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Restoration Activities
Case: Montrose/PV Shelf, CA

Bald Eagle Restoration:
Restore Bald Eagles to the Channel Islands

Background

By the early 1960s, bald eagles disappeared from the Channel Islands due to human impacts, primarily the introduction of DDT and other contaminants into the environment.

Now, over 40 years later, levels of DDTs and PCBs are still high in bald eagles that have been reintroduced to the Channel Islands. In 2002, MSRP initiated a feasibility study to determine whether bald eagles reintroduced to the Northern Channel Islands might have greater reproductive success than those on Catalina Island. In 2010, biologists anticipate at least 5 nesting pairs on Catalina Island and at least 6 nesting pairs on the Northern Channel Islands. All of the nests will be monitored by biologists on the islands. It is still too early to tell if the reintroductions have created a sustainable bald eagle population on the Northern Channel Islands. Monitoring of nesting success and contaminant levels will continue at this time on the Northern Channel Islands and Catalina Island.


Project Updates

Nest Monitoring

  • In 2006, bald eagles hatched naturally on Santa Cruz Island for the first time in 50 years!
  • In 2007, 4 bald eagle nests hatched naturally on Catalina Island for the first time in 50 years!
  • In 2008, a total of 10 chicks hatched in nests (6 on Catalina Island, 4 on Santa Cruz Island).
  • In 2009, 8 bald eagle chicks hatched successfully on Catalina Island and 2 on Santa Cruz Island.
  • Contaminant Monitoring

  • From 2002 to 2006, 62 bald eagle juveniles were released on Santa Cruz Island.
  • Biologists recapture released eagles to collect blood and feather samples to be analyzed for contaminants.
  • Various eagle prey items have also been analyzed for contaminants to determine the current levels of contaminants in the environment.
  • Santa Cruz Island EagleCAM

  • MSRP partnered with the Ventura County Office of Education, Institute for Wildlife Studies, and National Park Service to establish an eaglecam.
  • The camera is solar-powered and broadcasts live images of a bald eagle nest on Santa Cruz Island.
  • Over 1,400 members are signed up on the eaglecam discussion forum where bald eagle enthusiasts chat with each other and post their own scientific observations.
  • Project Reports

    Management

    Bald Eagle Restoration on the California Channel Islands 2010
    Bald Eagle Restoration on the California Channel Islands 2009
    Bald Eagle Restoration on the Northern Channel Islands 2008
    Bald Eagle Restoration on the Northern Channel Islands 2007
    Restoration and Management of Bald Eagles on Santa Catalina Island, 2007
    Restoration and Management of Bald Eagles on Santa Catalina Island, 2006
    Restoration and Management of Bald Eagles on the Northern Channel Islands, 2006

    **For reports from years 2001 to 2005 please email msrp@noaa.gov

    Contaminant Monitoring

    MSRP Bald Eagle Contaminants Study, 2006
    MSRP Bald Eagle Contaminants Study, 2005
    MSRP Bald Eagle Contaminants Study, 2004

    Press Releases

    Bald eagles lay first egg in 50 years on the northern Channel Islands.
    Bald eagle chick brings renewed hope for Channel Islands restoration.
    Second bald eagle chick hatches on Santa Cruz Island.
    Live bald eagle cam - up and running on Santa Cruz Island!
    Bald eagle chick takes historic first flight.
    Stork visits bald eagles on Santa Cruz Island
    Spring Success for Bald Eagles on the Channel Islands
    Bald eaglets driven from their nest on the Northern Channel Islands
    Bald eagle chick with broken wing returns to the wild
    Two Bald Eagle Chicks Hatch Unaided on Catalina Island

    Visit the EagleCAM Linking to a non-federal government web site.This link does not imply endorsement., discussion board Linking to a non-federal government web site.This link does not imply endorsement. and check out weekly updates Linking to a non-federal government web site.This link does not imply endorsement. on the status of bald eagles from biologists at the Institute for Wildlife Studies.



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