M: Pleasant Breeding Area Summary...........................................................................62
Appendix N: San Carlos Breeding Area Summary........................................................................65
Appendix O: Tonto Breeding Area Summary................................................................................68
Appendix P: Tower Breeding Area Summary................................................................................70 ARIZONA BALD EAGLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2004 SUMMARY REPORT
Kenneth V. Jacobson, Jorge S. Canaca, John G. Koloszar, and James T. Driscoll
INTRODUCTION
In 1978, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as amended (1973) in 43 states (including Arizona), and threatened in five others (USFWS 1982). In Alaska, the USFWS did not list the species and it does not occur in Hawaii. The USFWS downlisted the bald eagle to threatened in 1995 (USFWS 1995), and has proposed to delist in the future (USFWS 1999). Until delisting, the bald eagle remains protected under the ESA. Thereafter, the Airborne Hunting Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Lacey Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Arizona Revised Statute Title 17 will protect the species.
To enhance coordination, increase communication, and provide oversight for Arizona bald eagle management, land and wildlife management agencies formed the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee (SWBEMC) in 1984. The members include: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Arizona Public Service (APS), Arizona State Parks Department, Army Corps of Engineers, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Geo-Marine (U.S. Air Combat Command), Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department (MCPRD), Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), Salt River Project (SRP), San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT), Tonto Apache Tribe, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), U.S. Department of Defense (Luke Air Force Base), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), USFWS, U.S. National Park Service, and White Mountain Apache Tribe.
In the past, the Arizona Bald Eagle Management Program annually provided three separate technical reports summarizing Arizona Bald Eagle Winter Count, Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Survey, and the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program (ABENWP). This year, we have compiled all of this information into one report.
STUDY AREA
Statewide monitoring and surveys were conducted within five biotic communities, (Brown 1994): Great Basin Conifer Woodland, Interior Chaparral, Plains and Great Basin Grasslands, Rocky Mountain (Petran) and Madrean Montane Conifer Forest, and Sonoran Desertscrub-Arizona Upland Subdivision. Other biotic communities visited include Chihuahuan Desertscrub, Mohave Desertscrub, Sonoran Riparian Deciduous Forest and Woodlands, and Sonoran Desert-Lower Colorado Subdivision.
Most of Arizona’s bald eagle breeding habitat exists between 329 and 1719 meters (1080 and 5640 ft) elevation in central Arizona (Fig. 1). These breeding areas (BAs) occur within riparian areas of the Upper and Lower Sonoran Life Zones and transition areas (Brown 1994). Plant species vary in each of the five biotic communities. Characteristic species of the Great Basin Conifer Woodland are juniper (Juniperus spp.) and pinyon (Pinus spp.). Interior Chaparral is represented by agave (Agave spp.), crucifixion thorn (Canotia holocantha), evergreen oaks (Quercus spp.), manzanita Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 2
(Arctostaphylos spp.), and skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata). Typical species of the Plains and Great Basin Grasslands include bluestem grasses (Andropogon spp.), teddy bear cholla (Opuntia bigelovii) and prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), grama grasses (Bouteloua spp.), and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.). Species often found in the Rocky Mountain and Madrean Montane Conifer Forests are firs (Abies and Pseudotsuga spp.), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), oaks (Quercus spp.), pines (Pinus spp.) and spruces (Picea spp.). Common species in the Sonoran Desert-Arizona Upland Subdivision are barrel cacti (Ferocactus spp.), blue palo verde (Cercidium floridum), creosote bush (Larrea tridentate), foothill palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum), mesquite (Prosopis spp.), saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Goodding willow (Salix gooddingii), Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii), and introduced salt cedar (Tamarix spp.).
Figure 1. Location of known bald eagle BAs in Arizona, 2004.
The Becker BA is within a Plains and Great Basin Grassland biotic community (Brown 1994). An isolated patch of cottonwoods along the eastern shore of Becker Lake creates local nesting habitat similar to the riparian areas of the Upper and Lower Sonoran Life Zones.
Crescent, Dupont, Luna, Lynx, and Rock Creek BAs are in Montane-Conifer Forest (Brown 1994). Representative vegetation includes; blue spruce (Picea pungens), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) white fir (Abies concolor), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), and common juniper (Juniperus communis). Riparian vegetation includes narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), thinleaf alder (Alnus tenuifolia), Bebb’s willow (Salix bebbiana) and coyote willow (Salix exigua). Dupont, Lynx, and Rock Creek BAs are located in isolated patches of ponderosa pine surrounded by Interior Chaparral, which consists mainly of pinyon-juniper woodland, shrub live oak (Quercus turbinalla), pointed and pringle manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens and pringlei). Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 3
ARIZONA BALD EAGLE WINTER COUNT
INTRODUCTION
Because bald eagles are nomadic in winter, national winter surveys are an effective tool to monitor the species' success throughout its range (Stalmaster 1987). In addition, the identification of the bald eagle’s winter distribution in Arizona was a goal in the 1982 Southwest Bald Eagle Recovery Plan (USFWS 1982). The knowledge of wintering bald eagle habitat use allows for the consideration and implementation of management to protect important wintering areas. Although the USFWS has proposed to delist the species, the importance of the national winter count remains. Through each state’s consistent efforts, the winter count will continue to provide post-delisting data on national population fluctuations.
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) initiated and organized the national bald eagle winter count from 1979-1991. Arizona contributed this information from the 1970’s to the early 1980’s (for example Todd 1981). However, in 1986 they changed survey protocol to only count areas of high bald eagle concentrations (routes with more than 15 bald eagles observed in two or more years). Due to Arizona's lack of "concentrations," we contributed minimal information in 1986 and 1987, and surveyed only specific management areas from 1989 to 1991, such as Roosevelt Lake and Nankoweap Creek (for example Brown and Stevens 1992).
Arizona’s statewide winter counts resumed in 1992, using a combination of terrestrial (foot, boat, snowmobile, vehicle) and aircraft surveys (for example Driscoll and others 2004). In 1995, AGFD and the NWF established 115 standardized routes for Arizona’s bald eagle winter count. The U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division, Snake River Field Station (USGS), now coordinates the national winter count effort.
METHODS
We continued to use, and strive to complete, the established 115 standardized survey routes for the 2004 Arizona bald eagle winter count. Additional routes were completed and integrated into this document for management purposes, but were not included in the results to the USGS. We scheduled the winter count for January 6 to 12, 2004, which included weekdays for agency personnel and a weekend for volunteers. The short survey period minimizes the chance for any large-scale bald eagle movements between survey routes and related duplicate counts.
Due to the diverse habitat in Arizona and our desire to maximize (but not duplicate) statewide coverage in a narrow period with minimal effort, we used a variety of survey methods. The best method to survey the rugged terrain and deep canyons of a linear drainage is by helicopter. USBR and SRP contributed four days of helicopter time for two to three biologists and a pilot to fly 25 routes. While the helicopter’s altitude and speed were dependent upon terrain, height and density of power lines, and wind speed; a height of 30.5 to 61 m (100 to 200 ft) above ground level and 55 to 65 knots (48 to 57 mph) was optimum for observing bald eagles. Highway routes, large lakes, and point counts were surveyed by boats, snowmobiles, vehicles, and on foot. We solicited surveyors from cooperating agencies, and volunteers from private groups. We supplied survey forms from the USGS, and instructed them on the National Survey Protocol.
We classified the bald eagle sightings into adult, subadult, and unknown age classes. We advised the volunteers to be aware of the various near-adult plumages as they may be easily mistaken for full adult bald eagles. We also recorded sightings of golden eagles (Aguila chrysaetos) during the Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 4
survey, but did not report them in this document. We broke the data into two sections for comparison: 1) the terrestrial survey by county, and 2) the helicopter survey (Appendix A).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The 2004 Arizona bald eagle winter count tallied 369 bald eagles (Table 1). We documented 243 adults (65.9%), 113 subadults (30.6%), and 13 unknown eagles (3.5%). The highest number of bald eagles occurred on the lower Black River (n=67). An additional 46 eagles were counted on non-standardized routes (Appendix A).
Table 1. Summary of the Arizona bald eagle winter count 2004 .
County
Routes
Minutes
Adult
Subadult
Unknown
Total
Total/minute
Verde River drainage
3
273
24
12
0
36
0.1319
Salt River drainage
11
251
98
38
0
136
0.5418
Gila River drainage
7
166
18
9
0
27
0.1627
Various helicopter
4
8
1
2
0
3
0.3750
Apache
17
706
9
5
4
18
0.0255
Cochise
2
183
1
1
0
2
0.0109
Coconino
29
4,137
45
20
6
71
0.0172
Graham
1
270
6
3
0
9
0.0333
Greenlee
1
50
0
0
0
0
0
Maricopa
Not Surveyed
Mohave
4
1,458
11
3
0
14
0.0096
Navajo
19
819
24
17
2
43
0.0525
Pima
1
60
0
0
0
0
0
Pinal
1
40
0
0
0
0
0
Santa Cruz
4
240
0
0
0
0
0
Yavapai
6
1,926
6
3
1
10
0.0052
Yuma and LaPaz
Not Surveyed
Totals
110
10,587
243
113
13
369
0.0349
Of the 115 standardized routes, Arizona completed 110 (95.7%). Surveyors spent a total of 10,587 minutes (176.5 hours) searching. The greatest survey effort was in Coconino County, where volunteers searched for 4,137 minutes (68.9 hours). The most efficient method of counting was by helicopter. We counted 202 bald eagles in 698 minutes (11.6 hours). This represented 0.2894 bald eagles observed per minute. The most efficient volunteer ground effort (in counties with more than one survey route) occurred in Navajo County where they observed 0.0525 bald eagles per minute.
The 369 bald eagles counted in the 2004 Arizona winter count was above the average 327 bald eagles counted annually since the survey routes were standardized in 1995 (Table 2). Including this year, Arizona counts an average of 332 bald eagles during the winter. In addition, we completed 110 (95.7%) of the 115 standardized routes. This matches the 2000 and 2003 surveys for the most routes completed.
In 2004, the percentage of adults (65.9%), subadults (30.6%), and unknown bald eagles (3.5%) counted was relatively similar to the national average of 67% adults from 1986-2000 (Steenhof and others 2002). Statewide winter counts from 1981 to 1985 and 1992 to 2003 averaged 64% adults (n=2951), 33% subadults (n=1534), and 2% unknown (n=115).
Arizona’s extended drought has dried many high country lakes, smaller cattle tanks, and has lowered most of the larger reservoirs. Mild weather conditions during the 2003-2004 winter allowed existing waters to remain clear of ice, and the lack of precipitation minimized turbidity in the Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 5
flowing river systems. Even though open water was limited in certain areas, we believe the mild weather dispersed the bald eagles statewide. The only unexpected concentrations include 15 eagles at Rainbow Lake and 11 eagles at Showlow Lake. Historic record highs for these two survey sites were nine and five, respectively.
1The effort for the 1981-1984 counts was described in miles flown.
Table 2. Summary of Arizona bald eagle winter counts 1981-1985, 1992-2004.
Year
Survey Time
Birds/minute
Adults
Subadults
Unknown
Total
1981
-1
-
103 (63%)
60 (36%)
2 (1%)
165
1982
-
-
135 (64%)
72 (34%)
3 (2%)
210
1983
-
-
104 (66%)
53 (33%)
1 (1%)
158
1984
-
-
159 (71%)
63 (28%)
3 (1%)
225
1985
-
-
78 (66%)
40 (34%)
--
118
1992
9,801
0.0230
145 (65%)
70 (31%)
10 (4%)
225
1993
9,938
0.0187
133 (71%)
46 (25%)
7 (4%)
186
1994
7,949
0.0457
263 (72%)
96 (26%)
4 (1%)
363
19952
9,563
0.0259
164 (66%)
76 (31%)
8 (3%)
248
1996
7,255
0.0498
232 (64%)
127 (35%)
2 (1%)
361
1997
7,718
0.0444
193 (56%)
134 (39%)
16(5%)
343
1998
7,1903
0.0416
183 (63%)
103 (36%)
4(1%)
290
1999
8,3783
0.0500
248 (62%)
144 (36%)
11 (3%)
403
2000
9,4023
0.0346
202 (62%)
115 (35%)
8 (2%)
325
2001
8,7263
0.0248
141 (66%)
70 (32%)
5 (2%)
216
2002
9,032
0.0445
236 (59%)
147 (37%)
19 (5%)
402
2003
10,0363
0.0360
232 (64%)
118 (33%)
12 (3%)
362
2004
10,587
0.0349
243 (66%)
113 (31%)
13 (3%)
369
Totals
115,575
0.0430
3194 (64.3%)
1647 (33.1%)
128 (2.6%)
4969
2Beginning of 115 standardized routes derived from the 1992-1994 surveys.
3Some survey times not recorded. Times averaged from reported times of previous counts.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Continue to conduct the annual winter count with the 115 standardized routes.
2. Continue to encourage consistency by winter count surveyors to follow established routes and methods for long-term analysis potential.
3. Continue updating the Nongame Branch bald eagle winter count database with core information from the standardized survey forms.
4. Compile spatial data from winter count survey maps to document the location and abundance of wintering eagles, spatially identify important habitat use areas, and develop statewide maps for distribution to cooperating agencies.
5. Continue to document the location and cause of wintering bald eagle mortalities in Arizona, and follow up with appropriate management.
ARIZONA BALD EAGLE NEST SURVEY
INTRODUCTION
The bald eagle nest survey enhances our understanding of breeding bald eagle ecology in Arizona. Discovery of new BAs and alternate nests, coupled with the knowledge of current and historical BAs, allows for an accurate description of the distribution, status, and annual Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 6
productivity of Arizona’s breeding population. Timely discovery of BAs also identifies sensitive areas requiring proactive management from potentially adverse impacts.
In 1972, concern about the bald eagle population’s decline nationwide prompted surveys for the species throughout Arizona (Rubink and Podborny 1976). These annual surveys have continued to the present, excluding 1976 and 1977 (for example Canaca and others 2004). The AGFD administered and performed the 2004 nest survey, in cooperation with the SWBEMC.
METHODS
Habitat quality, the presence of nests, previous bald eagle sightings, and spacing prioritized survey areas. We monitored breeding activity at current and historical BAs, and nest sites discovered between 1992 and 2004 (for example Canaca and others 2004). We also investigated reports of bald eagles and nests by other agencies, biologists, and the public. A one to three person team conducted surveys between January and June 2004. Winter count flights (January) and monthly occupancy and reproductive assessment (ORA) flights (February to June) were used to locate nests and survey for new BAs. Timing of the ORA flights corresponded with the different breeding stages (that is incubation, nestling, fledgling).
Boats, helicopters, and vehicles were used to access survey areas. Helicopters, provided by APS, SRP, and USBR, flew at approximately 70 meters (200 ft) above ground level and at 50 to 60 knots (45 to 70 mph). Drainage topography, high-tension wires, and wind influenced altitude and speed. If nest occupancy could not be determined from the air, a ground survey ensued. We used Questar® spotting scopes (40-160x), binoculars (10x), and nest map atlases from Hunt and others (1992) and SRP (1998) to relocate historical BAs, and find alternate nests in existing BAs. Numbers assigned to new nests were consecutive with the last number assigned within that BA. Nest numbers assigned before this document are found in previous Arizona bald eagle nest survey reports (for example Canaca and others 2004).
Determination of breeding status followed operational definitions derived from Postupalsky (1974, 1983) and Steenhof and Kochert (1982) (Appendix B). “Tall” and “short,” “large” and “small” are terms used in this report to describe heights of cliffs, and the size of trees and nests. “Tall” and “large” refer to substrates suitable for breeding bald eagles as compared to current Arizona bald eagle nests and locations. The terms “small” and “short” refer to structures of inadequate height and size.
RESULTS
We examined all known BAs (n=46) for breeding activity (Fig. 1). Of 40 occupied BAs, 39 pairs attempted to breed, and 27 pairs successfully produced 42 fledglings (Table 3, Appendix C). Significant findings of the 2004 nest survey include seven new alternate bald eagle nests and ten fallen nests.
Table 3. Summary of Arizona bald eagle productivity 2004.
Number of BAs
46
Number of Active BAs
39
Number of Occupied BAs
40
Number of Failed Breeding Attempts
12
Number of Eggs
59
Number of Successful Breeding Attempts
27
Nest Success = 27/40
0.68
Number of Young Hatched
50
Number of Young Fledged
42
Mean Brood Size = 42/27
1.56
Productivity = 0.68 x 1.56
1.05Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
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Results of the individual flights are located in Appendix D. Areas worthy of further discussion (bald eagle observations, fallen nests, new nests, potential nest sites) are described here. Nest locations are sensitive data, considered confidential by AGFD, and omitted from this report. Management agencies requiring specific locations should contact the AGFD Heritage Data Management System at (602) 789-3612.
New Locations Surveyed (Table 4)
Black River. – With suitable habitat on the lower Black River, we monitored this watershed for evidence of new BAs. Although two adult bald eagles were observed in March, no breeding activity was documented.
Burnt Point. - Over the past few years, we have received multiple reports of bald eagles: foraging on the Payson golf course, near Cold Springs, along the upper East Verde, and have recovered a dead adult bald eagle north of Payson. Those reports continued in 2004 with the sighting of a potential nest and adult bald eagles on the Mogollon Rim cliffs of Burnt Point, northeast of Payson. We surveyed the area in March and found several small nests, but no bald eagles.
Del Rio Ponds. - Isolated stands of cottonwood trees adjacent to the Del Rio ponds (south of Sullivan Lake in the Chino Valley) seem to attract wintering bald eagles. We surveyed in January, February, and March but found no nests or breeding activity.
Salt/Gila river confluence. - We received multiple reports of nesting bald eagles east of the confluence of the Salt and Gila rivers, West of Phoenix. A ground visit on January 14 and two helicopter surveys in February and March rendered no new nests, although one sub-adult bald eagle and four ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) were observed. Nesting substrate, open water, and foraging potential were available but sporadic. Many trees were small and water was often intermittent with dense overgrowth. However, waterfowl and fish concentrations seem to be sufficient to support a breeding pair.
Salt River/Tempe Town Lake. - During the winter, consultants with the Federal Aviation Administration reported sightings of bald eagles foraging on Tempe Town Lake, and possibly occupying a nest upstream near the Highway 101/202 interchange. Surveys in March and May yielded a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaciensis) nest, but no bald eagles were found.
Willow Springs Lake. – With the expansion of bald eagles in the White Mountains, we continue to survey the Mogollon Rim Lakes for bald eagle nests. In April, we found an osprey incubating in a new nest (#1) below the Willow Springs Lake dam and two osprey using the lake. In May, one adult bald eagle was observed at the SW end of the lake. No bald eagle nests or breeding activity was observed.
Table 4. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, new locations.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Aqua Fria River
2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Bear Canyon Lake
4/21, 5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. 4/21 - Two ospreys in area.
Big Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Black River
3/11
Helicopter
Two adults in area.
Blue Ridge Reservoir
4/21
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Burnt Point
3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
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Table 4. continued.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Del Rio Ponds
1/5, 2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests. 1/5 - Two adults and two sub adults in area. 2/2 - One adult and five subadults in area.
East Clear Creek
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Gleason Flat
1/30, 3/11, 3/31
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Goldwater Lake
2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Hawley Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Horseshoe Cienega Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Lee Valley Reservoir
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Pacheta Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Pecks Lake
1/5
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Railroad Bridge
4/21, 5/3
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Reservation Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Roosevelt Lake
1/6, 5/4, 6/6
Helicopter
No new nests. 1/6 - Eleven adults and ten subadults in area. 5/4 - One adult at each of the two major inflows. 6/6 - Four adults and three subadults on lake.
Salt/Gila Rivers
1/14, 2/2, 3/12
Ground
Helicopter
No new nests. 2/2 - One subadult in area. 3/12 - Four ospreys in area.
Salt River/Tempe Town Lake
3/12, 5/3
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. 3/12 - Red-tailed hawk nest.
Sunrise Lake
5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Willow Springs Lake
4/21, 5/4
Helicopter
4/21 - One osprey incubating in new nest #1 below dam. Two ospreys on lake. 5/4 - One adult perched on the SW end of lake.
West Clear Creek
1/5
Helicopter
No new nests. One adult in area.
Historical BAs (Table 5)
Bronco, Eagle, LF, Muldoon, Lost Mule (Natanes ), Red Hill, Seven Mile, Sullivan, and Willow. – The Bronco, Eagle, LF, Muldoon, Lost Mule (Natanes), Red Hill, Seven Mile, Sullivan, and Willow historical BAs were documented by Hunt (1992). After researching the history of these BAs and applying our definitions, we found no evidence that bald eagles used or occupied these nests. Therefore, we have removed these BAs from their historical designation and placed them under Survey Sites with Existing Large Nests. Arizona now has 13 historical BAs.
Camp Verde. - Camp Verde BA has remained unoccupied after the only known nest was lost in the floods of 1993. We designated this BA as historical in 2004 after being unoccupied for ten consecutive years. No new nests or bald eagles were observed when we surveyed in February and March.
Table 5. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, historical BAs.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Ash
1/6
Helicopter
No new nests. One adult in area.
Camp Verde
2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Chino
3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Devil’s Post
3/12
Helicopter
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Mule Hoof
1/7, 1/30, 3/11, 5/4
Helicopter
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 9
Survey Sites with Existing Large Nests (Table 6)
Chevelon. - The April and May flights in Chevelon Canyon were limited by high winds, however the existing nest was not observed on either and is presumed fallen. No new nests or bald eagles were observed.
Muldoon. - Bald eagles have been consistently observed in the Muldoon area on the January, February, and March flights since 2000. We again surveyed this area during these flights in 2004. Since all known nests were empty and no new nests have been found, we assume the bald eagles observed are wintering and using the unoccupied habitat of the upper Verde River.
Mogollon Rim Lakes. - Despite reports of bald eagle activity near the Mogollon Rim lakes, no new nests or breeding activity was documented in April and May. Ospreys with active nests at Knoll, Willow Springs (see New Locations Surveyed), and Woods Canyon lakes suggest there is a sufficient prey base for bald eagles to occupy these in the future.
Table 6. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, nest sites.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Chevelon
4/21, 5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. 5/4 – Nest #1 fell.
Eagle
1/8
Helicopter
No new nests. One adult in area.
Granite
1/5, 2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Hell Point
1/5, 2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
All known nests empty. 1/5 – One adult in area.
Knoll Lake
4/21, 5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. 4/21 – One osprey incubating in nest #1.
LF
1/5, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests. 1/5 – Two adults in area.
Muldoon
1/5, 2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
All known nests empty. 1/5 – Three subadults in area. 2/2 – One adult in area. 3/12 – One adult in area.
Sullivan Lake
1/5, 2/2, 3/12
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Willow
1/8
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles.
Woods Canyon
4/21, 5/4
Helicopter
No new nests or bald eagles. 4/21 - One osprey incubating. Two ospreys on lake.
Breeding Areas (Table 7)
Canyon. - Canyon nest #8 fell before January, and nest #5 had fallen by March. All known nests were empty and no bald eagles were observed when surveyed on five flights.
Cedar Basin. - In March, we located a new sycamore tree nest (#8) 13 km upstream from nest #3.
Cibecue. - In March, a golden eagle was incubating in nest #6. In May, an addled egg was observed in nest #2 suggesting the pair laid eggs and failed, although no bald eagles were observed on the four previous flights.
Cliff. - A single adult was observed in January and March. No new nests were found.
Coldwater. - Nest #1 fell before January, and nest #3 fell before the February.
Granite Reef. - In January, we found two adults in a new cottonwood tree nest (#4) downstream of nest #2. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 10
Lone Pine. – In January, one adult was found standing in a new sycamore tree nest (#5) upstream from nest #2.
Lynx. – After loosing nest #1 on April 1, 2003, we surveyed the lake by helicopter from January to March 2004. In March, we found an adult incubating in a new ponderosa pine tree nest (#2) approximately 0.5 km from the lake.
Pinto. - In January, we found an adult standing in a new cottonwood tree nest (#6). The new nest is located on Meddler Point, upstream of Campaign Bay.
Rodeo. - Nest #1 fell before January.
San Carlos. - Nest #2 fell before January.
76. - In January, we found the supporting branch for nest #3 had broken and two adults in the area. In February, we found a new nest #4 in the same tree as nest #3, and one adult in the area.
Sheep. - In January, we found the supporting branch for nest #3 broke. In February, we found one adult incubating in a new cottonwood tree nest #4.
Winkelman. - Nest #2 fell before January.
Table 7. 2004 Arizona bald eagle nest survey summary, breeding areas.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Canyon
1/6, 1/30, 3/11, 3/31, 5/4
Helicopter
1/6 – Nest #8 fell. 3/11 – Nest #5 fell. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cedar Basin
1/7, 1/30, 3/11, 5/4
Helicopter
1/7 – Two adults upstream. 1/30 – Two adults upstream. 3/11 –New nest #8.
Cibecue
1/7, 1/30, 3/11, 5/4
Helicopter
3/11 – Golden eagle incubating in nest #6. 5/4 – Addle egg in nest #2.
Cliff
1/5, 2/2, 3/12, 5/3
Helicopter
1/5 – One adult in area. 3/11 – One adult downstream of nest area.
Coldwater
1/5, 2/2, 3/12, 5/3, 6/6
Helicopter
1/5 – Nest #1 fell. 2/2 - Nest #3 fell.
Dupont
1/30, 3/11
Helicopter
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Granite Basin
1/6, 1/30, 3/11, 3/31
Helicopter
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Granite Reef
1/6, 1/30
Helicopter
1/6 – Two adults standing in new nest #4.
Lone Pine
1/7, 1/30, 3/11, 5/4, 6/6
Helicopter
1/7 – Two adults and two subadults in area. 1/30 – One adult standing in new nest #5.
Lynx
2/2, 3/12, 5/3, 6/6
Helicopter
2/2 – One adult and three subadults in area. 3/12 – One adult incubating in new nest #2.
Pinto
1/6, 1/30
Helicopter
1/6 – One adult standing in new nest #6. 1/30 – Two adults standing in nest #6.
Rodeo
1/5
Helicopter
Nest #1 fell.
San Carlos
1/6
Helicopter
1/6 – Nest #2 fell.
76
1/6, 1/30, 3/31, 5/4
Helicopter
1/6 – Nest #3 supporting branch fell. Two adults in area 1/30 – Found new nest #4. One adult in area. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 11
Table 7. continued.
Location
Date
Survey Method
Results
Sheep
1/6, 1/30, 3/31, 5/4, 6/6
Helicopter
1/6 – Nest #3 supporting branch fell. 1/30 – One adult incubating in new nest #4.
Winkelman
1/6, 1/30, 3/11
Helicopter
1/6 – Nest #2 fell. No new nests or bald eagles.
Overview
Significant findings of the 2004 Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Survey include the discovery of seven new alternate nests and ten nests that had fallen. The Camp Verde BA was designated historical after being unoccupied for ten consecutive years. The Bronco, Eagle, LF, Muldoon, Lost Mule (Natanes), Red Hill, Seven Mile, Sullivan, and Willow BAs were reclassified as Nest Sites upon review of historical literature and the applications of our definitions.
Nest surveys in the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim area will require more attention as the population grows. In the White Mountains, bald eagle breeding activity has expanded to include the Crescent Lake BA which successfully produced young this year. Considering some of the Luna Lake fledglings are of breeding age, the Crescent BA is now productive, and the bald eagle’s high natal area fidelity, the White Mountains may become increasingly important for high elevation breeding bald eagles. The Mogollon Rim has suitable nesting substrate and hatchery-stocked lakes to support breeding pairs as well. The level of bald eagle reports and a May sighting of an adult at Willow Springs Lake indicate their breeding distribution may be expanding.
The continued creation and loss of alternate nests, coupled with the expansion and distribution of Arizona bald eagles, further demonstrates the necessity and importance of ORA flights. These flights allow for consistent monitoring of population numbers, distribution, and their reproductive success in the rugged terrain of Arizona. Without the aid of these flights, we would not be able to accurately document these important demographic parameters.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Future survey efforts should monitor historical BAs, potential BAs, and large nests reported in previous nest survey reports. These documents are useful tools for identifying occupancy trends, locating new BAs, and monitoring population expansion.
2. Bald eagles banded in Arizona have been observed near or on El Novillo Reservoir, Sonora. This suggests that the current distribution of our population may extend into Sonora, Mexico. Identifying breeding bald eagles, through banding, visual identification and transmitters would clarify the extent of which our population reaches into Sonora, and would help to accurately describe our survivorship estimates.
3. Surveyors should continue to use the nest survey, ORA, and winter count flights, in concert with follow-up ground surveys to inspect areas. From the air, surveyors can easily cover large sections of bald eagle habitat. Follow-up ground surveys thoroughly investigate an area.
4. Examine the following areas for breeding bald eagles and/or nests:
• Agua Fria River drainage – Up and downstream from Lake Pleasant.
• Big Sandy River drainage - Upper Trout Creek.
• Bill Williams River drainage - Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 12
• Black River drainage - Little and Big Bonito creeks to the confluence of the Black River, Paucity Creek, Pacheta Creek, Reservation Creek, osprey nesting areas on East and West Fork and main stem of the Black River.
• Central and Eastern Mountain Lakes – Bear Canyon, Black Canyon, Blue Ridge, Casadore Springs, Chevelon Canyon, Cholla, Christmas Tree, Doney Park, Dry, George's Basin, Knoll, Nash Creek, Phillips Park Tank, Paucity Lake, Point of Pines, Roger's, Tonto, Willow Springs.
• Colorado River drainage - Lake Mead (Grand Wash), Gene Wash Reservoir, Nankoweap Creek, Lee's Ferry.
• Little Colorado River drainage – Forest Service Road 113 to Lyman Lake.
• North Fork of White River - Known osprey nesting locations
• Gila River drainage - Lower Blue River, San Francisco River to Gila River confluence, Gila Box.
• Salt River drainage - Blue Point BA to Orme BA, Gun/Tonto creek confluence, Mormon Flat Dam, Redmond BA to Canyon BA, Cibecue BA to Cedar Basin BA, Tanks Canyon.
• White Mountain Lakes – Big Lake, Canero Lake, Lee’s Valley Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Nutrioso, Sierara Blanca Lake.
• White River – Whiteriver to confluence with Black and Salt rivers.
ARIZONA BALD EAGLE NESTWATCH PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
In 1978, USFS biologists and two Maricopa Audubon Society volunteers began to monitor bald eagles near Bartlett Reservoir to understand the effects of recreation. This monitoring effort eventually expanded to other BAs, and developed into the ABENWP. In 1984, the USFWS assumed coordination of the ABENWP on behalf of the SWBEMC, and expanded its scope. In 1991, after passage of the Heritage Initiative, the USFWS transferred the lead to the AGFD.
To address the needs of Arizona’s breeding bald eagles, the ABENWP operates with three goals: conservation, data collection, and education. Due to high recreation pressures along some of Arizona's lakes and rivers, land management agencies enact seasonal closures to protect the bald eagles during the breeding cycle. Nestwatchers interact with members of the public who enter these closures, educate them on bald eagles, distribute brochures, and/or direct them away from the breeding attempt. To help the land and wildlife management agencies make better bald eagle management decisions, nestwatchers collect basic demographic information and behavioral responses to human activities. Possibly the most tangible benefit of the ABENWP is determining when the bald eagles are in life threatening situations. Daily monitoring allows biologists to intervene in these situations, and eliminate/reduce the threat.
In this report, we summarize significant discoveries at each monitored BA in 2004. Detailed reports of each monitored BA are centralized at AGFD, and distributed to the appropriate land and wildlife management agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 13
METHODS
We select the BAs to be monitored by weighing the level of recreation activity and management needs. Included are those with seasonal closures (Bartlett, Box Bar, Ladders, Luna, Pleasant, and Tower), those without (Coolidge, Crescent, Orme, Pinto, San Carlos, and Tonto), and those monitored for opportunistic information (Granite Reef and Needle Rock). In the fall of 2003, we advertised the ABENWP contract positions through the American Ornithologists Union Newsletter, American Birding Associations Job Listing, AGFD Internet site, SWBEMC internet site, Society for Conservation Biology web page, Texas A&M web page, Wildlife Society web page, and at university and college job placement services nationwide. Presentations, brochures, and word-of-mouth also contributed to the pool of applicants.
We held two orientation meetings, and several question and answer sessions for the selected ABENWP contractors. The first two meetings offered an introduction to the program, background and the ABENWP's role in bald eagle management, and an explanation of data forms and emergency protocols. After the orientation meetings, the contractors chose a partner and BA, and were taken into the field. The question and answer sessions occurred after the first ten-day work period, and before every other ten-day work period thereafter. In these sessions, we discussed filling out forms, consistency in data collection, requirements for the final report, and any additional concerns or comments. When appropriate, additional problems or questions were handled on an individual basis.
Fieldwork began February 6, 2004, and continued until nestlings fledged. Teams of two nestwatchers maintained a ten days on/four days off schedule. During each ten-day work period, weekend observations were conducted from dawn-to-dusk to cover times of high recreation use, and document the resulting habitat use of the breeding pair. Monday through Thursday observations were a minimum of eight hours with emphasis on identifying territory boundaries, home range, and overall habitat use of the breeding pair.
Nestwatchers recorded bald eagle behavior and recreation use data from assigned observation points (OP’s) within the BA. We selected OP’s to provide optimal viewing while minimizing the impact to the breeding bald eagles. Alternate OP’s were identified when the breeding pair utilized areas out of the primary OP’s view. Nestwatchers were provided spotting scopes, Motorola radios, cellular telephones, and/or USFS radios for viewing and communication needs. We supplied BA maps with river kilometer designations, and a guide to commonly taken fish species. They recorded all bald eagle behavioral data on supplied field forms. Nestwatchers provided their own transportation, gas, supplies, binoculars, and housing on days off.
Within an arbitrary 1.0 km (3300 ft) radius of a bald eagle or active nest, nestwatchers recorded all human activity and the associated bald eagle behavior. They classified bald eagle behavior in response to human activity into seven categories: none, watched, restless, flushed, left area, bird not in area, and unknown. If the bald eagles performed their normal activities without acknowledging the human activity, nestwatchers recorded a "none" response. "Watched" was a bald eagle looking in the direction of the human activity without displaying any other observable reaction. If the bald eagle vocalized and/or moved noticeably without leaving the nest or perch, nestwatchers recorded "restless." If a bald eagle left its location quickly in response to a human activity, nestwatchers recorded a "flushed" response. "Left area" was recorded when a bald eagle became intolerant and flew away. Nestwatchers recorded a "not in area" if a bald eagle was not present, and an "unknown" response if the bald eagle could not be observed. To accurately describe activities that caused bald eagle behavior change, "restless,” "flushed,” and "left area" responses, are considered significant. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 14
At the Pleasant and Box Bar BAs, nestwatchers recorded human activity different than described above. They recorded compliance with the Pleasant BA closure by documenting the number of boats and jet skis approaching the buoy line and those that entered. If the watercraft entered the closure and proceeded past the nestwatchers, they were documented as "inside the closure." Conversely, they recorded those who complied with the closure or those who were contacted by the nestwatchers as "at the closure." Due to the high level of recreation activity at the Box Bar BA within 1.0 km of the active nest, nestwatchers only recorded the human activities and the bald eagle’s associated behavior that occurred on the east side of the river.
Nestwatchers documented all aspects of bald eagle behavior at their BA. They documented interactions with other wildlife; habitat use; forage events; frequency, type, and prey species delivered to the nest; incubation time; time attending the nest; and feeding frequency. In this report, we only discuss human activity, foraging attempts, prey deliveries, habitat use, and site-specific management recommendations.
Contrary to years before 2002, the nestwatchers focused data collection on habitat use of the breeding pair. This focus will help land and wildlife managers assess impacts of projects occurring within breeding area boundaries. Due to this shift in focus, some information collected historically has been de-emphasized. These include: inter-specific interaction, low flying aircraft reporting, prey delivered to nest, and other wildlife observed. In addition, nestwatchers were instructed to use the weekdays to document the locations and types of habitat use within the breeding pair’s home range. This prohibited them from consistently monitoring the breeding pair’s behavior at the nest. Therefore, comparisons to reports before 2002 may not be appropriate. Data collection on weekends remained the same with dawn to dusk monitoring of the breeding pair’s behaviors at the nest.
Management considerations included in this report are taken directly from the individual BA reports and therefore are not the opinions of the authors or AGFD. We have included them as informational material for land and wildlife management agencies reviewing this report, and for further discussion at SWBEMC meetings.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The ABENWP monitored 14 BAs in 2004. Those include: Bartlett, Box Bar, Coolidge, Crescent, Granite Reef, Ladders, Luna, Needle Rock, Orme, Pinto, Pleasant, San Carlos, Tonto, and Tower. The final status of monitored BAs was three failed, 11 successful, and 17 young fledged (Appendix C).
The Granite Reef and Needle Rock BAs were monitored opportunistically by nestwatchers at adjacent BAs; therefore, data for these BAs are not included in this report.
Bartlett Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to June 2. Total monitoring 87 days/898 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is unbanded in adult plumage. The female is blue visual identification (VID) banded on her left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage. She is possibly the 1995 Tonto nestling identified previously as the Bartlett male.
Management Activities. – 1) The USFS reinstated the seasonal BA closure. 2) The male and female nestlings were VID banded “17/C” and “17/D” at 4.5 weeks of age, respectively. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 15
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 306 human activities (Appendix E). Aircraft (small planes, helicopters, and jets) represented 90.5% of reported activity, watercraft 5.2% (canoe/kayak, rafter, and boaters), and terrestrial activity 4.2% of three different types. Eight activities elicited 12 significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless to three off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and one small plane and helicopter each. The breeding pair flushed in response to one small plane, helicopter, canoe/kayak, rafter, boater, and researcher each, and left the area in response to one boater while docking on shore.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 32 forage attempts. The male was successful in 43.7% (n=7) and the female in 62.5% (n=10). Fish accounted for 90.6% of the attempts, 3.1% mammals, and 6.2% unknown items. The breeding pair delivered 79 items to the nest. The male delivered 87.3% and the female 12.7%. The most common prey type was fish (81.0%), although birds (6.3%), mammals (5.1%), and unknown prey (7.6%) were taken. No prey items were identified to species.
Habitat Use. – The Bartlett nestwatchers identified 84 perch locations along the Verde River and four perch locations on Bartlett Lake. River perches spanned 5.5 km ranging from river kilometer (rk) 31.6 to 37.1 and lake perches spanned 7.3 km ranging from lake kilometer (lk) 42.3 to 49.6. The pair spent 75.2% of their time within the immediate nesting area between rk 34.6 and 34.9, 14.8% at rk 34.4, and 10% at the remaining perch locations. No boat was available to follow, locate, and document the pair’s use of Bartlett Lake, therefore information on lake habitat use is limited.
Box Bar Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to April 25. Total monitoring 50 days/498 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “5/G” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (Pleasant 1994 nestling). The female is blue VID banded “5/H” on her left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (Pleasant 1994 nestling).
Management Activities. – 1) The USFS reinstated the seasonal BA closure. 2) The owners of Rio Verde Ranch allowed ABENWP to camp and monitor from their lawn. 3) ABENWP contractors were active in educating the public visiting the Rio Verde Ranch and the campground at the end of USFS road 161. 4) The two male nestlings were VID banded “16/C” and “16/D at 5.5 weeks of age and fitted with satellite transmitters at nine weeks of age.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 71 human activities within the closure (Appendix F). Aircraft activity (helicopters, small planes, and motor para-gliders) represented 56.3%, terrestrial activity represented 42.3% of seven different types, and watercraft 1.4%. Three activities elicited three significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless to one gunshot, and flushed in response to one ATV and hiker each.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed three forage attempts. The male made one unsuccessful attempt for a fish and the female successfully caught two suckers on two attempts. The breeding pair delivered 91 items to the nest. The male delivered 58.2% (n=53) and the female 41.8% (n=38). The common prey types were fish (34.1%), mammals (19.8%), and unknown items (39.6%). No prey were identified to species.
Habitat Use. – The Box Bar nestwatchers identified 11 habitat use areas that spanned a 2.8 km stretch of the Verde River ranging from rk 23.1 to 25.9. The pair spent 42.0% of their time at rk 23.1, 35.1% at rk 25.0, 9.4% at rk 23.9, and 13.5% at the remaining perch locations. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 16
Coolidge Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 7 to May 2. Total monitoring 96 days/777 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male and female are both unbanded and in adult plumage.
Management Activities. – 1) ABENWP contractors were introduced to the SCAT police in an orientation session held on their first day in the field. 2) The SCAT Police visited the ABENWP contractors on a daily basis. 3) The one male nestling was VID banded “17/V” at 5.5 weeks of age.
Interventions. – On June 16, ABENWP contractors observed the 11.5 week old nestling motionless in the nest. AGFD biologists recovered the nestling on June 17. Heat stress was the likely cause of death.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 48 human activities (Appendix G). Terrestrial activities of six types accounted for 62.6% and aircraft (small planes, jets, and helicopters) for 37.4%. Two activities elicited two significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles left the area in response to one jet and helicopter each.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 26 forage attempts. The male was successful in 50.0% (n=5), the female in 68.8% (n=11). Of these attempts, fish accounted for 61.5%, mammals 15.4%, birds 11.5%, amphibians 3.8%, and unknown 7.7%. The breeding pair delivered 19 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 47.4%, and the female 52.6%. The common prey type was fish (89.4%), although amphibians and mammals were also taken (5.3% each). Of the nine items that could be identified to species, six were carp (Cyprinus carpio), two were catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and one was a sucker (Catostomus spp.).
Habitat Use. – The Coolidge nestwatchers identified 136 separate perch locations along the Gila River. River perches spanned a total of 3.8 km ranging from rk 23.9 to 27.7. The breeding pair spent 58.0% of the time directly in the nest area, 15.9% at rk 24.8, and 26.1% at the remaining perch locations.
Crescent Breeding Area
Observation Period. – March 10 to June 3. Total monitoring 45 days/263 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “8/R” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1997 Luna nestling). The female is unbanded and in adult plumage.
Management Activities. – 1) ABENWP contractors were active in educating the visiting public and talked to fisherman at Crescent Lake.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 528 human activities (Appendix H). Terrestrial activities represented 90.5% of four different types, 7.6% watercraft (boats, canoe/kayaks, and float tube), and aircraft (small planes) 1.9%. Fishermen accounted for 98.3% (n=470) of the terrestrial activities. Two activities elicited 11 significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles flushed in response to two fishermen and hikers each, and left the area in response to seven fishermen.
Food Habits. - Nestwatchers observed 60 forage attempts. The male was successful in 76.3% (n=29) forage attempts, the female in 86.4% (n=19). Of these attempts, 90.0% were for fish, 6.7% carrion, and 3.3% reptiles. The breeding pair delivered 34 prey items to the nest. The male delivered Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 17
61.8%, and the female 38.2%. Of prey items, the most common prey type was fish (79.4%), although carrion (11.8%), reptiles (5.9%), and mammals (2.9%) were also delivered. Of the three items that could be identified to species, two were Garter Snakes (Thamnophis spp.) and one was a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus).
Habitat Use. – The Crescent nestwatchers identified 12 separate perch locations around the lake. Perches spanned a total of 0.8 km ranging from lk 1.9 to 2.7. The pair spent 62.4% of their time at the nest (lk 2.2), 14.9% at lk 2.4, and 22.7% at the remaining ten perch locations.
Ladders Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to June 25. Total monitoring 104 days/878 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “9/W” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1998 76 nestling). The female is unbanded and in adult plumage.
Management Activities. – 1) The USFS reinstated a seasonal breeding area closure surrounding the nest area. 2) The USFS posted closure signs at the upstream and downstream access points to the Verde River. 3) The USFS provided contractors with a camping trailer. 4) Two male nestling were VID banded “17/R” and “17/S” at six weeks of age.
Interventions. – On May 6 during a banding trip, the nestlings were both were underdeveloped. The older nestling 17/S was underdeveloped by one week and the younger 17/R by two weeks. On May 16, the nestling banded 17/R died at 7.5 weeks of age in the nest with no obvious injuries. A combination of heat stress, competition with the larger sibling, and a Mexican Chicken Bug (MCB) infestation was the likely cause of death.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 261 human activities (Appendix I). Aircraft (small planes, helicopters, and motorized parachute) represented 41.4%, watercraft (canoe/kayak, boater, and float tube) 39.0%, and terrestrial activities of seven different types 19.6%. Three activities elicited nine significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless in response to two helicopters, and one canoe/kayak and agency worker each. The pair flushed to two canoe/kayaks and agency workers each, and the breeding pair left the area in response to one canoe/kayak.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 38 forage attempts. The male was successful in 54.8% (n=17) and the female in 42.9% (n=3). Of these attempts, 71.0% were for fish, 7.9% birds, 5.3% mammals and reptiles each, and 10.5% unknown. The breeding pair delivered 86 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 73.3% and the female 26.7%. The common prey types consisted of fish (87.2%), and unknown (7.0%). Of the 35 items that could be identified to species, 80% were sucker, 14.3% carp (Cyprinus carpio), 2.9% channel catfish, and 2.8% Sonoran mudturtle (Kinosternon sonoriense).
Habitat Use. – The Ladders nestwatchers identified 159 perch locations along the Verde River. River perches spanned a total of 6.4 km ranging from rk 157.7 to 164.1. The pair spent 65.7% of the observed time near the nest (rk 162.9), and 34.3% at the remaining perch locations.
Luna Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to June 6. Total monitoring 93 days/877 hours. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 18
Eagle Identification. – The male is black VID banded “Δ/A” on his right leg, USFWS banded on the left leg, and in adult plumage (1988 Texas nestling). The female is black VID banded “Δ/B” on her right leg, USFWS banded on the left leg, and in adult plumage (Unknown origin).
Management Activities. – 1) The USFS reinstated the seasonal BA closure. 2) Nestwatchers were stationed at the boat ramp to talk to fisherman launching boats. 3) The USFS housed the nestwatchers in a trailer. 4) The two male nestlings were VID banded “16/H” and “16/K” at 5.5 weeks of age.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 864 human activities (Appendix J). Terrestrial activities represented 61.5% of eight different types, watercraft (boats, canoe/kayaks, and float tube) 36.9%, and aircraft (jets and planes) 1.6%. Eight activities elicited 44 significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless in response to five picnickers and two jets. The breeding pair left the area in response to 18 canoe/kayaks, eight fishermen, five construction events, three agency workers, two snowmobiles, and one float tube.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 152 forage attempts. The male was successful in 49.0% (n=50) forage attempts, the female in 56.0% (n=28). Of these attempts, 59.2% were for birds, 27.6% fish, and 13.2% unknown. The breeding pair delivered 98 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 60.2%, the female 29.6%, and an unknown adult 10.2%. Of these prey items, fish accounted for 38.8%, birds 37.8%, carrion 14.3%, mammals 3.1%, and unknown 6.1%. Of the 64 items that could be identified to species, 59.4% were rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 40.6% American coots (Fulica americana).
Habitat Use. – The Luna nestwatchers identified 16 separate perch locations around the lake. Perches spanned a total of 4.8 km ranging from lk 0.3 to 5.1. The pair spent 43.3% of their time at the nest (lk 2.3), 39.0% at lk 2.5, and 17.7% spent at the remaining 14 perch locations.
Orme Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 7 to May 16. Total monitoring 80 days/620 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male and female are unbanded and in adult plumage. The Orme male is in a polygynous relationship with the female from the Rodeo BA.
Management Activities. – 1) The SRPMIC continues to restrict non-tribal member use of the river area. 2) The SRPMIC Police visited the ABENWP contractors on a daily basis and patrolled the nesting area during times of elevated recreation use. 3) Two male nestlings were banded “16/M” and “16/N” at 5.5 weeks of age and one (16/N) was fitted with a satellite transmitter at nine weeks of age.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 252 human activities (Appendix K). Aircraft (planes, jets, ultra-lights, and helicopters) represented 57.5%, terrestrial activity 40.5% of 13 different types, and watercraft (rafters and canoe/kayaks) 2.0%. Nine activities elicited 15 significant responses by the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless to one vehicle and flushed in response to four drivers, two canoes/kayaks, one helicopter, small plane, swimmer, birder, and agency worker each. The breeding pair left the area in response to one helicopter, agency worker, and rafter each.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 34 forage attempts. The male was successful in 66.7% (n=4) attempts, the female in 59.3% (n=16), and an unknown adult in 100% (n=1). The most common forage item was fish 58.8%, although birds 2.9%, and unknown prey types 38.2% were also hunted. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 19
The breeding pair delivered 53 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 28.3%, and the female 71.7%. Fish composed 60.4% of those items, 1.9% birds, and 37.7% unknown. No prey items were identified to species.
Habitat Use. – The Orme nestwatchers identified ten separate perch locations along the Verde and Salt Rivers. River perches spanned a total of 10.5 km ranging from rk 0.3 to 4.2 on the Verde River and rk 4.4 to 10.8 on the Salt River. The pair spent 93.5% of the time within the immediate nesting area between rk 0.3 to 0.4 (Verde River) and rk 5.2 to 5.3 (Salt River), and 6.5% spent at the remaining five perch locations.
Pinto Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 10 to May 21. Total monitoring 67 days/592 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID band “5/D” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1994 Blue Point nestling). The female is blue VID banded “2/H” on her left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1991 Alamo nestling).
Management Activities. – 1) The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Closure limited recreational activities on the west side of the Salt River.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 16 human activities (Appendix L). Terrestrial activity of three different types and watercraft (rafter, canoe) accounted for 37.5% each, and aircraft (helicopters) 25%. Two activities elicited a significant response from the breeding pair. The breeding pair flushed in response to one helicopter and driver each.
Food Habits. – No forage attempts or prey deliveries were observed.
Habitat Use. – The Pinto nestwatchers identified 17 separate perch locations along the Salt River. River perches spanned a total of 3.9 km ranging from rk 101.6 to 105.5 on the Salt River. The breeding pair spent 91.7% of the time at three perch locations within the nest area (rk 104.3), and 8.3% at the remaining perch locations.
Pleasant Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 7 to May 12. Total monitoring 66 days/609 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “W” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1987 Horse Mesa nestling). The female is unbanded and in adult plumage.
Management Activities. – 1) MCPRD reinstated the seasonal closure around the active nest. 2) MCPRD marked closure boundaries with buoys and signs. 3) Nestwatchers were stationed at the southern closure boundary to educate recreationists on the closure and bald eagles. 4) The female nestling was VID banded “16/U” at six weeks of age.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 115 human activities (Appendix M). Aircraft (small planes, helicopters, jets, and ultra-lights) represented 46.1%, watercraft (boats, skiers, and jet skis) 36.5%, and terrestrial activities (OHV and fishermen) 17.4%. Four activities elicited eight significant responses by the breeding pair. The bald eagles flushed to three boats, two helicopters, two jet skis, and one fisherman. Of the 1,482 watercraft that approached the southern buoy line, only 57 (3.8%) did not comply (agency boats omitted). Boats represented 94.7% of those non-Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 20
complying, and 5.3% jet skis. However, within the type of watercraft, only 4.2% of the boats and 2.1% of the jet skis did not comply with the closure. In addition, 78.9% of the violations occurred on a weekend.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed 12 forage attempts. The male (n=6) and female (n=3) were successful in all forage attempts, an unknown adult was successful in 50.0% (n=1), however tandem hunting (n=1) proved unsuccessful. Seventy-five percent of the attempts were for fish, 16.7% birds, and 8.3% reptiles. The breeding pair delivered 58 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 44.8%, the female 31.0%, and an unknown adult 24.1%. Prey items were comprised of 22.4% fish, 3.4% birds, 1.7% reptiles, and 72.4% unknown. Two prey items were identified to species with one smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieui) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) each.
Habitat Use. – The Pleasant nestwatchers identified 17 separate perch locations on the Agua Fria arm of Lake Pleasant. Perches spanned a total of 0.6 km ranging from rk 68.7 to 69.3. The breeding pair spent 63.6% of the time at the nest (rk 60.9), 21.2% at rk 68.9b, and 15.1% spent at the remaining 15 perch locations.
San Carlos Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to May 9. Total monitoring 70 days/701 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “11/E” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in near adult plumage (2000 Doka nestling). The female is purple VID band “Diamond D” on her left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1989 Bartlett nestling).
Management Activities. – 1) ABENWP contractors were introduced to the SCAT police in an orientation session held on their first day in the field. 2) The SCAT Police visited the ABENWP contractors on a daily basis.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 491 human activities (Appendix N). Terrestrial activity of 19 types accounted for 97.6% and aircraft (small planes, jets, helicopter, and ultra lights) 2.4%. Eight activities elicited 15 significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles were restless to four jets, and one driver, OHV, woodcutter, ultra light, and helicopter each. The breeding pair flushed in response to four hikers, and one researcher, and left the area in response to one hiker.
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed eight forage attempts. The male was successful in 80.0% (n=4), and the female and an unknown adult in all attempts (n=2 and n=1 respectively). Successful foraging attempts consisted of 37.5% fish and mammals each, and 25% carrion. The breeding pair delivered 56 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 66.1%, the female 26.8%, and an unknown adult 7.1%. Of the delivered items, 51.8% were fish, 16.1% birds, 3.6% carrion, and 28.6% unknown. Of the 12 items that could be identified to species, 25.0% were suckers and American coots each, 16.7% black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and carp each, and 8.3% largemouth bass and goldfish (Carassius auratus) each.
Habitat Use. – The San Carlos nestwatchers identified 15 separate perch locations along the San Carlos River and four along San Carlos Reservoir. River perches spanned a total of 5.0 km ranging from rk 9.5 to 14.5 and lake perches spanned 8.0 km ranging from lk 12.0 to 20.0. The breeding pair spent 93.2% of the time directly in the nest area and 6.8% at the remaining 14 perch locations. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 21
Tonto Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 7 to May 23. Total monitoring 73 days/633 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is blue VID banded “G” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1987 Pinal nestling). The female is blue VID banded “Backwards 3” on her left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1987 Horseshoe nestling).
Management Activities. – 1) The Indian Point campground remained closed throughout the breeding season. 2) The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Closure limited recreational activities in the area.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 39 human activities (Appendix O). Aircraft (small planes and helicopters) accounted for 53.8%, and terrestrial activity 46.2% of six different types. One activity elicited two significant responses from the breeding pair. The breeding pair flushed and left the area in response to one agency worker each.
Food Habits. – The nestwatchers observed opportunistic pirating by both breeding adults, but these events were not part of established patterns. Similar to previous years, they regularly observed the adults returning from the vicinity of Roosevelt Lake with prey items. The breeding adults delivered 106 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 50.9%, and the female 49.1%. Of these items, 69.8% were fish, 4.7% mammals, 2.8% birds, 0.9% carrion and reptiles each, and 20.8% unknown. No prey items were identified to species.
Habitat Use. – The Tonto nestwatchers identified 14 separate perch locations along the Tonto Creek. River perches spanned 1.2 km ranging from rk 16.1 to 17.3. The breeding pair spent 97.2% of the observed time within the nest tree (rk 16.7) and 2.8% spent at the remaining 13 perch locations.
Tower Breeding Area
Observation Period. – February 6 to May 5. Total monitoring 65 days/630 hours.
Eagle Identification. – The male is purple VID banded “Diamond 8” on his left leg, USFWS banded on the right leg, and in adult plumage (1988 Ladders nestling). The female is unbanded and in adult plumage.
Management Activities. – 1) The USFS reinstated a seasonal breeding area closure surrounding the nest area. 2) The USFS posted closure signs at the upstream and downstream access points to the Verde River. 3) The USFS provided contractors with a camping trailer. 4) The female nestling was VID banded “17/E” at six weeks of age.
Interventions. – On May 5, the nestling pre-fledged at nine weeks of age. The nestling was found dead directly below the nest with no obvious injuries. The nest harbored a MCB infestation that likely caused the death of the 2003 nestlings. The combination of heat stress and a MCB infestation is the likely cause of this years failure.
Human Activity. – Nestwatchers recorded 108 human activities (Appendix P). Terrestrial activities of 12 different types represented 62.0%, aircraft (small planes and helicopters) 34.3%, and watercraft (canoe/kayak and rafters) 3.7%. Six activities elicited 15 significant responses from the breeding pair. The bald eagles flushed to eight trains, three rafters, and one researcher, small plane, and OHV each, and left the area in response to one shooter. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 22
Food Habits. – Nestwatchers observed seven forage attempts. The male was successful in 33.3% (n=1) and the female in 50.0% (n=2). Fish accounted for 57.1% of the attempts and unknown 42.9%. The breeding pair delivered 26 prey items to the nest. The male delivered 34.6%, the female 57.7%, and an unknown adult 7.7%. Fish comprised 69.2% of those items, 7.7% birds, 3.8% mammals, and 19.2% unknown. No prey items were identified to species.
Habitat Use. – The Tower nestwatchers identified 50 perch locations along the Verde River. River perches spanned a total of 15.2 km ranging from rk 236.5 to 251.7. The pair spent 67.0% of the observed time near the nest (rk 248.2), 17.5% at rk 248.1, and 15.5% at the remaining 48 perch locations.
OTHER INTERVENTIONS
Granite Reef Breeding Area
On February 11, we responded to a report of an injured adult bald eagle at the Granite Reef nest. The injured adult was retrieved and taken to Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where it was euthanized. On February 12, the female began to abandon the nesting attempt. We retrieved and placed the eggs in an incubator at Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. On March 6, the two eggs hatched, however, one nestling died two days later. On April 12, the surviving nestling was banded “16/W” and successfully fostered into the active Horseshoe BA nest. On May 10, we deployed a solar-powered satellite transmitter on the fosterling, and it later fledged.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Bartlett Breeding Area
1. Check cable barrier and signs at the beginning of each breeding season.
2. Provide brochures to nearby airports.
3. Update public use maps to include current roads and breeding area closures.
4. Monitor the pollution in Bartlett Reservoir.
5. Continue efforts to deploy breeding adults with transmitters.
Box Bar Breeding Area
1. Increase presence of Law Enforcement personnel during weekends.
Coolidge Breeding Area
1. Investigate techniques for increasing shade at the nest.
2. Maintain steady water releases from the dam until nestlings fledged.
Crescent Breeding Area
1. Place a closure around BA.
2. Implement the Monofilament Recovery Program at Crescent Lake and Big Lake.
Ladders Breeding Area
1. Place an educational sign with a photo and a map of the closure boundary at Beasley Flat informing boaters and recreating public about bald eagle natural history.
Luna Breeding Area
1. Post bald eagle closure information at the campground kiosk.
2. Establish an island within the closure for waterfowl breeding habitat.
3. Additional trash receptacles throughout parking and camping areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 23
Orme Breeding Area
1. Cooperation with FMYN should be sought.
2. If complete closure of the Orme BA was desired by SRPMIC, a locked chain between two poles would prevent vehicle access on roads entering the closure.
3. Provide additional trashcans at the confluence area where recreation pressure is high.
4. Permanently close the road that runs directly behind the Orme nest.
5. Tonto National forest should inform its guests of area boundaries.
6. Organize river clean-ups.
Pinto Breeding Area
1. Replace and update existing signs at the entrance to FR 333.
2. Access to FR 333 should be blocked by a gate during breeding season.
Pleasant Breeding Area
1. Have park employees distribute written and/or oral information about the Agua Fria closure to visitors.
2. Provide better markings delineating closure on jeep/ATV trail and more buoys at the southern end of the closure.
3. Printing information about the closure in the newspaper (sports section).
4. Inform the airport south of Carefree Highway and the Air Force Base that there is a 2,000 ft advisory above the BA.
5. More law enforcement at the closure on the weekends.
San Carlos Breeding Area
1. Create a management scheme where regeneration can sustain both the habitat and woodcutting.
2. Only call law enforcement when serious threat to the breeding attempt or nestwatchers is imminent.
Tonto Breeding Area
1. Monitor effects of Bermuda flats campground and boat density on eagle foraging sites.
Tower Breeding Area
1. Replace lock on the green gate that closes the jeep trail at the Sycamore canyon parking lot.
2. Post closure sign on FR9507 in a place where turning around is possible or install a gate.
3. Extend closure.
LITERATURE CITED
Brown, B.T., and L.E. Stevens. 1992. Winter abundance, age structure, and distribution of bald eagles along the Colorado River, Arizona. Southwestern Naturalist 37:404-435.
Brown, D.E. (ed.). 1994. Biotic Communities, Southwestern United States and Mexico. The University of Utah Press. Salt Lake City.
Canaca, J.S., K.V. Jacobson, and J.T. Driscoll. 2004. Arizona bald eagle 2003 nest survey. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 229. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 24
Driscoll, J.T., K.V. Jacobson, and J.S. Canaca. 2004. Arizona bald eagle winter count: 2003. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 227. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.
Hunt, W.G., D.E. Driscoll, E.W. Bianchi, and R.E. Jackman. 1992. Ecology of bald eagles in Arizona. Volumes A-F. Report to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Contract 6-CS-30-04470. BioSystems Analysis, Inc., Santa Cruz, California.
Postupalsky, S. 1974. Raptor reproductive success: some problems with methods, criteria, and terminology. In F.N. Hammerstrom, B.E. Harrell and R.R. Olendorff, Eds. Management of raptors. Proceedings of the conference on raptor conservation techniques. Raptor Research Report 2:21-31.
Postupalsky, S. 1983. Techniques and terminology for surveys of nesting bald eagles. Appendix D in J.W. Grier and others, eds. Northern States bald eagle recovery plan. U.S. Dept. Inter., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities, Minn.
Rubink, D.M. and K. Podborny. 1976. The southern bald eagle in Arizona: a status report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Report 1. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Stalmaster, M.V. 1987. The bald eagle. Universe Books, New York, New York.
Steenhof, K. and M.N. Kochert. 1982. An evaluation of methods used to estimate raptor nesting success. Journal of Raptor Management. 46(4):885-893.
Steenhof, K., L. Bond, K.K. Bates, and L.L. Leppert. 2002 Trends in midwinter counts of bald eagles in the contiguous United States, 1986-2000. Bird Populations 6:21-32.
Todd, R.L. 1981. Multi-agency findings on the distribution of bald eagles for Arizona in the January months of 1979, 1980, 1981. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Bald eagle recovery plan (southwestern population). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Endangered and threatened species: bald eagle reclassification; final rule. Federal Register. 60(133): 36000-10. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; proposed rule to remove the bald eagle in the lower 48 states from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife; proposed rule. Federal Register. 64(128):36454-64. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 25
APPENDIX A: 2004 ARIZONA BALD EAGLE WINTER COUNT RESULTS
Table 8. 2004 Arizona bald eagle winter count volunteer survey results.
Route Number
Route Name
Minutes Surveyed
Adults
Subadults
Unknown Bald Eagle
Unknown Eagle
Apache County
1
Becker Lake
20
2
0
0
0
2
Little Colorado River (LCR)
20
1
0
0
0
3
S. Fork LCR – Campground
23
0
0
0
0
4
Casa Malapais – LCR
20
2
2
0
3
5
Greer Lakes (River, Bunch, and Tunnel Reservoirs)
22
0
0
0
0
6
Sponseller Lake
15
0
0
0
0
7
Mexican Hay Lake
60
0
0
0
0
8
White Mountain Hereford Ranch (Trinity, Glen Livet, McKay reservoirs)
45
1
0
0
0
9
The Ranch Lake
25
0
0
0
0
10
Ortega Lake
25
0
0
0
0
11
Concho Lake
30
1
1
0
0
12
Luna Lake
53
0
0
0
0
13
Nelson Reservoir
55
0
0
0
0
14
Nutrioso Reservoir
36
1
1
0
0
15
Tenney Pond
20
0
0
0
0
16
San Francisco River (Alpine RD to New Mexico)
24
1
1
0
1
17
Campbell Blue Creek
213
0
0
0
Total
706
9
5
0
4
Cochise County
18
Parker Canyon Lake
90
1
1
0
0
19
Willcox Playa
Not Surveyed
20
Sulphur Springs Valley – Whitewater Draw
93
0
0
0
0
Total
183
1
1
0
0
Coconino County
21
Long Lake Complex
340
5
4
3
0
22
Stoneman Lake
265
0
2
0
0
23
FH3
145
1
0
0
0
24
I-17, Sedona to Flagstaff
175
2
1
0
0
25
Bellemont
342
0
1
0
0
26
Townsend/Winona A/B
390
1
1
0
0
27
HWY 89 North/Sunset Crater – Wupatki
375
1
0
0
0
28
FH3 Lakes (Mary, Mormon, Marshall, Prime)
577
5
2
0
0
29
Continental Country Club Lakes
170
0
0
0
0
30
Chevelon Canyon Lake
145
4
2
1
1
31
Holden Lake
15
0
0
0
0
32
Spring Valley Wash
180
2
0
0
0
33
Red Lake Valley
120
1
0
0
0
34
Kaibab Lake
58
1
0
0
0
35
Pittman Valley
40
3
1
0
0
36
Davenport Lake
15
3
0
0
0
37
Scholz Lake
40
4
1
0
0
38
Cataract Lake
15
2
0
0
0 Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 26
Table 8. continued.
Route Number
Route Name
Minutes Surveyed
Adults
Subadults
Unknown Bald Eagle
Unknown Eagle
Coconino County (continued)
39
Willow Springs Lake
105
1
0
0
0
40
West Chevelon Canyon
65
1
0
0
0
41
Willow Creek
50
0
0
0
0
42
White Horse Lake – Pomeroy Tanks
30
1
1
0
0
43
JD Dam Lake
45
2
3
0
1
44
Barney Flat Wetland
15
0
0
0
0
45
Steel/Stone Road
90
0
0
0
0
46
Pine Flat
40
1
0
0
0
47
Boggy Tank
60
1
0
0
0
48
Blue Stem Wash-Babbitt property
185
0
0
0
0
49
Glen Canyon Nat'l Rec Area (Lee's Ferry)
45
3
1
0
0
50
Colorado River, Lee's Ferry to Little Colorado River
Not Surveyed
Total
4,137
45
20
4
2
Grahm County
51
Point of Pines Lake Area
270
6
3
0
0
Greenlee County
52
Greys Peak
50
0
0
0
0
Maricopa County
53
Painted Rock Reservoir
Not Surveyed
Mohave County
54
Lake Mohave
330
2
1
0
0
55
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Topock Marsh
198
0
0
0
0
56
Lake Mead, Temple Bar
900
7
1
0
0
57
Alamo Lake
30
2
1
0
0
Total
1,458
11
3
0
0
Navajo County
58
Lake of the Woods
25
0
0
0
0
59
Rainbow Lake
60
5
10
0
0
60
Little Mormon Lake
16
0
0
0
0
61
Whipple Lake
34
0
0
0
0
62
Long Lake
41
0
0
1
0
63
Lone Pine Lake
60
0
1
0
0
64
Schoens Reservoir
60
0
0
0
0
65
White Mountain Lake
47
0
0
0
0
66
Dry Lake
65
0
0
0
0
67
Jacques Marsh
65
4
2
0
1
68
Scott's Reservoir
25
0
0
0
0
69
Showlow Lake
81
8
3
0
0
70
Pintail Lake
15
1
0
0
0
71
Telephone Lake
15
1
1
0
0
72
Fool Hollow Lake
150
5
0
0
0
73
Fred's Lake
10
0
0
0
0
74
Edeler's Lake
15
0
0
0
0
75
Cottonwood Wash/Clay Springs
27
0
0
0
0
76
White Lake
8
0
0
0
0
Total
819
24
17
1
1
Pima County
77
Arivaca Lake
60
0
0
0
0 Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 27
Table 8. continued.
Route Number
Route Name
Minutes Surveyed
Adults
Subadults
Unknown Bald Eagle
Unknown Eagle
Pinal County
78
Picacho Reservoir
40
0
0
0
0
Santa Cruz County
79
Bog Hole
60
0
0
0
0
80
Patagonia Lake
90
0
0
0
0
81
San Raphael Valley
60
0
0
0
0
82
Pena Blanca Lake
30
0
0
0
0
Total
340
0
0
0
0
Yavapai County
83
Wet Beaver Creek
465
2
0
0
1
84
Oak Creek
480
1
0
0
0
85
Willow Lake
250
1
0
0
0
86
Lynx Lake
251
1
0
0
0
87
Watson Lake
240
0
0
0
0
88
Goldwater Lake
240
1
3
0
0
Total
1,926
6
3
0
1
Yuma and LaPaz Counties
89
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge Cibola/Martinez Lake – Colorado River
Not Surveyed
Table 9. 2004 Arizona bald eagle winter count helicopter survey results.
Route Number
Route Name
Minutes Surveyed
Adults
Subadults
Unknown Bald Eagle
Unknown Eagle
90
Verde River
228
21
11
0
0
91
Lower East Verde River
17
2
1
0
0
92
Lower West Clear Creek
28
1
0
0
0
93
Lower Salt River
25
21
12
0
0
94
Upper Salt River
62
7
2
0
0
95
Lower Tonto Creek
27
3
0
0
0
96
Lower Cherry Creek
2
0
0
0
0
97
Lower Canyon Creek
7
0
0
0
0
98
Lower Cibecue Creek
11
0
0
0
0
99
Lower Carrizo Creek
3
0
0
0
0
100
White River
16
1
1
0
0
101
North Fork White River
30
10
2
0
0
102
Lower Black River
45
47
20
0
0
103
Big and Little Bonito Creeks
23
9
1
0
0
104
San Carlos River (Talkalai Lake)
17
1
0
0
0
105
San Carlos Reservoir
13
1
5
0
0
106
Upper and Lower Gila River
34
5
0
0
0
107
Eagle Creek
37
8
3
0
0
108
Bonita Creek
16
0
0
0
0
109
Lower San Francisco River
36
2
1
0
0
110
Blue River
13
1
0
0
0
111
Sunrise Lake
3
1
0
0
0
112
Big Lake
2
0
0
0
0
113
Lee Valley Reservoir
1
0
0
0
0
114
Crescent Lake
2
0
2
0
0
115
Lake Pleasant
Not Surveyed
Totals
698
141
61
0
0 Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 28
Table 10. 2004 Arizona bald eagle winter count non-standardized route results.
Route Name
County
Minutes Surveyed
Adults
Subadults
Unknown Bald Eagle
Unknown Eagle
Camp Clover
Coconino/Yavapai
130
3
2
0
1
Camp Navajo
Coconino
215
2
0
0
0
FR 35 & 27
Coconino/Yavapai
360
0
0
0
0
Garland Prairie
Coconino
150
2
1
0
1
HWY 64
Coconino
15
1
0
0
0
HWY 64 East
Coconino
30
1
0
0
0
HWY 87 South
Coconino
150
0
0
0
0
HWY 87 North
Coconino
70
1
0
0
0
HWY 180
Coconino
210
1
2
0
0
Johnson Canyon
Coconino
30
3
0
0
0
Kachina Sewage Treatment Plant
Coconino
30
0
0
0
0
Loop Road
Coconino
300
2
1
0
0
Moqui Road #328
Coconino
50
0
0
0
0
O’Dell
Coconino
58
3
2
0
0
Partridge Creek
Coconino
300
2
1
0
0
Upper Basin – FR 307
Coconino
120
0
0
0
0
Lake Mohave
Mojave
--
8
4
0
0
Mortenson Wash
Navajo
120
2
0
0
0
Camp Verde
Yavapai
35
0
0
0
0
Totals
2373
31
13
0
2 Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 29
APPENDIX B: RAPTOR REPRODUCTIVE STATUS CRITERIA
Breeding Area (BA): An area containing one or more nests within the range of one mated pair of birds. Operationally, once a BA is established, we consider it a BA whether it is occupied by bald eagles in a given year or not, until or unless it is designated historical.
Occupied BA/Nest: An occupied BA must have an occupied nest, which is any nest, where at least one of the following activity patterns was observed during the breeding season:
a. Young were raised.
b. Eggs were laid.
c. One adult sitting low in the nest, presumably incubating.
d. Two adults present on or near the nest.
e. One adult and one bird in immature plumage at or near a nest, if mating behavior was observed (display flight, nest repair, coition).
f. A recently repaired nest with fresh sticks, or fresh boughs on top, and/or droppings and/or molted feathers on its rim or underneath.
Active Nest: One in which eggs have been laid. Activity patterns (a), (b), and (c) above are diagnostic of an active nest.
Unoccupied BA/Nest: A nest or group of alternate nests at which none of the activity patterns diagnostic of an occupied nest were observed in a given breeding season. BAs must exist as occupied before they can be recognized and classified as unoccupied.
Successful BA/Nest: An occupied nest from which at least one young fledged during the breeding season under consideration. Nests were successful if at least one young was raised past eight weeks of development.
Failed BA/Nest: An occupied nest from which no young fledged due to any cause.
Historical BA: A BA that has remained unoccupied for ten consecutive years. Given that some records of breeding occupancy are sparse in the literature before 1973, this term also applies to any BA recorded not showing signs of occupancy since.
Reoccupied Historical BA: A Historical BA, which shows signs indicative of being active.
Pioneer Effort: The occupancy of a new nest, in previously undocumented breeding habitat, where there is no evidence of prior activity. These occur in areas monitored by the ORA flights before discovery due to 1) the presence of a large nest built by another or unknown species, or 2) the observed suitability of the habitat.
Existing Status: A BA that shows signs of prior occupancy (e.g. multiple large nests) and/or signs
of prior activity (e.g. prey remains below an existing nest) upon discovery.
Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 30
APPENDIX C: 2004 ARIZONA BALD EAGLE PRODUCTIVITY
Table 11. 2004 Arizona bald eagle productivity.
Breeding Area
Status1
Nest2
Incubation Date
Eggs
Hatch Date
Young
Fledged
Fledge Date
Alamo
F
4
1/4-2/2
1+
Failed 2/2-26.
Bartlett*
S
1
2/2-2/5
2+
3/2
2
2
6/2-6/7
Becker
U
Blue Point
S
10
<4/6
2+
<4/6
2
2
4/21-5/4
Box Bar*
S
3
<1/5
2+
2/2-2/6
2
2
4/16
Bulldog
S
1
<1/6
2+
1/30-3/8
2
2
5/4-6/7
Canyon
U
Cedar Basin
O
5
Cibecue
F
2
<5/4
1
Found one egg in nest on 5/4.
Cliff
U
Coldwater
S
3
2/2-3/12
1+
3/12-4/6
1
1
>6/7
F
4
2/16-2/20
1+
3/28
1
Failed 6/17.
Coolidge*
One nestling died at 11.5 weeks of age.
Crescent*
S
1
3/24-4/6
1+
4/22-5/6
1
1
7/25
Doka
S
2
<1/2
2+
1/5-2/2
2
2
3/31-4/21
Dupont
U
S
6
2/2-3/12
2+
3/12-4/6
2
1
5/4-6/7
East Verde
One nestling last observed on 5/4 at 7.5 weeks of age.
Fort McDowell
S
16
1/5-2/2
2+
2/2-3/12
1
1
5/3-6/7
Granite Basin
U
F
4
1/30-2/2
2
Failed 2/12.
Granite Reef*
Nest abandoned 2/12. Two eggs taken to rehab. Fostered 4/12 into Horseshoe.
Horse Mesa
F
4
1/6-1/30
1+
Failed 2/2-3/2.
Horseshoe
S
11
1/5-2/2
1+
2/2-3/12
1
2
5/3-6/7
Ive's Wash
S
3
1/4-2/2
3
2/18-2/25
3
3
>5/3
S
3
2/16-2/20
2+
3/26, 3/28
2
1
6/24
Ladders*
One nestling died 5/16 at five weeks of age from emaciation related to MCB infestation.
Lone Pine
S
5
1/30-3/11
2
3/11-5/4
1
1
>6/7
Luna*
S
1
<2/6
2+
3/5-3/19
2
2
5/26, 5/31
Lynx
S
2
<3/12
1+
<3/12
1
1
5/3-6/7
Needle Rock*
S
2
1/5-2/2
1+
3/8-3/12
1
1
5/3-6/7
F
1
1/5-2/2
1+
2/11-3/12
1
Failed 3/12-4/6.
Oak Creek
Last observed brooding on 3/12.
Orme*
S
6
1/6-1/30
2+
2/25
2
2
5/16, 5/19
F
4
1/5-2/2
1+
2/19-3/12
1
Failed 5/29
Perkinsville
Nestling taken to rehab on 5/29 for broken wing. Died 6/9.
Pinal
S
2
1/6-1/30
1+
3/11-3/17
1
1
5/4-6/7
Pinto*
S
6
1/30-2/6
2+
2/29
2
2
5/23-6/7
Pleasant*
S
3
<2/2
1+
2/27
1
1
5/14-5/30
Redmond
S
5
1/30-3/11
2
3/11-3/16
1
1
5/4-6/7
Rock Creek
F
1
1/30-3/11
1+
Failed 3/31.
S
2
1/5-2/2
2+
2/2-3/12
2
1
5/3-6/7
Rodeo
One nestling disappeared 3/31-5/3 at 3.5 to 9.5 weeks of age
San Carlos*
S
3
1/6-1/30
1+
2/21
1
1
5/11-5/16
76
F
4
2/23-3/11
1+
Failed 3/11-3/18.
F
4
1/6-1/30
1+
2/25-3/11
1
Failed 5/4-6/7.
Sheep
Nestling disappeared 5/4-6/7 at seven to 11.5 weeks of age.
Suicide
S
1
1/6-1/30
3
2/9-3/2
3
3
>5/7
Sycamore
S
4
<1/2
2+
1/5-2/2
2
2
3/31-4/21
1 Breeding area status codes (Postupalsky 1974): U=unoccupied, O=occupied, S=successful, F=failed.
* Nests monitored by the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 31
Table 11. continued.
Breeding Area
Status1
Nest2
Incubation Date
Eggs
Hatch Date
Young
Fledged
Fledge Date
F
4
2/2-3/12
1+
3/12-4/6
1
Failed 5/3-6/7.
Table Mountain
One nestling disappeared 5/3-6/7 at three to eight weeks of age.
Talkalai
S
7
2/6-2/8
1+
3/11-4/13
1
1
>6/1
Tonto*
S
2
1/6-1/30
2+
2/22
2
2
5/16, 5/22
F
8
1/2-1/25
1+
3/1-3/4
1
Failed 5/5.
Tower*
One nestling died 5/5 at nine weeks of age related to MCB infestation.
Winkelman
U
1 Breeding area status codes (Postupalsky 1974): U=unoccupied, O=occupied, S=successful, F=failed.
* Nests monitored by the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 32
APPENDIX D: 2004 NEST SURVEY RESULTS
Table 12. Results of the winter count, ORA, and Nest Survey Flights.
Location
Time
Comments
January 5, 2004
Orme
0823
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Rodeo
0827
Nest #1 fell. One adult in area.
Sycamore
0832
One adult incubating in nest #4. Second adult in area.
Doka
0838
One adult incubating in nest #2. Second adult in area.
Fort McDowell
0840
Two adults standing in nest #16.
Box Bar
0842
One adult incubating in nest #3.
Needle Rock
0844
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Bartlett
0849
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cliff
0930
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Horseshoe
1003
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Table Mountain
1024
One adult standing in nest #4.
LF nest site
1054
Two adults in area.
East Verde
1102
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Coldwater
1113
Nest #1 fell. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Ladders
1324
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
West Clear Creek
1334
No new nests. One adult in area.
Oak Creek
1434
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Pecks Lake
1452
No new nests or bald eagles.
Tower
1503
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Perkinsville
1515
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Hell Point nest site
1531
One adult in area.
Muldoon nest site
1536
Three subadults in area.
Granite nest site
1541
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Sullivan Lake nest site
1544
No new nests or bald eagles.
Del Rio Ponds
1548
Two adults and two sub adults in area.
January 6, 2004
Granite Reef
0755
Two adults in new nest #4
Orme
0757
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Bull Dog
0807
One adult incubating in nest #1.
Blue Point
0810
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Horse Mesa
0835
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Tonto
0848
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Sheep
0918
Nest #3 branch broke. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
76
0927
Nest #3 branch broke. Two adults in area.
Roosevelt Lake
0973
No new nests. Eleven adults and ten subadults in area.
Pinto
1137
One adult standing in new nest #6.
Pinal
1147
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Redmond
1203
One adult standing in nest #5. Second adult in area.
Canyon
1230
Nest #8 gone. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Ash historical BA
1249
No new nests. One adult in area.
Talkalai
1317
No new nests or bald eagles.
San Carlos
1334
Nest #2 fell. All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Suicide
1350
All known nests empty. Two adults in area.
Coolidge
1400
All known nests empty. Two adults in area.
Granite Basin
1436
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Winkelman
1444
Nest #2 fell. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
January 7, 2004
Cibecue
1028
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Mule Hoof historical BA
1042
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cedar Basin
1055
All known nests empty. Two adults upstream. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 33
Table 12. continued.
Location
Time
Comments
January 7, 2004 continued
Lone Pine
1113
All known nests empty. Two adults and two subadults in area.
Crescent
1223
All known nests empty. Two subadults in area.
January 8, 2004
Willow nest site
1007
No new nests or bald eagles.
Eagle nest site
1039
No new nests. One adult in area.
January 30, 2004
Granite Reef
0834
One adult in nest #4.
Orme
0835
One adult incubating in nest #6.
Bull Dog
0841
One adult incubating in nest #1.
Blue Point
0844
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Horse Mesa
0900
One adult incubating in nest #4.
Rock Creek
0905
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Tonto
0908
One adult incubating nest #2.
Sheep
0915
One adult incubating in new nest #4.
76
0925
New nest #4 in former nest #3 tree. One adult in area.
Dupont
0943
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Pinto
0955
Two adults standing in nest #6.
Pinal
0959
One adult incubating in nest #6.
Redmond
1003
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Gleason Flat
1014
No new nests or bald eagles.
Canyon
1020
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cibecue
1142
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Mule Hoof historical BA
1150
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cedar Basin
1207
All known nests empty. Two adults upstream.
Lone Pine
1220
One adult standing in new nest #5.
Talkalai
1440
One adult standing in refurbished nest #7. Second adult in area.
San Carlos
1420
One adult incubating in nest #3.
Suicide
1430
One adult incubating in nest #1.
Coolidge
1435
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Granite Basin
1505
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Winkelman
1526
No new nests or bald eagles.
February 2, 2004
Granite Reef
0739
One adult incubating in nest #4. Second adult in area.
Orme
0741
One adult incubating in nest #6.
Rodeo
0744
One adult incubating in nest #2. Second adult in area.
Sycamore
0748
One adult incubating in nest #2. Second adult in area.
Doka
0752
One adult brooding one one-week old nestling in nest. Second adult in area.
Fort McDowell
0755
One adult incubating in nest #16.
Box Bar
0759
One adult incubating in nest #3.
Needle Rock
0800
One adult incubating in nest #2.
Bartlett
0805
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cliff
0824
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Horseshoe
0845
One adult incubating in nest #11.
Table Mountain
0858
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
East Verde
1004
One adult standing in nest #6. Second adult in area.
Coldwater
1014
Nest #3 fell. All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Ladders
1025
All known nests empty. One adult and two subadults in area.
Camp Verde historical BA
1035
No new nests or bald eagles.
Oak Creek
1052
One adult incubating in nest #1.
Tower
1117
One adult incubating in nest #8
Perkinsville
1126
One adult incubating in nest #4.
Hell Point nest site
1132
No new nests or bald eagles. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 34
Table 12. continued.
Location
Time
Comments
February 2, 2004 continued
Muldoon nest site
1142
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Granite nest site
1148
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Sullivan Lake nest site
1151
No new nests or bald eagles.
Del Rio Ponds
1156
One adult and five subadults in area.
Lynx
1335
One adult and three subadults in area.
Goldwater Lake
1341
One adult in area.
Alamo
1421
One adult incubating in nest #4.
Ive’s Wash
1427
One adult incubating in nest #3.
Pleasant
1548
One adult incubating in nest #3.
Salt/Gila Rivers
1610
One subadult in area.
March 11, 2004
Granite Reef
0734
All known nests empty. Two adults in area.
Bull Dog
0741
One adult brooding in nest #1.
Blue Point
0744
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Horse Mesa
0812
Nest empty, confirmed failed.
Rock Creek
0815
One adult incubating in nest #2.
Sheep
0830
One adult incubating in nest #4. Second adult in area.
76
0837
One adult incubating in nest #4. Second adult in area.
Dupont
0849
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Pinto
0900
One adult incubating in nest #6. Second adult in area.
Pinal
0904
One adult brooding one 1.5-week old nestling in nest.
Redmond
0908
One adult incubating in nest #5.
Gleason Flat
0913
No new nests or bald eagles.
Canyon
0930
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Nest #5 fell.
Cibecue
1115
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Golden eagle incubating in nest #6.
Mule Hoof historical BA
1125
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cedar Basin
1200
New nest #8. One adult in area.
Lone Pine
1210
One adult incubating in nest #5. Second adult in area.
Black River
1214
Two adults in area
Talkalai
1413
One adult incubating/brooding in nest #7.
San Carlos
1424
One adult brooding.
Suicide
1428
Two 1.5-week old nestlings in nests and one adult in nest.
Coolidge
1430
One adult incubating. Second adult in area.
Granite Basin
1458
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Winkelman
1500
No new nests or bald eagles.
March 12, 2004
Salt River/Tempe Town Lake
0725
Red-tailed hawk nest
Rodeo
0740
One adult sitting low on nest on nest #2.
Sycamore
0746
Two seven-week old nestlings in nest.
Doka
0750
Two seven-week old nestlings in nest. One adult in area.
Fort McDowell
0754
One adult standing in nest. One three-week old nestling in nest. One egg.
Needle Rock
0800
One adult feeding, one one-week old nestling in nest.
Bartlett
0804
One adult brooding.
Cliff
0830
One adult downstream of nest area.
Horseshoe
0842
One adult incubating/brooding in nest #11.
Table Mountain
0848
One adult incubating in nest #4.
East Verde
0900
One adult standing in nest #6 with possible egg. Second adult in area.
Coldwater
0908
One adult incubating in nest #4.
LF nest site
0925
No new nests or bald eagles.
Burnt Point
0952
No new nests or bald eagles. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 35
Table 12. continued.
Location
Time
Comments
March 12, 2004 continued
Camp Verde historical BA
1058
No new nests or bald eagles.
Oak Creek
1110
One adult incubating/brooding in nest #1.
Perkinsville
1133
One adult standing in nest with one one-week old nestling in nest.
Hell Point nest site
1142
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Muldoon nest site
1147
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Granite nest site
1150
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Sullivan Lake nest site
1155
No new nests or bald eagles.
Del Rio Ponds
1200
No new nests or bald eagles.
Lynx
1212
One adult incubating in new nest #2.
Goldwater Lake
1217
No new nests or bald eagles.
Devil’s Post historical BA
1400
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Chino historical BA
1425
No new nests or bald eagles.
Alamo
1430
All known nests empty. One adult on lake.
Ive’s Wash
1437
One adult shading two+ two-week old nestlings in nest.
Agua Fria River
1553
No new nests or bald eagles.
Salt/Gila Rivers
1620
No new nests or bald eagles. Four ospreys in area.
March 31, 2004
Pleasant
0643
One five-week old nestling in nest.
Horseshoe
0700
One adult standing on nest with a three-week old nestling in nest.
76
0720
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Sheep
0730
One adult incubating. Second adult in area.
Tonto
0734
One adult on nest with two 4.5-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Rock Creek
0740
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Failed.
Pinto
0750
One adult on nest with two three-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Pinal
0754
One adult incubating/brooding.
Redmond
0800
One adult on nest with one three-week old nestling in nest. Second adult in area.
Gleason Flat
0809
No new nests or bald eagles.
Canyon
0818
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Suicide
1129
One adult on nest with three 3.5-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Coolidge
1132
One adult brooding. Second adult in area.
Granite Basin
1140
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Bull Dog
1220
One adult on nest with two four-week old nestlings in nest.
Orme
1225
One adult on nest with one four-week old nestling in nest.
Rodeo
1227
One adult on nest with two three-week old nestlings in nest.
Sycamore
1230
Two 11-week old nestlings in nest.
Doka
1232
Two 11-week old nestlings in nest.
Fort McDowell
1235
One adult on nest with one five-week old nestling in nest.
Box Bar
1237
One adult on nest with two nine-week old nestlings in nest.
Needle Rock
1238
One adult on nest with one three-week old nestling in nest. Second adult in area.
April 6, 2004
Ive’s Wash
0900
Banded three four-week old nestlings in nest. Two adults in area.
Alamo
1159
All known nests empty. Two adults in area.
Perkinsville
1445
One adult with one 3.5-week old nestling in nest.
Oak Creek
1500
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Failed.
Coldwater
1514
One adult brooding.
East Verde
1522
Two 3.5-week old nestlings in nest. Two adults in area.
Table Mountain
1528
Two adults brooding.
Horseshoe
1538
One adult with one three-week old nestling in nest.
Cliff
1544
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 36
Table 12. continued.
Location
Time
Comments
April 6, 2004
Blue Point
1615
Two six-week old nestlings in nest. Two adults in area.
April 21, 2004
Horseshoe
0732
Two seven-week old nestlings in nest.
Table Mountain
0736
One adult on nest with one one-week old nestling in nest.
East Verde
0747
Banded two five-week old nestlings in nest. Two adults in area.
Coldwater
1117
One adult brooding one three-week old nestling in nest.
Railroad bridge
1135
No new nests or bald eagles.
Oak Creek
1150
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Blue Ridge Reservoir
1326
No new nests or bald eagles.
Knoll Lake nest site
1341
One osprey incubating. Two other empty osprey nests observed.
Bear Canyon
1348
Two ospreys in area.
Woods Canyon nest site
1353
One osprey incubating. Two ospreys on lake.
Willow Springs Lake
1400
One osprey incubating in nest below dam. Two ospreys on lake.
Chevelon nest site
1405
High survey. No new nests or bald eagles.
Blue Point
1448
Two eight-week old nestlings in nest.
Doka
1455
Two fledglings and one adult in area.
Fort McDowell
1457
One eight-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
May 3, 2004
Ive’s Wash
0755
One adult on nest with three 8.5-week old nestlings in nest.
Lynx
0849
One eight-week old nestling in nest. Two adults on lake.
Perkinsville
1000
One eight-week old nestling in nest.
Tower
1010
One 8.5-week old nestling in nest.
Railroad bridge
1015
No new nests or bald eagles.
Oak Creek
1030
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Ladders
1055
One adult on nest with one 4.5-week old nestling in nest. Second adult in area.
Coldwater
1100
One five-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
East Verde
1107
One adult on nest shading two 7.5-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Table Mountain
1245
One adult on nest Shading one three-week old nestling in nest.
Horseshoe
1250
One adult on nest with two 8.5-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Cliff
1257
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Needle Rock
1313
One eight-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
Box Bar
1315
Two adults on nest with two 13-week old nestlings in nest.
Fort McDowell
1316
One 11-week-old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
Rodeo
1320
One eight-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area
Orme
1329
Two nine-week old nestlings in nest.
Salt River/Tempe Town Lake
1345
No new nests or bald eagles.
May 4, 2004
Box Bar
0645
Two fledglings in area.
Bull Dog
0658
Two nine-week old nestlings in nest
Blue Point
0700
Two ten-week old nestlings in nest.
Horse Mesa
0715
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Tonto
0722
Two 9.5-week old nestlings in nest.
Sheep
0727
One 6+week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
76
0733
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Roosevelt Lake
0745
One adult at each of the two major inflows.
Pinto
0800
One adult on nest with two eight-week old nestlings in nest. Second adult in area.
Pinal
0804
One 6+week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
Redmond
0807
One eight-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 37
Table 12. continued.
Location
Time
Comments
May 4, 2004 continued
Canyon
0820
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cibecue
0950
Addle egg in nest #2. No bald eagles.
Mule Hoof historical BA
1000
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Cedar Basin
1019
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Lone Pine
1020
One adult shading one four-week-old nestling in nest. Second adult in area.
Pacheta Lake
1052
No new nests or bald eagles.
Reservation Lake
1100
No new nests or bald eagles.
Big Lake
1105
No new nests or bald eagles.
Crescent Lake
1107
One adult incubating in nest #1. Second adult in area.
Lee Valley Reservoir
1113
No new nests or bald eagles.
Sunrise Lake
1116
No new nests or bald eagles.
Horseshoe Cienega Lake
1120
No new nests or bald eagles.
Hawley Lake
1124
No new nests or bald eagles.
Chevelon nest site
1250
No new nests or bald eagles. Potential nest fell.
Willow Springs Lake
1315
One adult perched on the SW end of lake.
Woods Canyon nest site
1320
No new nests or bald eagles.
Bear Canyon Lake
1325
No new nests or bald eagles.
Knoll Lake nest site
1330
No new nests or bald eagles.
East Clear Creek
1345
No new nests or bald eagles.
June 6, 2004
Rodeo
0630
One adult in area. Nest #2 partially fallen.
Needle Rock
0643
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Bartlett
0648
One adult in area.
Horseshoe
0700
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Table Mountain
0720
All known nests empty. No bald eagles. Failed.
East Verde
0730
One adult in area.
Coldwater
0736
One eight-week old nestling in nest.
Ladders
0740
One nine-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area.
Lynx
0806
All known nests empty. No bald eagles.
Sheep
1045
One adult in area.
Tonto
1053
One adult and fledgling in nest tree.
Roosevelt Lake
1105
Four adults and three subadults on lake.
Pinto
1112
One 13-week old nestling in nest. One adult and fledgling in area.
Pinal
1118
One adult and fledgling in area.
Redmond
1129
All known nests empty. One adult in area.
Lone Pine
1151
One nine-week old nestling in nest. One adult in area. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 38
APPENDIX E: BARTLETT BREEDING AREA SUMMARY
Table 13. Observed human activity and bald eagle behavior, Bartlett BA, Arizona, 2004.
Human Activity
N1
W
R
F
L
U
Total
Percent
Small plane
150
50
1
1
--
9
211
69.0
Helicopter
25
36
1
1
--
1
64
20.9
OHV
4
4
3
--
--
--
11
3.6
Canoe/kayak
1
4
--
1
--
2
8
2.6
Rafter
1
1
--
1
--
1
4
1.3
Boater
--
2
--
1
--
--
3
1.0
Jet
1
1
--
--
--
--
2
0.7
Researcher
--
--
--
1
--
--
1
0.3
Agency worker
--
1
--
--
--
--
1
0.3
Docking boat
--
--
--
--
1
--
1
0.3
Total
182
99
5
6
1
13
306
1Bald eagle behavior, N=none, W=watched, R=restless, F=flushed, L=left area, U=unknown.
Table 14. Observed forage event and success, Bartlett BA, Arizona, 2004.
Fish
Mammals
Unknown
Total
Sex
E1
S-U2
E
S-U
E
S-U
E
S-U
Male
14
6-8
1
1-0
1
0-1
16
7-9
Female
15
10-5
--
--
1
0-1
16
10-6
Total
29
16-13
1
1-0
2
0-2
32
17-15
1E=A Single forage event, not the number of attempts during 1 event.
2S-U=Successful – Unsuccessful forage events.
Table 15. Observed prey types delivered to the nest, Bartlett BA, Arizona, 2004.
Sex
Fish
Bird
Mammal
Unknown
Total
Percent
Male
56
5
2
6
69
87.3
Female
8
--
2
--
10
12.7
Total
64
5
4
6
Percent
81.0
6.3
5.1
7.6
79
Table 16. Bald Eagle Habitat Analysis at the Bartlett BA, Arizona, 2004.
Perch Location1
Perch Type2
Side
Shade
Distance to H2O3
H2O Type4
Land Type5
31.6a
BO
Left
No
1
RU
UP
31.6b
BO
Left
No
1
RU
UP
33.6
BA
Left
Partial
1
RU
UP
33.8
SH
Right
No
3
PO
MB
34.0
BA
Left
No
1
PO
UP
34.1a
CL
Left
Partial
1
PO
MB
34.1b
SO
Right
Yes
1
RU
WT
34.2a
CM
Left
No
1
PO
MB
34.2b
SB
Island
No
1
PO
WT
1River/lake kilometers (Hunt and others 1992).
2BO=boulder, BA=cut bank, SH=shrub, CL=cottonwood large/20-30+m, SO=shore, CM=cottonwood medium/10-20m, SB=sandbar.
31=0-25m, 2=26-50m, 3=51-75m, 4=76-100m, 5=101-200m, 6=201-300m, 7=301-400m, 8=>401m.
4RU=run, PO =pool.
5UP=desert upland, MB=mesquite bosque, WT=willow thicket, CW=cottonwood grove, TA=talus, GB=gravel bar. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 39
Table 16. continued.
Perch Location1
Perch Type2
Side
Shade
Distance to H2O3
H2O Type4
Land Type5
34.2c
SM
Left
No
1
PO
MB
34.2d
CM
Right
Partial
1
PO
CW
34.2e
SB
Island
Partial
1
PO
WT
34.2f
ST
Right
Partial
3
PO
MB
34.3a
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.3b
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.3c
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.3d
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.3e
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
TA
34.3f
BO
Island
Partial
1
RU
WT
34.3g
SS
Right
No
1
RU
TA
34.3h
SM
Left
No
3
RU
MB
34.3i
SO
Right
No
1
RU
GB
34.4a
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4b
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4c
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4d
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4e
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4f
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4g
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4h
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4i
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4j
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4k
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.4l
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.5a
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.5b
CT
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.5c
GB
Island
Partial
1
RI
WT
34.5d
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.5e
GR
Channel
Partial
1
BW
WT
34.5f
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.6a
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.6b
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.6c
CT
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.6d
CF
Right
Partial
1
RI
CL
34.6e
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.6f
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.6g
CF
Right
Partial
1
RI
CL
34.7a
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.7b
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8a
NE
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8b
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8c
PT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8d
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
1River/lake kilometers (Hunt and others 1992).
2SM=snag, CM=cottonwood medium/10-20m, SB=sandbar, mesquite, ST=snag top, CF=cliff ledge, BO=boulder, SS=soft snag, SO=shore, CT=cliff top, GB=gravel bar, GR=ground, NE=nest, PT=pinnacle top.
31=0-25m, 2=26-50m, 3=51-75m, 4=76-100m, 5=101-200m, 6=201-300m, 7=301-400m, 8=>401m.
4PO=pool, RU=run, RI=riffle, BW=backwater.
5MB=mesquite bosque, CW=cottonwood grove, WT=willow thicket, CL=cliffs, TA=talus, GB=gravel bar. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 40
Table 16. continued.
Perch Location1
Perch Type2
Side
Shade
Distance to H2O3
H2O Type4
Land Type5
34.8e
SP
Right
No
3
RU
UP
34.8f
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8g
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8h
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8i
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8j
CT
Right
No
1
RU
UP
34.8k
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8l
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.8m
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.8n
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
CL
34.8o
CF
Right
Partial
1
PO
TA
34.8p
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.9a
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.9b
ST
Right
No
3
RU
UP
34.9c
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.9d
SS
Right
No
1
RU
UP
34.9e
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.9f
CT
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
34.9g
PV
Right
Partial
1
RU
UP
34.9h
SO
Island
Partial
1
PO
WT
34.9i
CF
Right
Partial
1
RU
CL
35.0a
SS
Right
No
1
RI
UP
35.0b
CF
Right
Partial
1
RI
CL
35.0c
PT
Right
Partial
1
RI
CL
35.0d
CF
Right Partial
1
RU
CL
35.2
CF
Right
Partial
8
RI
CL
35.4a
SM
Right
Partial
1
PO
MB
35.4b
SO
Left
Partial
1
PO
WT
36.0
BO
Left
No
1
RU
UP
36.5
CL
Right
Partial
1
RU
MB
37.1
CF
Left
Partial
6
RU
CL
42.3
BO
Left
No
3
RS
UP
43.9
SM
Left
No
1
RS
UP
49.2
BO
Left
Partial
1
RS
CL
49.6
BO
Left
Partial
1
RS
CL
1River/lake kilometers (Hunt and others 1992).
2SP=stump or fallen tree, CF=cliff ledge, CT=cliff top, ST=snag top, SS=soft snag, PV=palo verde, SO=shore, PT=pinnacle top, SM=snag, mesquite, BO=boulder, CL=cottonwood large/20-30m.
31=0-25m, 2=26-50m, 3=51-75m, 4=76-100m, 5=101-200m, 6=201-300m, 7=301-400m, 8=>401m.
4RU=run, PO =pool, RI=riffle, RS=reservoir.
5UP=desert upland, CL=cliffs, TA=talus, WT=willow thicket, MB=mesquite bosque. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 41
Table 17. Bald Eagle Habitat Use at the Bartlett BA, Arizona, 2004.
River km
NX1, 2
PP
PH
PW
PX
EX
SX
GN
WB
Total
Percent
31.6
--
--
--
6
--
--
2
--
--
8
--
33.6
--
--
--
6
--
--
--
--
--
6
--
33.8
--
--
--
104
2
--
--
--
--
106
0.2
34.0
--
--
6
4
1
--
--
--
--
11
--
34.1
--
--
--
1
1
--
--
1
--
3
--
34.2
--
114
76
770
425
157
494
16
3
2,055
3.4
34.3
--
119
44
391
54
18
38
1
--
665
1.1
34.4
--
184
110
8,617
48
20
--
--
--
8,979
14.8
34.5
--
50
61
1,686
17
52
302
1
--
2,169
3.6
34.6
--
220
72
2,722
410
36
--
--
--
3,460
5.7
34.7
--
21
3
1,613
9
5
--
--
--
1,651
2.7
34.8 (nest)
35,706
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
3
35,709
58.9
34.8b
--
22
43
3,001
159
12
2
7
1
3,247
5.4
34.9
--
164
168
1,206
5
--
--
--
--
1,543
2.5
35.0
--
42
--
529
4
--
--
--
--
575
0.9
35.2
--
--
--
2
--
--
--
--
--
2
--
35.4
--
28
--
39
3
--
--
7
--
77
0.1
36.0
--
--
--
137
1
--
--
--
--
138
0.2
36.5
--
--
--
39
--
--
--
--
--
39
0.1
37.1
--
--
--
78
65
--
--
--
--
143
0.2
42.3
--
--
--
64
--
--
--
--
--
64
0.1
43.9
--
--
--
3
--
--
--
--
--
3
--
49.2
--
--
--
6
--
--
--
--
--
6
--
49.6
--
--
--
8
--
--
--
--
--
8
--
Total
35,706
964
583
21,032
1,204
300
838
33
7
Percent
58.9
1.6
1.0
34.7
2.0
0.5
1.4
0.1
--
60,667
1Observation Time (minutes).
2NX=nesting activities, PP=perched preening, PH=perched hunting, PW=perched watching, PX=perched various, EX=eating various, SX=shore various, GN=gathering nest material, WB=undetermined behavior. Arizona Game and Fish Department December 2004
NGTR 247: ABEMP: 2004 Summary Report Page 42
APPENDIX F: BOX BAR BREEDING AREA SUMMARY
Table 18. Observed human activity and bald eagle behavior, Box Bar BA, Arizona, 2004.
Human Activity
N1
W
R
F
B
U
Total
Percent
Helicopters
2
16
--
--
4
--
22
31.0
Small planes
1
15
--
--
--
--
16
22.5
ATV’s
1
6
--
1
2
--
10
14.1
Hikers
--
5
--
1
--
--
6
8.5
Gunfire
--
--
1
--
--
4
5
7.0
Fisherman
3
--
--
--
--
--
3
4.2
4 X 4 vehicles
--
3
--
--
--
--
3
4.2
Picnickers
2
--
--
--
--
-- 2
2.8
Motor para-glider --
2
--
-- --
--
2
2.8
Shooter
--
1 --
--
--
-- 1
1.4
Boater
1
--
--
--
--
--
1
1.4
Total
10
48
1
2
6
4
71
1Bald eagle behavior, N=none, W=watched, R=restless, F=flushed, B=birds not in area, U=unknown.
Table 19. Observed prey types delivered to the nest, Box Bar BA, Arizona, 2004.
Sex Reptiles
Fish
Mammals
Birds
Unknown
Total
Percent
Male
19