Since the ban on DDT in 1972, the Bald Eagle population, once brought to the brink of extinction, is again beginning to flourish.  

The Bald Eagle is still categorized as endangered in 9 states, while they are listed as threatened in 13 other states. 

New York State down-listed the Eagle from endangered to threatened in 1999, where it currently remains. Although the Bald Eagle was removed from protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act in 2007, requirements for monitoring of the species are in effect until 2027. 
Bald Eagles remain a protected species under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Lacey Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

Bald Eagles are also protected under five sections of the Environmental Conservation Law of New York. 

Centerport, located on the Long Island Sound in the Town of Huntington, has been home to a pair of nesting Bald Eagles since 2017. This pair has been exceptionally successful at mating and they have had 10 eaglets. 

All ten eaglets have gone on to fledge; hopefully they’ll repopulate Long Island with their majestic presence.

The pair is presently incubating 3 more eggs, due to hatch at any moment!

Currently, a construction proposal that threatens their territory is under review with the town zoning board. This project would be less than 600 feet from the nest. It would also be at eye level with their nest, obstructing their views. Deforestation in the area of the Eagles nest is also part of the construction plan. 

Eagles choose their nesting location very carefully. There must be adequate food sources and unobstructed views. If the habitat is disturbed, they will abandon the nest. 

According to the Eagles.org website:
“”Disturb” is defined by regulation 50 CFR§ 22.3 as “to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available:

• Injury to an eagle,


• Decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior,or

• Nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior

“Disturb” includes immediate impacts such as loud noises around the nest that may cause eagles to abandon their eggs or young chicks. A disturbance may also happen if humans change the landscape around the eagle nest. Even if these changes happen outside of the eagle nesting season, the eagle may have future decreased nest success or may abandon the nest if these changes are significant””.
More information about the Federal Regulations regarding Eagle permits can be found here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-22

Given the information we have about the project that is in front of the board, the Eagle’s landscape will change dramatically if it is undertaken. 

Since that project has been on the table, the Mill Dam gates have also been closed, which is another blow to the Eagles.
Because the gates have remained closed, eels and other fish no longer reach the area where the birds had been hunting. The male has been observed outside of his territory as he is forced to fly further and further from the nest for a meal.

As a community we are most concerned about the eaglets about to hatch; they will not fledge until at least late September. We are also concerned that this breeding pair will be forced from their current home of 5+ years. 

This particular pair of Bald Eagles has provided so many…local Long Islanders and people worldwide…with education on the ecosystem and ornithology. 
Their YouTube livestream is followed by at least half a dozen classrooms, including college level classes. 
What an invaluable educational tool this Eagle pair has been, and will hopefully continue to be. 

We are urging the Town of Huntington’s Zoning Board of Appeals to say NO to all variances associated with tax map numbers 0400-079.00-02.00-035.001 and 0400-079.00-02.00-036.000 and we are also urging the Town of Huntington to open the Mill Dam gates.

Please help us protect the Eagles? 

You can find out more about the Centerport Bald Eagles here: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/baldeaglesofcenterportNY/?ref=share 

You can see them live here: https://youtube.com/c/BaldEaglesofCenterport

*Photo courtesy of Mike Dukarm