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(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – White Rock Lake is home to a bald eagle family. And recently, that family has become a bit larger. Brett Johnson, conservation manager with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, has confirmed the presence of two eaglets in the nest at Lake Highlands Park.
“We are excited the bald eagles have two new members,” said Johnson, who – along with the department’s conservation team and Dallas’ birding community – has been observing the eagles’ nesting behaviors since early March.
Several weeks later, Johnson spotted the newest family members. Dallas Park and Recreation – together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – is providing ongoing coordination and technical assistance to protect the health and safety of the bald eagle family.
“The USFWS is glad to see the eagles have returned and have at least one eaglet observed in the nest,” said Omar Bocanegro, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supervisory fish and wildlife biologist. “We continue to coordinate with the city of Dallas to assist to ensure the nest is undisturbed.”
To help prevent unintentional disturbance of the eagle family, Dallas Park and Recreation has urged park visitors to adhere to all park regulations and restrictions, staying at least 300 feet away from the eagles. An orange fence has been installed around the nesting area, and park officials urge enthusiastic eagle watchers not to cross the fence. Dogs have been observed to disturb the eagle family and owners are asked to keep them on a leash. Spectators are urged to keep noise levels low near the nesting area.
The eagle family brings a unique opportunity to park visitors. Johnson added that their residence is a positive sign of the conservation work being carried out by the city.
“This is a testament to the department’s efforts in preserving and protecting our natural habitats that allow these majestic birds to thrive,” Johnson said.
In addition, the department has limited certain recreational activities near the nesting area at Lake Highlands Park. These limitations include erecting a fence near the nesting area, actively monitoring restricted park areas, and postponing construction activities and athletic tournaments. After nearly disappearing decades ago from most of the United States, the bald eagle population is now flourishing across the nation.
While it is exciting to see a bald eagle family nesting at White Rock Lake, disruption of their natural activities is prohibited and a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
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