A year in the life of a juvenile eagle…

Update on tracking NJ eagles

by Larissa Smith, Wildlife Biologist/Volunteer Manager

In June of 2011 two chicks (male & female) from the Merrill Creek Reservoir eagle nest in Warren County were fitted with solar-powered transmitters that are monitored via satellites. The males movements have been tracked for over a year starting when he left the nest in June.  You can see the eagles movements by going to: http://www.merrillcreek.com/eagletracking.html  In September the male flew as far West as Harrisburg, PA and in January spent a few days at the upper Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  He has spent the majority of his time in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. It is very interesting to see where the eagle is spending his time and the type of habitat he is using.  When you go to the map you can zoom in to get a close up look at his locations.

Unfortunately the female chick died in October due to starvation. She tested positive for West Nile Virus which could have contributed to her death.  The transmitter was recovered from the female and in May of this year the transmitter was placed on the largest of three chicks, a female, in the Merrill Creek nest.  She just recently left the nest and is still in the area of the nest taking short flights. To follow her movements go to http://www.merrillcreek.com/eagletracking.html