Posted by John De Bord on February 20, 2009 at 11:43 AM
What are the laws regarding how far one is supposed to be from a nest? I just found out I have a nest with a male and a female within a 3 minute walking distance from my house. I don't want to get to close with my camera obviously.
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I'm pretty sure the law requires you to live more than four minutes walking distance from a nest. I'm afraid you will now have to move. Your house will be torn down and turned into rodent condos (to feed the eagles, of course).
Posted by Arlen Fletcher on February 20, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I'm sure you're mistaken John - it's NOT an Eagle's nest. Please keep repeating that to yourself - and to anyone that asks.
Posted by George Hager on February 20, 2009 at 1:04 PM
It is OK if your house is pre-existing to the nest You just can't go in or out of your house during daylight hours.
Posted by Joseph Padia on February 20, 2009 at 3:06 PM
John,
Google "National Bald Eagle Guidelines" and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. There aren't any distances as required by law, but there are recommended distances and recommended seasonal closures in the federal guidelines. The division of wildife also has guidelines for buffers and seasonal closures. The BGEPA lays out wording for "take" which includes "disturb" and the fines and penalties. The recommended distances and closures are guidlines meant to prevent "take" and the associated fines and penalties. If you want more info I can definitely email you some.
Posted by James H Egbert on February 20, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I think the required distance is 300mm @ 100 iso f/32 1/125" and at least 12.3 Mp
Posted by Carol Nichols on February 20, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Just slow down - walk backwards or something - make the walk 5 minutes and you'll be okay
Posted by Don Grall on February 20, 2009 at 7:06 PM
The Bald Eagle is no longer listed as threatened or endangered as of 2007 in the lower 48. There should not be any federal rules in place regarding distance from a nest. There might still be state laws so check with the Division of Wildlife.
Posted by Don Grall on February 20, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Before the eggs have hatched is the time of greatest concern in nest photography. The adults could abandon the nest if disturbed before they hatch. Once hatched they will no longer be tempted to abandon the nest and closer photography can be accomplished. It is still wise to do so from a blind to minimize disturbance. This is true regardless of the bird species.
Posted by Arlen Fletcher on February 20, 2009 at 9:32 PM
I believe Don G. is right - the Bald Eagle isn't threatened or endangered any more - but it's still a protected species and it's covered under The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. More info on this site - including a link to the text of the Act:
Discussion
10 repliesGoogle "National Bald Eagle Guidelines" and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. There aren't any distances as required by law, but there are recommended distances and recommended seasonal closures in the federal guidelines. The division of wildife also has guidelines for buffers and seasonal closures. The BGEPA lays out wording for "take" which includes "disturb" and the fines and penalties. The recommended distances and closures are guidlines meant to prevent "take" and the associated fines and penalties. If you want more info I can definitely email you some.
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Eagle/guidelines/bgepa.html
Basically it looks like they want you to stay at least 330 ft from the nest if you're hiking/walking, etc.
Good luck!
You will have plenty of opportunity to photograph after the hatch.