Last week, we reported on the discovery of a bald eagle’s nest in Toronto, marking the city’s first sighting in at least 100 years. But now at least one bird watcher is worried that the site is already at risk.
A local media outlet reports that some type of deterrence management is being carried out by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to keep another species out of the area where the bald eagle’s nest was discovered, which Toronto-based bird watcher Steven McClellan believes is “disruptive” to the pair of bald eagles after he saw their reaction.
“The male eagle, who had been away, was pretty freaked out. [It] flew immediately back to the nest to check things out,” McClellan told CTV, adding that the TRCA should adjust its deterrence strategy in the area to support the eagles during their nesting period.
The exact location of the nest hasn’t been publicly disclosed to ensure privacy, but the TRCA said that it will respond to the concerns once the nesting process is further along and when the eaglets have matured.
Still, many across social media are simply concerned about the overall well-being (and privacy) of the eagles:
I have seen first hand how the paparazzi harass owls to the point where at least one ended up dead. Genuinely concerned for these eagles. The wellbeing of the wildlife should always take priority over a photo, but growing numbers just don’t care.
— Beth Baisch 📸 (@BethBaisch) March 13, 2024
Why are people trying to keep it out of the area?!! They are a beautiful species. They help control rodents etc. Why do people think that they are the only ones allowed to be in certain areas?!!! These areas used to be their homes before they were ours! Leave them alone!
— Wendy (@Whateverluv21) March 14, 2024
The bald eagle was initially assessed as a species of special concern (referring to a species that lives in the wild in Ontario—one that is not endangered or threatened but may become threatened or endangered) when the Endangered Species Act took effect in 2008.
Last spring, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks removed bald eagles from the provincial endangered species list, changing their status from “special concern” to “not at risk”.