Eagle nest protection on private land
As our natural landscapes are increasingly fragmented and activity in our forests increases, there are fewer isolated, peaceful nesting sites for our two top bird predators - the wedge-tailed eagle and the white-bellied sea eagle. Eagle scientists suggest that 20 ha of quiet forest around a nest is a good working minimum for a sustainable breeding site.
While collisions of eagles with wind turbines cause some eagle deaths, Roaring 40s (owners and operator of Tasmaniaís Woolnorth Wind Farms) made a major contribution to the state-wide survival of Tasmania's eagles by protecting viable nesting sites on private land in partnership with the TLC.
A total of 428 hectares of nesting habitat was protected by the partnership, including the long-term protection of nine wedge-tailed eagle and seven white-bellied sea eagle nests plus:
- the discovery of new eagle nests;
- the protection of habitat for the Tasmanian devil, swift parrot and forty-spotted pardalote; and
- the protection of 33 ha of threatened native vegetation communities.
To find out more please contact our program manager on 6331 9295 (Launceston) or 6225 1399 (Hobart) or by email
Nest with a view
Much like ourselves, wedge-tailed eagles like a sunny home with good views. Nests typically last many decades and are found on the lee of a hill facing away from the wind, high in tall old trees that have a sturdy fork in which to build a nest.
Parents start repairs to their nest early in winter.
WTE chick surveying its territory. Photo: Leigh Walters
Courting soon begins with sometimes heart wrenchingly beautiful displays between the mating pair.
In early spring the eggs are laid: chicks hatch a few weeks later. The parents feed the voracious appetite and chicks are fully grown and ready to fledge mid-late summer.
The parents are sensitive to disturbance during the entire process from nest repair to fledging, peaking when the eggs are laid and the chicks young. This is the key time that they need the buffer of quiet bush.