Bald Eagles take residency in Lebanon County
Bald Eagles take residency in Lebanon County
By Tyler Frantz
Many would agree- the Bald Eagle’s comeback is one of the greatest success stories in Pennsylvania’s conservation history. In 1983, only three known nesting sites existed in the entire state. But thanks to a massive reintroduction effort by the Pennsylvania Game Commission that number has exploded to more than 250 nest sites- including five in Lebanon County.
According to Tim Becker, Lebanon County Bird Records Compiler for the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, the area has experienced a boom in nesting activity over the past few years.
“There are currently five known Bald Eagle nests in Lebanon County,” Becker said. “The nests are located at roughly north of Palmyra, Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Jonestown area, south of Fredericksburg and an undisclosed southern Lebanon County location.”
“It was initially thought the pair north of Palmyra, which began nest building in the fall of 2012, and successfully raised young in 2013, were the first recorded nesting Bald Eagles in Lebanon County.”
“However, it was later discovered that a pair was nesting in southern Lebanon County prior to that. The location was kept secret by the handful of people who were aware of it. It may have been active for a year or two prior to 2013, and it continues to be active from the reports passed on to me occasionally,” Becker said.
The Fort Indiantown Gap and Jonestown nests have been active since 2015, while the pair south of Fredericksburg built a brand new nest this year and presently appear to be incubating.
Despite the well-known site north of Palmyra sustaining storm damage last year, the nest has been reinforced and is currently active again. Locals have noted regular sightings in the area, and an adult eagle was spotted in the nest during a moderate snowfall on President’s Day. The increase in nesting activity within the county is likely a result of its proximity to the Susquehanna River, along with its ample supply of open water, which is essential for acquiring consistent food sources.
“Lebanon County has the Swatara Creek drainage, Memorial Lake and numerous smaller lakes and quarries,” Becker explained. “These provide a good food base in the form of fish and waterfowl, such as Canada Geese. Eagles will also feed on small mammals and deer carcasses when they can find them, especially in winter.”
Bald Eagles build the largest nest of any North American bird, so their treetop nurseries are somewhat difficult to miss. With the new arrival of these resident birds of prey, public interest in eagle viewing has coincidentally skyrocketed.
“At the nest north of Palmyra, it isn't unusual to have a dozen cars lined up along the road, especially when the chicks are young,” said Becker. “The Game Commission has a sign posted there with rules and suggestions for good behavior around an eagle nest.”
Established pairs don't seem to be overly bothered by normal human activity in their vicinity, however, the birds can be put under stress if proper viewing etiquette is not practiced. If viewing guidelines are not followed closely, the birds may leave the area, or it could bring undue harm to their young.
The PGC suggests a minimum viewing distance of 1,000 feet and encourages viewers to enjoy from afar with quality optics. Onlookers are cautioned to respect the eagles’ space by staying quiet, using their vehicles as a blind, avoiding sudden movements and paying attention to how the birds react to their presence there.
According to the PGC guidelines, if a bird begins to vocalize, move away, or act agitated, viewers are already too close to the nest and should leave immediately. Do not flush the birds from their nest, roost or feeding grounds, as forcing the birds to fly can waste precious energy during cold winter months.
It is also important to respect the landowner’s property and not enter any restricted zones. Entry to these areas is prohibited by state and federal laws, as protecting established nesting sites is essential to the continued success of these magnificent birds.
“I can remember when there were only a few pairs nesting in the state, with most if not all out in Crawford County on the state's western border,” Becker said. “Sometimes we get the impression it is all doom and gloom for wildlife, but there are an awful lot of wildlife management success stories out there.”
“The Bald Eagle recovery is one the general public has shown a great deal of interest in, and Lebanon County has certainly shared in the success story.”
For additional tips on eagle viewing, or to access a live feed of the Codorus State Park nest cam, visit www.pgc.state.pa.us and select the Bald Eagle icon.
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