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Bradley Lake Bald Eagle Program 1986-1991
Alaska Energy Authority BALD EAGLE PROGRAM 1986-1991 BRADLEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT BRADLEY RIVER, KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION PROJECT NO. 8221-000 Prepared By BIOSYSTEMS ALASKA FAIRBANKS, ALASKA (A Division of BioSystems Analysis, Inc.) May 1993 BRADLEY LAKE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT BALD EAGLE PROGRAM 1986-1991 BALD EAGLE NEST SURVEYS AND EXPERIMENTS WITH ARTIFICIAL NESTS AND TRANSLOCATION OF NESTING PAIRS INKACHEMAK BAY, ALASKA by David G. Roseneau and Peter J. Bente BIOSYSTEMS ALASKA! FAIRBANKS, ALASKA (A Division of BioSystems Analysis, Inc.) for the ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY? ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Final Report - May 1993 ! BioSystems Alaska ? Alaska Energy Authority 1708 Marmot Hill Road P.O. Box 190869 Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 Anchorage, Alaska 99519 Table of Contents LASHOF TADIES i ssnmisecsie cssanneinesiicnaes aemieisiswine eo aiansied So niaisinaie 0+ sisin'eisani enieiencingia s eseamiacine eaivaaiinae 6 0 ii TEASE OF FUGUES) ce spisietecets« 2 eirrsortstoratsnmae « wisettnniien s ofetsiceot saisersectes ss sleteofota sactesteerre os setreioarrey aieetineor ii Loi86 OP Plate 8 ren nneenervnsnenerrresivediniiiesiverennirnrermnrrnnrnerecesemensecmmenmenaannnnssnanpanannesnninn iv EisG Of APPeNGICes sstns s semcwammenrecamses « smspriemcs s amsagiens sasmmasinas + quteniene ss acioaniiss 454.<petarciee «+ aeigstent eats Vv ACKNOWIEOSMCINS. siissssicssosmmvassasasssvsmases ss sssmeasssaamsincaesweninsion sa isainaaenascinnisniecsenomoainensan vi Executive SUMMALY ...... 0c. cece ccc ee cece eee ee eee eee eee eeeeeaeee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeaeeaeseeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeeeeaees Vii INTRODUCTION sisi: seaman saws sscieanmass vexmmenensrasmeonass ssameanass ssanmades saseunnsaassaaweeas aes 1 STUDY AREA 0... ccc ecc cece cece cecsecceeceecae cea eeeueeeeesaeeeueeeeceaeeaeeaeeeseeeseeeeseneeeaeeeneeneeae 2 IWAEPIODS! sists ss peteminisers ets s narsteeesiercisis « antspirets «atereteineieats waroteriers ¢» euetomrees + < o1aeaiston « saiieeteiers <eetestars 5 ACrial SUVCYS, wiscsssssameanmscasassicaaninnens sdcwinnodd 33s ameisiider ce siciomsinas eicineis sensromasieais oainetesiee sna 5 Ground-Based Monitoring Activities ............ 6 Design and Construction of Artificial Tree Nests and Tripod Nesting Structures ... eg «=O Installation of Artificial Tree Nests and Tripod Nesting Structures ............0...cccceeeeeeee eee 9 Direct Translocation of Nesting Pairs .............ccccccsececcecececeeseeeaeeeceeeseeseeeeeeseeeseesens 12 Removal of Tripod Nesting Structures 2.0.2.0... ..cc cee ceec eee eeeeeeececeeeeeceseeeeeceeeeees .. 16 Construction and Installation of Nest Cones for Indirect Translocation Experiments .... . 16 Removal of Nest Cones ...........cccccsececcseceseceeeceeceeeeeeceeeueeeecaeseeeeaecaeeeeeeeeaeees 17 RESULTS: sos sscacuss sss ssacanaeasesasaessacamaas sr cemeeedss sasiarends ss ncsinnnssomsmsane es siemeennsee summons sere 18 Numbers, Distribution, and Productivity of Eagles in Upper Kachemak Bay ................2655 18 Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Study Area (BLHPSA) sce 18 Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Area (BLHPA) .............:2eseeceecceeeeceececeecteoeees 20 Experiments to Translocate Nesting Pairs in the BLHPA 22 Battle Creek Relocation Experiment ......... won 2 Martin River Relocation Experiment .............0.:sseeeeeeeeeeeees 25 Bradley River Relocation Experiment ...............scceeeeeceeeeeeceeeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeees 27 Attempts to Attract Additional Pairs to the BLHPA ..............cccccecececeec cence ee eceeeeeeeeeeees 29 Artificial Territory ATN-1 ..............:seeeeeeeeees 29 Artificial Territory ATN-3/ATN-4 30 Observations of Pairs at Nonexperimental Nesting Territories in the BLHPA ................... 31 Nesting Location BAEA-38 31 Nesting Location BAEA-39 34 Nesting Location BAEA-41 36 DISCUSSION 0.0... ..cccccceceeecse eee eeeeecueeceeeaeecueeeeeeaeeceeeceeeaesaeeeaeceeeseneeseeseeseeeeeeens 36 Numbers, Distribution, and Productivity of Eagles in Upper Kachemak Bay ................0.44 36 Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Study Area (BLHPSA) saa Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Area (BLHPA) ...........0.cseceeeecseeneee eee eeeseeeeenees 38 i Experiments to Translocate Nesting Pairs in the BLHPA ...............cccececeeeeee eee eeeeeeees 39 Battle Creek Relocation Experiment ...............s.:eeeeeeeee cos Martin River Relocation Experiment ...... .. 40 Bradley River Relocation Experiment 41 Attempts to Attract Additional Pairs to the BLHPA ................ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeueeeens 43 Artificial Temitory AINE! ..<csens<sescwsessssersa 43 Artificial Territory ATN-3/ATN-4 43 Observations of Pairs at Nonexperimental Nesting Territories in the BLHPA 44 Nesting Location BAEA-38 44 Nesting Location BAEA-39 45 Nesting Location BAEA-41 46 MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS) cams scents comemiens satsioaiens s stiles Saciawiaeie +2 viieusiv'es onieneiene vere 46 DETERATURE CIRED, cecccvc ce. voce swiss « omsisiaisi s seeriiels ss Semeataces s2a0seeits + = sehiainoi +s sonTe + siecle = 47 Table 1. Table 2. Figure 1. Figure 2a. Figure 2b. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. List of Tables Occupancy and productivity at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1986- MOOI sctseiseinas soi iskisnlse slecuiis's scciteciewe se ctieicieees seiciteeie's eeiserisitne sepieeen ets ecee era 50 Occupancy and productivity at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area, 1986-1991. slsinisien's © sisisislsiviogies » «.c\vs ste stsierisielnioie oisievoie civ e » nitcinisi,s oa 8ioisise ss biawlalsais ss Siectoleltole sb alswaleIew ¢ slalicieniss Sis 35 List of Figures Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Program study area, ‘upper. Kachemak Bay, Alaska <isienssssmewemess sommes srtemns » sepreiretss sersitote = =i 58 Locations of natural and artificial bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests, southern project area (see map in rear COVer POCKet) .........ceceeeeceeeececeeeee seen eeeeeeeeeeeenes 59 Locations of natural and artificial bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests, northern project area (see map in rear Cover POCKet) ...........eceeeeeeeeececeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeues 59 Side view showing a typical artificial tree nest support bracket. .............:sseeeeeeeee 60 Overhead view of artificial nest platform and nest support brackets. .............0.0000 61 Side view of attached artificial nest platform and nest support brackets. ................ 62 Cross-section.of a typical artificial NES: os: ssamawes s somooneevs sememaiens ovinewiee > cvviesses > vs 63 ii Figure 7. Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13. Figure 14. Figure 15. Figure 16. Figure 17. Figure 18. Figure 19. Figure 20. Figure 21. Mobile, reusable aluminum tripod nesting structure. ............ccseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 64 Side view of an artificial nest in a deciduous tree. ............... cece ec eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 65 Side view of an artificial nest in a coniferous tree. 20.0... .. cece cee ee eee ee eee nents eeeeeeee 66 Battle Creek substudy area showing approximate distances between the natural BAEA-37 nest tree, artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6, and nearby potentially disturbing Bradley Wake: Hydroelectric Project facthties: 5. sceisac - seecienns oasee aes ss saictenees esloinsieis « vacrasass 67 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-1 through BAEA-7 and BAEA-68 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric PLOjECt StUGY ATCA, 1.625 ccpeerens ssnerenaes + vemctsne sx cioenowe ss sepeisonss seseensNs sosiuniees ssiseiess 68 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-8 through BAEA-18 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study AL Ce eee ee rere eee ere coat r eemcnte rr receen: 69 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-19 through BAEA-206 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study ACA aa araiasics tteclemtcierisicinee ssticisecies sctclaisianescceisasanschcecstascuns saccierladassseateias se 70 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-27 through BAEA-35, and artificial nests ATN-1 and ATN-7 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. ............cccceeeeceeceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 71 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-36 through BAEA-41, and artificial nests ATN-2 through ATN-6 and ATN-8 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. ...........s.csesseeeeeee sees 72 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-42 through BAEA-60 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study ATCA. assnieoreen 0 sere seryaieleiese s SOU MICRA sSumIaslanus 5 SoaSOE.S 5 aUAMOUNS 5 Sosasess SsseMETE sss seuases sem 73 Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-61 through BAEA-67 in and near the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Stidyiarcapenuc sts tsstsrereetenee secarcer esenee se tanmecaens amneine rs raeriomter seers 74 Trends in numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories and territories containing nests in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectnic Project study area, 1986-1991 ooo. scsce 5 neonsos 1s scsssaws sonsioves sce aq Numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories gained and lost in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, NO BESO lee necenenceeectreseceteecensenuieaesceressiseneatetanaeteceb censuses 76 Trend in numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest sites in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1986-1991... 77 Numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest sites gained and lost in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1987- DSS Sieem class eee eisiiseseaie Sa eteses woiseinnisene socio see seas es sesaieeiececewiee ss serceuneseenes 78 iii Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. Figure 25. Figure 26. Figure 27. Plate A. Plate B. Plate C. Plate D. Plate E. Plate F. Plate G. Plate H. Numbers of nesting territories occupied by bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs and single adults in the upper Kachemak Bay Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986-1991. oo... cick ccccec eee eec eee eeeeeeeeeceeeeeceeeeeneseeeeeeeeeeeneeeenees 79 Numbers successful and unsuccessful bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs found at nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986-1991. a. csasssss<s sense os oomoave s vewieinas s otieensis os sistemas 80 Productivity of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986- MOGs 5 srssicemiane dvs watssisn ctsesttses saisicoaoa « attssinsinihe 4 netteseiotes « sstistonats pe stnoniseints 6 eictesieeive eseisiesist 81 Numbers of nesting territories occupied by bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs and single adults in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. .. 82 Numbers successful and unsuccessful bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs found at nesting territories in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. 83 Productivity of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at nesting territories in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. oo. ...ecceceececcececeeeeeeeeeeeeenee 84 List of Plates Close view of the rope-pulley delivery system showing how the rope-ends and running pulley were linked together .............cccceccseceeeceeecseceeeeeecueeseeeeeeeeseeeeeeeneees 85 Distant view of the rope-pulley delivery system developed to quickly and efficiently get building materials to construction sites high up in trees. ..............cceceeeeeeeeeeeeeee 86 View showing installation of artificial tree nest ATN-7 in a dead, double-trunked balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree in the Bradley River BAEA-34 nesting territory on 26 September 1986... sscassaneciesssscntqeasstcammneets sascitemessamannmss’s sannitnas sasamtinsasssaammaces 87 An example of the artificial nests built in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) trees in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area in 1986. .......... esse eeeeeee ee eee 88 Another view showing artificial tree nest ATN-3 during installation west of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area on 15 June 1986. ........ cece ee eee eee eee eee eees 89 An example of the artificial tree nests built in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) trees in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area in 1986 and 1991. ... 90 Distant view showing artificial tree nest ATN-2 in its forest-edge setting in the Martin River delta just west of the borrow pit area in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project SUUGY Q0CA:,. sicmsaassancstisomaness seanmansssssmaamasss tscnienes sacsumeesssanmamess ooeeeNsS Cadienr 91 View showing tripod nesting structure TNS-1 during final assembly on tidelands in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area about 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from the BAEA-37 nesting’ territory inJearly June 1986. sssiesss sacar sscasmwas s vssrwaiis s semnesae s seewitins ss 92 iv Plate I. Plate J. Plate K. Plate L. Plate M. Plate N Plate O. Plate P. Plate Q. Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Appendix 3. Appendix 4. The tripod nesting structures were designed to be picked up and transported easily by HERE RSL CO ST eee a ietlrs eet chesiee Mateleeeetaloitenielicterad 4 geleletleretleteteiarieitelecinntielatea toile 93 View showing tripod nesting structure TNS-1 anchored in final position on the Battle Creek tidelands in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area between the natural BAEA-37 and artificial ATN-5/6 nesting territories. .............:secseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 94 View showing one of the welded, open-framed steel nest cones designed to temporarily prevent bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from using natural nests in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons. View showing one of the smaller 30-in (76-cm) diameter, 24-in (61-cm) tall, 40 Ib (18 kg) nest cones during installation in the BAEA-40a nest in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area on 27 January 1987. ...........c cece ee eeceeeeeeeeeee ee 96 An aerial view of artificial tree nest ATN-S in the artificial ATN-5/6 territory in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. ............ecceceeeeceeeeceeceeeeeeeeees 97 View showing the precariously leaning balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree used for nesting by the Bradley River BAEA-34 pair during the 1986 breeding season... 98 An aerial view showing artificial tree nest ATN-7 in the Bradley River BAEA-34 nesting territory just after completion on 26 September 1987. ................004 Benetin nla atinialslla 99 Another aerial view of artificial tree nest ATN-7 showing an adult female incubating in it On 10 May 1990. | cstaa ite seobsccdsaeecanctsscqansssstacmbesasaccsseanassesamasssseemese ean 100 Another aerial view showing artificial tree nest ATN-7 and two of the seven eaglets that were successfully reared in it during the 1987-1990 breeding seasons. .............. 101 List of Appendices Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territory alpha-numaric code equivalents, upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska. o.....cee ce ecsseeesseeeeeeeeeeeeeee 102 Descriptions of artificial tree nests and temporary tripod nesting structures in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. .. 104 Summaries of occupancy and productivity data from 71 bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories surveyed in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska during 1976-1990 | cccnsvcosmbscscescmacecsenmaeasssccammess+semvsssad ses aeseuss semsmaaassmemcas oa 107 Nest sites and tree types documented at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska north of Homer Spit and Peterson Bay. atoetyia esters ca di = Sbsteersea ws estanrire a rmsttsea ¢ «tote patiers ss emunbotla a asinbilol ++ olecoiete ola aients 154 Acknowledgments We wish to thank the many people who helped make this study possible. Special thanks are extended to T. Arminski, Alaska Energy Authority, and J. Garcia and C. Thelander, BioSystems Analysis, Inc., for their support of the project and their patience during preparation of the report; N. Bishop and W. Steigers, Stone & Webster Engineering, for their interest in the artificial nest experiments and help during the work; and J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., for his expert logistical assistance throughout the study and his efforts to make all stays in camp both pleasant and productive. We also thank J.D. Woolington for his assistance building and installing artificial nests and tripod structures in 1986; D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, J. Daly, D. Greer, D. Bishop, and T. Salazar, Bechtel Civil Inc., and D. Wynn, Stone & Webster Engineering, for their interest and participation in field efforts, including assisting us with many logistical needs and collecting valuable observations of birds; A.M. Springer and L.M. Denlinger for volunteering to be observers during several aerial surveys; and D. Fell, M. Fell, J. Sink, H. Longfellow, J. Osgood, and all the other excellent pilots at Maritime Helicopters who helped make the aerial portion of the field work safe, efficient, and successful. L.M. Denlinger also helped edit tables and appendices, and she prepared the final base maps showing distribution of territories in upper Kachemak Bay. P. Lent provided valuable editorial comments on the final version of the manuscript. The bald eagle on the title page was drawn and donated to us by A.L. Sowls. vi Executive Summary In April 1984, the Alaska Power Authority (now the Alaska Energy Authority; AEA) applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to build and operate a 90 megawatt hydroelectric generation facility in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project (BLHP) was licensed by FERC on 31 December 1985, and site preparation work began in the 6,700 acre (2,772 ha) project area about 20 air miles (32 km) northeast of Homer, Alaska on 17 June 1986. The dam, power generation facilities, and a transmission line connecting the power plant to the existing electrical grid serving Alaskan railbelt communities were completed in June 1991. On 6 September, after several weeks of testing, the hydroelectric project was dedicated by the Governor of Alaska and electricity officially began flowing into the railbelt power grid. During January-March 1986, a study was designed in cooperation with the AEA, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. (SWEC), Bechtel Civil Inc. (BCI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to address agency and contractor concerns that construction activities might disturb or otherwise negatively effect populations of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area (BLHPA) in upper Kachemak Bay. The final study plan included experiments designed to test methods for building artificial nests for bald eagles and translocating breeding pairs from natural nests to artificial nest sites in the project area. It also included annual surveys to monitor numbers and productivity of pairs nesting in the BLHPA and around the perimeter of the bay between Homer and Glacier spits to help assess effects of project-related activities on the eagle population in the upper bay. The study program was approved in late April and field work began 17 May, one month before site preparation crews started clearing trees in the BLHPA. Sixty-eight natural bald eagle nesting territories were documented around the perimeter of Kachemak Bay between Homer Spit and Peterson Bay. Sixty-two of the 68 natural territories were located within the boundaries of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area (BLHPSA). Both the total number of territories and the number of territories containing nests increased in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991. In 1986, 48 nesting locations, including 38 with nests, were known to exist in the study area based on aerial and ground surveys and information obtained from other sources. By late summer 1991, 62 territories, including 50 with nests, were present. The increases of 29% in total known nesting locations and 32% in locations containing nests resulted from a combination of losses and gains that accrued during the six nesting seasons. These changes were statistically significant. The number of natural nest sites also increased in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991. In 1986, only 45 complete structures needing little repair were present at 34 territories, but by spring 1991, 68 complete structures were located at 48 territories. This 51% increase in readily usable nest sites was statistically significant, and it also resulted from a combination of losses and gains that accrued during the six nesting seasons. vil During 1986-1991, an average of 30 BLHPSA territories were occupied by eagles annually. Pairs or single adults were present at 22 locations in 1986, 34 in 1987, 29 in 1988, 37 in 1989, 29 in 1990, and 31 in 1991. Numbers of nesting territories defended by pairs followed the same general pattern. Fluctuations in numbers of occupied territories, nesting locations defended by pairs, and territories occupied by single birds did not follow clear trends and were not significant. Numbers of successful pairs remained relatively stable in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991, ranging from 16 to 22 pairs and averaging about 19 annually. In contrast, numbers of pairs failing to fledge young varied markedly, ranging from 4 to 15 pairs during the six-year study. The highest failure rate (48%) occurred in 1987, a year when a series of large snow and rain storms passed through the study area during the courtship, egg-laying, and early incubation periods in mid-March - late April. During 1986-1991, productivity of eagles nesting in the BLHPSA was relatively high, averaging about 1.0, 1.0, and 1.5 fledging-age youngsters per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively. Productivity was highest in 1986, when 22 pairs produced 1.3, 1.3, and 1.7 nestlings per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively, and lowest in 1987, when 31 pairs fledged 1.4 eaglets per successful pair, but only about 0.7 and 0.6 nestlings per pair and per occupied territory, respectively. Eight natural nesting territories were documented in the smaller BLHPA at the head of Kachemak Bay. Seven of the eight natural territories were present before construction activities commenced in spring 1986, and one was established by a pair in the spring of 1991. Three artificial territories were installed in the project area in June 1986, shortly after construction crews started clearing trees from the temporary camp site area north of Battle Creek. When site preparation work began in the BLHPA in spring 1986, one of the seven natural territories present was a dormant historical location without any nests. The remaining six locations contained a total of eight complete natural nests and three remnant sites. A total of five artificial nests were installed at the three man-made nesting locations, and two artificial nests were built in natural territories to provide alternate nest sites. When the work was finished, the project area contained 15 complete nests and 3 old remnant sites at eight territories. During 1987-1991, pairs constructed four more nests in the BLHPA, including three at two of the original seven natural territories, and one at the new nesting location. However, during the same interval, two natural sites, including one complete nest and one remnant site, were lost to natural causes at two locations. As a result, 11 complete natural nests, 1 natural remnant site, and 7 artificial nests were present in the project area when the hydroelectric facility was finished in fall 1991. In the BLHPA, eagles occupied an average of six territories annually during 1986-1991, and numbers remained relatively stable after 1986. Pairs or single adults were found at four locations in 1986, seven in 1987 and 1988, and six in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Numbers of nesting territories defended by pairs were slightly more variable, rising from only four in 1986 to six in 1987 and seven in 1988, then declining to six in 1989 and five in 1990, and finally rising to six again in 1991. The small Vili fluctuations in numbers of occupied territories and nesting locations defended by pairs did not follow clear trends and were not statistically significant. However, the 50% gain in numbers of pairs from four in 1986 to an average of six during 1987-1991 was interesting, because potentially disturbing human activities were much higher at the beginning of the nesting seasons in these years. Numbers of successful pairs also remained relatively stable in the BLHPA during the six-year study period, ranging from three to five and averaging four annually. Variation in numbers of pairs that failed to produce young was slightly higher, ranging from zero to three and averaging 1.7 annually. During 1986-1991, productivity of birds nesting in the BLHPA was slightly higher than recorded in the larger BLHPSA as a whole, averaging about 1.1, 1.2, and 1.7 fledging-age youngsters per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively. Productivity was highest in 1986, when four pairs produced 1.8, 1.8, and 1.8 nestlings per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively, and lowest in 1989, when six pairs fledged 1.7 eaglets per successful pair, but only about 0.8 nestlings per pair and per occupied territory, respectively. No evidence was found indicating construction of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project had adverse effects on eagles in the BLHPSA or BLHPA at either pair or population levels. All data strongly suggested birds nesting in both areas were responding as expected to natural year-to-year fluctuations in environmental conditions. In the BLHPSA, the total number of natural nesting territories, number of territories containing nests, and number of available nest sites showed relatively steady, statistically significant increases during 1986-1991. All losses of territories and nest sites clearly resulted from natural causes. Total numbers of occupied territories and territories occupied by pairs and successful pairs varied over the years. However, in all cases, numbers were equivalent or higher in all nesting seasons beginning after construction started than during the 1986 breeding season, a year when relatively few project activities occurred during the courtship, egg-laying, incubation, and hatching periods. Productivity also varied from year to year in the BLHPSA, but no trends were apparent in reproductive performance. The relatively small number of nestlings fledged per occupied territory and per pair in 1987, the second construction year, almost certainly resulted from unseasonably cold weather conditions during the early part of the breeding season. During the courtship and egg-laying periods in mid-March - late April, several large mixed snow and rain storms accompanied by strong winds passed through the upper bay and interrupted breeding activities. Results were similar in the smaller BLHPA. The total number of natural territories containing usable nests and the number of available nest sites increased slightly after 1986. Again, losses of nest sites resulted from natural causes. Total numbers of occupied territories and territories defended by pairs increased after 1986 and remained relatively stable over the next five years, and little change occurred in annual numbers of successful pairs. Based on total known nesting locations, occupancy of territories in the project area averaged about 14% higher in the BLHPA than in the larger BLHPSA during the six-year period. Although occupancy of total territories with nests varied in the BLHPA, it ix was essentially the same as occupancy of territories with nests in the broader BLHPSA during the 1987-1991 nesting seasons. The total number of pairs also increased in the BLHPA after 1986. Although pair numbers varied annually, they averaged about 9% higher for all known territories and 27% higher for nesting locations containing usable nests during 1987-1991, when a variety of human activities occurred during the courtship, egg-laying, incubation, and hatching periods. Pair occupancy of known territories and territories with nests also averaged about 15% and 2% higher, respectively, in the BLHPA during 1986-1991, compared to the larger BLHPSA, and for these same parameters, occupancy by successful pairs averaged about 13% and 4% higher, respectively, in the project area, compared to the broader study area. Productivity also varied from year to year in the BLHPA, but again trends were not obvious in reproductive performance during the study period. The number of young fledged per successful pair was high in the BLHPA in each of the six years, and a slight downward trend after 1988 was not statistically significant. Although numbers of young produced per occupied territory and per pair were about 50% lower in 1987-1989 than in 1986, reproductive success, as measured by these parameters, was still within the bounds of natural variation reported for other populations. Furthermore, productivity of eagles for all three parameters (i.e., young per occupied territory, young per pair, and young per successful pair) was slightly higher in the smaller BLHPA during the six year period than it was in the larger BLHPSA. In 1986, seven natural-appearing artificial nests were installed in trees in the BLHPA, creating three new nesting territories and adding one alternate nest site to each of two existing natural nesting locations. One man-made territory and both alternate artificial nests were used to test methods for translocating pairs between and within nesting territories. The two other artificial locations were built to test the feasibility of increasing local nesting populations by increasing numbers of available nesting territories. The Battle Creek experiment to relocate a nesting pair form a natural territory to one of the man-made nesting locations by physically moving the pair's nestlings to the artificial site was successful, resulting in the first direct translocation of breeding bald eagles in North America. The successful relocation of the pair indicated bald eagles have potential to be manipulated and shifted to newly created distant nesting locations during the breeding season in similar fashion to previously successful translocations of golden eagles in Wyoming. Results of the direct translocation experiment also indicated it is possible to relocate pairs to distant points in different habitat settings outside boundaries of normal flight corridors to and from foraging areas, if birds are guided to unfamiliar locations via temporary nesting structures (e.g., tripod nesting platforms). The Martin and Bradley river experiments were conducted to test less direct means for moving birds to alternate locales in territories by providing artificial nests and blocking natural nests with cone-shaped devices prior to subsequent breeding seasons The Martin River effort technically failed because the birds did not accept the alternate man-made site and instead, built a new nest. However, despite the fact that the pair built a new nest instead of using the artificial nest site, the experiment was considered successful, because the birds' response to the blocked nests still fulfilled the primary objective of the test: relocating the pair to a new locale within the boundaries of their territory. The Bradley River experiment had two goals that were dependant on the fate of the tree the pair used for a nest platform in 1986: to either indirectly translocate the pair from the precarious natural nest to a safer, alternate artificial nest in the territory by supplying a man-made nest and temporarily blocking the natural nest site; or to retain the pair in the territory by supplying an artificial nest that the birds could use in the event the natural nest tree containing the blocked nest fell down before the start of the 1987 nesting season. The natural nest tree was lost during a snow storm in March 1987, and shortly afterwards, the pair accepted the artificial site and used it for four years. Results of the experiment helped confirm the feasibility of maintaining the viability of territories that have few remaining nest- building sites. The acceptance of the artificial nest and its repeated use during subsequent breeding seasons also demonstrated that otherwise potentially long-term, possibly permanent losses of nesting territories can be avoided by supplying well-built artificial sites. Mixed results were obtained during attempts to attract additional pairs of eagles to the BLHPA by building artificial nests at new locations in the Sheep Creek - Bradley River tidelands at the head of the bay and on the western edge of the Martin River delta. Eagles were attracted to the nesting location at the head of the bay, but as of 1991, birds showed little interest in the Martin River delta territory just north of Chugachik Island. Prospecting pairs may have avoided the artificial territory because it was located on and near flight paths used by foraging members of other Martin River pairs. x1 INTRODUCTION In April 1984, the Alaska Power Authority (now the Alaska Energy Authority; AEA) applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to build and operate a 90 megawatt hydroelectric generation facility in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project (BLHP) was licensed by FERC on 31 December 1985, and site preparation work began in the 6,700 acre (2,772 ha) project area about 20 air miles (32 km) northeast of Homer, Alaska on 17 June 1986. Initial activities included building temporary construction camp facilities near Battle Creek, a temporary aircraft landing site in the lower Martin River delta, a barge dock at Sheep Point, a temporary road between the Martin River delta and camp site, a quarry site in the Battle Creek valley and borrow pits in the Martin River delta, a riprap dike along the east side of the Martin River delta to protect the gravel pits and temporary runway, a permanent road between the dam site at the west end of Bradley Lake and the powerhouse site north of Sheep Point, a diversion tunnel at the dam site, and permanent housing and maintenance facilities near the powerhouse site. After preparation work was finished in spring 1987, most camp facilities were removed and construction activities were reduced to maintenance levels for about one year. In July 1988, new camp quarters were installed and construction activities resumed. The dam, power generation facilities, and a transmission line connecting the power plant to the existing electrical grid serving Alaskan railbelt communities were completed in June 1991. On 6 September, after several weeks of testing, the hydroelectric project was dedicated by the Governor of Alaska and electricity officially began flowing into the railbelt power grid. Work initiated earlier in the year to remove temporary facilities and restore habitats disturbed by construction activities was finished about three months later. During January-March 1986, a study was designed in cooperation with the AEA, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. (SWEC), Bechtel Civil Inc. (BCI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to address agency and contractor concerns that construction activities might disturb or otherwise negatively effect populations of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area (BLHPA) in upper Kachemak Bay. The final study plan included experiments designed to test methods for building artificial nests for bald eagles and translocating breeding pairs from natural nests to artificial nest sites in the project area. It also included annual surveys to monitor numbers and productivity of pairs nesting in the BLHPA and around the perimeter of the bay between Homer and Glacier spits to help assess effects of project-related activities on the eagle population in the upper bay. The study program was approved in late April and field work began 17 May, one month before site preparation crews started clearing trees in the BLHPA. In 1986, seven natural-appearing artificial nests were installed in trees in the BLHPA, creating three new nesting territories and adding one alternate nest site to each of two existing natural nesting locations (Roseneau et al. 1987). One experiment was also conducted to relocate a nesting pair from a natural territory to one of the man-made nesting locations by physically moving the pair's nestlings to the artificial site. The experiment resulted in the first successful direct translocation of breeding bald eagles in North America. Two other experiments were also initiated in the BLHPA in 1986 to test less direct means for moving birds to alternate locales in territories by providing artificial nests and blocking natural nests with cone- shaped devices prior to subsequent breeding seasons (Roseneau and Bente 1987). In 1987, one pair accepted an artificial site and used it for four years after their coned nest fell down, and although the other experimental pair failed to use an artificial site, they constructed a new nest and used it for three years before building another nest on top of the cone in one of the two blocked sites in their territory. During 1987-1991, work included monitoring experimental and nonexperimental territories in the BLHPA, and collecting additional information on the eagle population nesting in upper Kachemak Bay. Time was also spent checking, maintaining, and repairing artificial nests. Just before the study ended in late fall 1991, one more man-made nest was installed in the BLHPA to provide an alternate nest site at a territory where the natural nest was in imminent danger of falling down. Results of the translocation experiments, efforts to attract additional pairs to the BLHPA by providing artificial nesting territories, and annual surveys to monitor populations nesting in both the project area and around the perimeter of the upper bay are described in this report. Information is also provided on methods for building and installing temporary tripod nesting structures and natural-appearing artificial tree nests for bald eagles. STUDY AREA The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area (BLHPSA) is shown in Figure 1. It included the perimeter of upper Kachemak Bay between Homer and Glacier spits and tidelands and floodplains in the lower Fox River - Sheep Creek and Bradley River drainages at the head of the bay south of the BLHP transmission line corridor. It also encompassed the Bradley River valley between the tidelands and Bradley Lake, and about 3 miles (5 km) of the Martin River valley upstream of the project area boundary. Figures 2a and 2b provide detailed photographic overviews of the project area, including project facilities and associated artificial and natural bald eagle nesting territories and nest sites (Figures 2a and 2b are located in the map packet attached to the back cover). Upper Kachemak Bay enjoys a relatively mild maritime climate most of the year (Brower et al. 1977). However, conditions often change rapidly when large storms originating in the Gulf of Alaska track westward and northward through the region. Mean annual minimum and maximum air temperatures are about 39° F (4° C) and 64° F (18° C), respectively. July and August, the warmest months, average about 54°-55° F (12°-13° C). The coldest period, December-February, averages 32° F (0° C). Summer-time highs rarely climb above 72° F (22° C) and winter-time lows only occasionally drop below 10° F (-12° C). However, temperatures higher than 80° F (27° C) and lower than -15° F (-26° C) have been recorded in the area. Average annual precipitation (both rain and snow) is about 28 in (73 cm), and snowfall averages about 102 in (264 cm). Snow falling below elevations of about 500 ft (152 m) often melts within a few days 2 because of rain and frequent warming trends. As a result, coastal lowlands bordering the upper bay remain relatively snow-free most winters. However, the snow is typically wet and heavy, and 15-20 in (38-51 cm), and occasionally more, can accumulate in as little as 12-24 hrs time. Winds are common. Prevailing directions are from the northeastern quadrant during September-March and the southwestern quadrant during April-August. Typical speeds are about 6-17 mph (5-15 kts), but often reach 35-46 mph (30-40 kts) when large storm systems are present. During late fall, winter, and early spring, when air flow tends to be strongest, northeasterly and easterly winds funnelling down off of the glaciers above the east side of the upper bay often cause powerful updrafts, downdrafts, and microbursts in the coastal lowlands between the Bradley River and Halibut Cove. When these conditions persist, gusts of 50-70 mph (43-61 kts) often occur in some areas, and on occasion, speeds are even higher—in one case, gusts of at least 90 mph (78 kts) struck a hillside communications repeater site in the project area (J. Daly, BCI pers. comm. 1989). Most of the western shoreline of upper Kachemak Bay is characterized by 50- to 500-ft (15- to 152-m) high, sparsely vegetated clay and dirt bluffs. The tops of most of the southeast-facing bluffs are dominated by stands of large Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) trees and semi-open grassy and brushy meadows containing alder (A/nus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.) interspersed with occasional small stands of large balsam poplar(Populus balsamifera) trees. Small stands of moderately large poplars are also occur along the coast at the mouths of creeks flowing into the bay and in some bluff-side cuts. In general, scattered bushy-topped, broken-topped, and open-limbed spruce trees growing on the bluff- edges between Homer and McNeil Canyon, and mature poplar growing at creek deltas and in bluff- cuts north of McNeil Canyon provide most of the potential nest-building sites for eagles breeding in this part of the bay. Note: Both balsam poplar and black cottonwood (P. b. trichocarpa) trees and intergrades between them probably occur in the study area, but for purposes of this report, both types are considered balsam poplar. Lands in and near Kachemak Bay subsided as much as 3-6 ft (1-2 m) during a major seismic event, the "Good Friday" earthquake, in March 1964 (e.g., Bain 1990, 1991). As a result, the head of the bay contains broad open expanses of mud flats and marshy, grass-covered tidelands that extend up to 2 miles (3 km) inland in the lower Fox River - Sheep Creek and Bradley River estuaries. Scattered stands of large dead and dying poplar trees backed by denser stands of smaller live poplar mixed with some large spruce trees are present along the northern edges of the salt marshes. Dense stands of large poplar and a few large spruce trees are also found along the rivers, creeks, and sloughs upstream of the tidal zone. Also, a few small, rocky, spruce-covered ‘islets’ are located in the salt marshes east of Sheep Creek. Large mature poplar trees growing in stands along the bases of the bluffs on the western edge of the tidelands north of the community of Kachemak Selo, and large dead, dying, and decadent poplar growing along the northern perimeter of the salt marshes between the Fox and Bradley rivers supply most of the potential nest-building opportunities for pairs breeding in this section of the study area. The rocky bluffs and forested hillsides bordering the east side of the upper bay are dominated by dense stands of large Sitka spruce. In some areas, trees are dead or dying as a result of bark beetle infestations that began occurring throughout the region in the early 1980's. The beetle-damaged spruce are vulnerable to wind storms, and stands varying in size from a few dozen to several hundred trees have blown down at several locations in recent years (particularly near Mallard Bay). Some poplar stands are also present along the eastern shoreline of the bay at a few locations, including the lower Battle Creek flood plain, the Martin River delta and valley, and the lower ‘Portlock’ and Grewingk creek drainages just north of Mallard Bay and east of Glacier Spit, respectively. However, with exception of these locales, bushy-topped, broken-topped, and open-limbed live spruce trees and appropriately configured dead spruce scattered around the perimeters of islands and along the edges of the bluffs and beaches provide most of the potential nest-building sites for birds breeding in this portion of the bay. The nearshore marine and estuarine environments of upper Kachemak Bay, and the salt marshes, coastal wetlands, and rivers and streams flowing into it support relatively abundant, diverse fish and bird populations year-around. Fishes occurring in fresh, estuarine, and marine habitats include salmon (primarily pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and coho salmon O. kisutch), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), Bering cisco (Coregonus laurettae), slimy and Pacific staghorn sculpin (Cottus cognatus and Leptocottus armatus), starry flounder (Platichtyus stellatus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) (e.g., FERC 1985). The bay also contains a diverse assemblage of invertebrates, including bivalves and crabs. Migratory and overwintering (*) water birds include Canada geese (Branta canadensis), brant (B. bernicla), mallards* (Anas platyrhynchos), pintails (A. acuta), American widgeon (A. americana), green-winged teal (A. crecca), oldsquaw* (Clangula hyemalis), Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) common goldeneye (B. clangula), red-breasted mergansers* (Mergus serrator ), common mergansers (M. merganser), scoters* (Melanitta spp.), scaup (Aythya spp.), mew gulls* (Larus canus), glaucous-winged gulls* (L. glaucescens), Bonaparte's gulls (L. philadelphia), and arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) (e.g., FERC 1985). Small populations of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) also utilize the upper bay. About 150-200 seals regularly haul out and pup on mud bars in the Martin and Bradley river deltas (APA 1985; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data), and small pods of belugas also frequent these same areas when salmon are present ( D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). Tides in Kachemak Bay vary from about -6 ft (-2 m) to +23 ft (7 m) and average flux is in the order of 17-18 ft (5 m) (e.g., Brower etal. 1977). During low tides, about 9-12 square miles (23-31 km?) of mud flats are exposed at the head of the bay, and a broad, 0.5- to 1.0-mile (0.8- 1.6-km) wide, 15- to 16-mile (24- to 26-km) long strip of muddy bottom also emerges along the western shoreline of the bay between Kachemak Selo and Homer Spit. A 6-mile (10-km) long, 0.5-mile (0.8-km) wide area of mud- and gravel-covered bottom is also uncovered on the east side of the bay between Aurora and Glacier spits. These extensive tidal flats provide rich hunting grounds for bald eagles, and birds nesting in the study area forage in them extensively during periods of low water. Prey items commonly taken include both fish and birds, particularly sculpin and flatfishes trapped in tidal pools, 4 and unwary or injured gulls and waterfowl feeding and resting on the muddy flats. Marine mammals also provide a source of food for eagles in the upper bay. Birds scavenge carcasses whenever available, and several pairs nesting near the head of the bay regularly feed on seal placentas and even occasionally prey on new-born seal pups. Most pups are taken when several eagles collectively attack and harass hauled-out groups animals (D.G. Roseneau, pers. obs). METHODS Aerial Surveys Aerial surveys for nests were conducted from intercom equipped Bell 206-B II and III Jet Ranger, and Bell LongRanger III helicopters. Flight altitudes and speeds averaged about 30 mph (35 kts) and 200 ft (61 m), respectively. However, speeds and altitudes were modified, as necessary, to both improve visibility and avoid causing undue disturbance to nesting birds. Flight times totaled 57 hrs and averaged about 2.2 hrs per survey (i.e., to make one complete circuit of the bay). Surveys flown in 1986 were conducted by two experienced observers and one assistant. During 1987-1991, one experienced observer assisted by a pilot familiar with the study area flew most of the surveys. Exceptions occurred on 14 May 1987, when both authors participated, and on 24 June 1988, 12 August 1990, 17 May 1991, and 13 August 1991, when one additional individual rode along to obtain experience conducting aerial surveys for tree-nesting raptors. Whenever two observers were available, they were seated on the same side of the aircraft to increase chances of detecting nests in areas of dense spruce cover. Data were recorded on USGS 1:63,360 topographic maps and micro audio tape cassettes. In 1986, the first aerial survey was flown on 22 May. However, data were not obtained along the east side of the bay between Bear Cove and Glacier Spit during this flight because of turbulence. Coastal areas between the project area and Homer and Glacier spits were surveyed in June and late August as time and weather permitted during work on artificial nests and other monitoring duties. Surveys were conducted between Homer and the BLHPA on 6 and 11 June, and 26 August, and the section of coast between the project area and Glacier Spit was searched on 9, 15, and 17 June. Also, some additional observations were obtained along the west side of the bay and in the lower Sheep Creek - Bradley River and Martin River drainages during mid-June - late September when personnel commuted between Homer and work sites in the BLHPA. During 1987-1991, 19 aerial surveys were flown around the perimeter of the bay and in the Fox River - Sheep Creek and Bradley River flats on the following dates: (1987) 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August; (1988) 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August; (1989) 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August; (1990) 10 May and 12 August; and (1991) 29 April, 17 May, and 13 August. On 10 and 21 April 1987, and 23 April 1989, strong winds, turbulence, and rain squalls prevented observers from checking some areas in the head of the bay and shorelines near Aurora and Glacier spits. However, in both years, these areas were surveyed on later dates. 5 Alpha-numaric codes were used to identify nesting territories found during the aerial surveys. This code system was also applied to historical locations and nests discovered during other ground-based based activities. In 1991, the codes used during the 1985-1990 field seasons were revised and all known territories were assigned new alpha-numaric identifiers. The revised territory codes and all corresponding equivalent codes used by Roseneau (1985, 1986, 1990), Roseneau and Bente (1987, 1989), Roseneau et al. (1987), and the USFWS are listed in Appendix 1. Ground-based Monitoring Activities Pairs nesting in and near the BLHPA were observed from the ground on the following dates: (1986) 4-17 June, 1-9 August, 27-29 August, and 25-27 September; (1987) 10-12 April, 21 April - 7 May, 14-16 May, 4-6 July, 20-21 August, and 17-19 September; (1988) 22-28 April, 9-13 May, 2-3 August, and 22-23 September; and (1989) 22-25 April and 12-13 May. The monitoring work was conducted to obtain information on responses of pairs to artificial nests and construction activities and help ensure birds nesting near project facilities were not disturbed. No ground-based observations were made during 1990-1991. By 1990, pairs nesting in the project area were long-accustomed to project activities and were clearly tolerant of them. Also, during 1990- 1991, most potentially disturbing activities were concentrated in areas away from birds breeding in the Martin River delta (e.g., in the transmission line corridor north of the powerhouse site, on the permanent road between the dam and power generation facilities, and at the dam, powerhouse, dock, and temporary camp sites). The only new events scheduled for the Martin River delta in 1990 and 1991 included temporary stockpiling and assembly of transmission towers, and landscaping and revegetation work. In the few cases these activities posed potential threats to nesting pairs, D. Trudgen, AEA Environmental Field Officer, was available to monitor them. Ground-based observations were made with 10x40 binoculars and 20-60 power variable spotting scopes from AEA vehicles parked at several vantage points in the BLHPA. Surveillance was conducted by 1-2 personnel for up to 18 hrs per day, as circumstances warranted. Times spent watching nests and birds varied from a few minutes to several hours, depending on types of project- related activities and behavior of birds. During times when birds appeared to be behaving normally and potentially disturbing activities were absent, observers changed position and spot-checked all territories in the project area several times per hour. Pairs occupying the BAEA-38, BAEA-39, BAEA-40, and BAEA-41 territories in the Martin River delta were monitored from several locations in the borrow pit area, including the top of the Martin River dike, the crest of a large 30- to 35-ft (9- to 11-m) tall pile of gravel stored just south of the temporary landing site, and from the barge dock. The BAEA-37 and ATN-5/6 territories near Battle Creek were observed from the Martin River road and a small spruce-covered islet just east of the road. Artificial nest ATN-1 and the BAEA-34 territory in the lower Sheep Creek - Bradley River drainages were watched from the barge dock and northeastern end of the permanent airstrip when local weather conditions permitted. In 1987-1988, some observations of ATN-1 were also obtained from an apartment in the permanent housing complex near the powerhouse site (a spotting scope placed on a table in front of a large window provided clear, 6 unobstructed view of this territory). All relevant data on project-related activities and behavior of birds, including times and durations of events, were recorded in field notebooks. Design and Construction of Artificial Tree Nests and Tripod Nesting Structures Plans for the artificial tree nests built in and near the BLHPA are shown in Figures 3 through 6, and the design for the reusable aluminum tripod nesting structures is presented in Figure 7. Important ancillary aspects of the basic tree-nest design include pruning limbs to provide easy access for the birds, and creating perches near the nests, when natural perches are not readily available. Examples of nests built in deciduous and coniferous trees that illustrate these important features are shown in Figures 8 and 9. The design for the artificial tree nests was derived from descriptions of two nests built in California, one at Ruth Lake by Lamb and Barager (1978), and one by W.G. Hunt and R.E Jackman along the Pitt River (W.G. Hunt and R.E. Jackman, pers. comm. 1985). In 1985, these earlier concepts incorporating wooden platforms supported by round metal conduit (Lamb and Barager 1978) or flat iron brackets (W.G.Hunt and R.E. Jackman, pers. comm. 1985) were modified to increase strength, improve drainage, and allow weaving of more natural-appearing nests (Roseneau et al. 1986). Some additional refinements were made during this study. The current model of the nest, if properly built and installed, is highly weather resistant and capable of withstanding estimated 1,000 Ib (454 kg) snow loads and 60-70 mph (52-61 kt) winds. In general, trees are likely to fail before nest platforms collapse. The current design is also capable of being easily modified to accommodate both a variety of tree-types and other tree-nesting raptor species (e.g., other species of eagles, buteos). High levels of strength and endurance were built into the design to increase life expectancy (and thereby cost- effectiveness) and decrease chances of structural failure, because whenever artificial nests are deployed, people installing them must assume full responsibility for the welfare and safety of any birds that may eventually accept them. The artificial tree nest design described here will help resource managers and biologists meet that important, basic requirement when these types of devices are used, and it will also help them build nests that are both attractive to birds and aesthetically pleasing to people who may encounter the nests in the field. The design for the temporary tripod structures was derived, in part, from earlier models built for bald eagles and ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) in Michigan (e.g., Pinkowski 1977; Postupalsky 1978; Temple 1978, Plate 1; Poole 1989, Figure 10.2), and from a large aluminum version developed by Grubb (1980, 1983) to replace a fallen bald eagle nest near a hydroelectric project reservoir in Arizona (also see Stalmaster 1987, Figure 13.2). In 1985, some features of these earlier types of tripods were combined to make a new aluminum structure with hinged legs that could be assembled flat on the ground at remote locations and set in place by light helicopters (Roseneau ef al. 1986). The current model described here is known to be capable of withstanding 75-80 mph (86-92 kt) winds. It is also highly mobile and reusable and can be used for either temporary or long-term projects. The first structure built and deployed in the Susitna River valley in 1985 is still in excellent condition and is now been used by a pair of bald eagles despite the continuing presence of one natural nest in a nearby poplar tree (J.D. Woolington, pers. comm. 1992). Tripod construction methods were similar to those described by Roseneau ef al. (1986). Most materials were obtained from local lumber, hardware, and electrical stores, and most parts were prefabricated by two people in a rented warehouse in Anchorage during 15 May - 2 June 1986 (Roseneau et al. 1987). The aluminum head plates and tundra pads for the tripods were built to specifications by a metal crafts company in Bryan, Texas and shipped to Anchorage for final preparation (e.g., drilling bolt holes, painting). Nest support bracket members were cut to length from RA-300 Steel City™ slotted right angle metal stock. After cutting, the pieces were hung up and sprayed with two coats of flat gray Dap Inc. Derusto® metal primer and one coat of flat gray Glidden exterior latex floor/deck paint to protect the metal and prevent sunlight from reflecting off of it in the event concealing layers of sticks were lost after installation. The support bracket components were also sprayed with flat black and brown weather-resistant Dap Inc. paint in broken, irregular camouflage patterns to decrease noticeability in case they became exposed after installation. The hexagonal nesting platforms were manufactured from standard sheets of exterior-grade AC plywood and high-grade hardwood dowel stock. The platforms were cut, fitted with dowel support- blocks, drilled for drainage and insertion of dowels, and sprayed with two coats of high quality wood primer and flat gray floor/deck paint to seal and protect the wood. Dowels were cut to length and given similar protective coatings of paint. Flat black and brown camouflage patterns were also applied to the edges and bottoms of the platforms to help conceal them in the event sticks coverings were lost after installation. Some early nesting platforms were made from marine plywood (Roseneau et al. 1986). However, painted exterior-grade AC stock provides comparable life expectancy at about one- third the cost. Platforms can be cut in half lengthwise prior to painting for easier transportation and installation without compromising structural integrity. If this option is employed, at least eight bolts must be used to attach the platform halves to the horizontal support bracket members (i.e., four bolts per side instead of three as shown in Figure 4). The two 40-foot tall tripod nesting structures were prefabricated from Reynolds Aluminum Supply Company high-grade aluminum stock. Head plate and tundra pad components were cut from 0.25-in (0.64-cm) thick sections of plate and 1-in (2.5-cm) right-angle metal that were welded together using standard heliarc processes in a metal shop (Figure 7). Leg sections were made from standard 20-ft (6.1-m) long, 3.5-in (8.9-cm) diameter pieces of No. 6061-T6, Schedule 80, structural pipe having wall thicknesses of 0.25 in (0.64 cm). The 6-ft (1.8 m) long, 3.0-in (7.6-cm) diameter pieces used to join leg sections were cut from pieces of the same grade pipe. All bolt holes were drilled prior to shipping components to the study area. Also, before shipping, head plates, tundra pads, and large diameter leg sections were buffed with fine grades of steel wool and emery cloth, cleaned with solvent, and sprayed with aluminum primer and flat gray exterior floor/deck paint to prevent reflection of sunlight. The prefabricated parts for the artificial nests and tripods were divided into individual nest-building and tripod-building kits before shipment to the field. Nuts, bolts, washers, and other small fittings were sorted, counted and sealed in labeled, heavy-duty Ziploc® bags. These bags of fittings were combined with other loose components (e.g., wooden dowels, cable, cable clamps, screw anchors) in larger, numbered, heavy-duty plastic bags for shipping and protection from rain during temporary storage at construction sites. Tripod head plates, tundra pads, and leg sections were protected from rubbing against one another by taping on small strips of Astroturf® to them. To limit impacts to local vegetation at nest installation sites and shorten times needed to install the first seven nests, saplings for weaving these structures were harvested from thick stands of successional alder growing along the shoulders of a service road scheduled for clearing at the Anchorage International Airport. The brush was cut after obtaining permission from the airport manager and security personnel. The 8- to 10-ft (2.4- to 3.0-m) long saplings were lashed tightly into 12- to 15-in (31- to 39-cm) diameter bundles, and about 4-5 bundles were collected for each nest-building kit. The tripod- and nest-building kits and all other equipment and supplies were transported to Homer via truck on 4 June 1986, and flown to construction sites by light helicopter the following day. Installation of Artificial Tree Nests and Tripod Nesting Structures On 5 June 1986, the three-man construction team used a helicopter to locate potential artificial tree nest installation sites and tripod assembly areas before slinging equipment and supplies into the BLHPA. When the aerial survey was complete, two crew members returned to a staging area established near the terminus of East End Road, where they spent several hours preparing aerodynamically stable sling- loads for the helicopter. The third team member remained in the BLHPA and rechecked installation sites on foot, directed the aircraft to safe landing areas, unloaded and cached construction materials, and recovered sling-cables and cargo nets for the pilot. Flight time, including reconnaissance and delivery of building materials to construction sites, totaled 5.5 hrs. Materials needed for one artificial nest (ATN-7) were temporarily cached at another construction site (ATN-1) until late September 1986, because eagles were occupying a recently built natural nest near its intended location in territory BAEA-34. Six artificial nests (ATN-1 - ATN-6) and both tripod structures (TNS-1 and TNS-2) were installed in the BLHPA during 6-16 June 1986 by a team of three people (Roseneau er al. 1987). Installation methods followed those reported by Roseneau ef a/. (1986). During this initial work, the construction crew commuted between Homer and the installation sites on a daily basis, working about 10-12 hrs per day. Two of 11 potential work-days were lost to inclement weather (high winds and rain). A seventh nest (ATN-7) was built by a two-man team on 26 September 1986, and one additional, unplanned unit (ATN-8) pieced together from left-over construction materials was assembled by the same two-person crew on 13-14 October 1991. Information on the 10 structures is provided in Appendix 2. Nests were installed after locating appropriate building sites in trees. Construction time averaged about 9 hrs per site. Crew members working above ground wore climbing harnesses, double safety belts, wire-screen safety goggles (particularly useful in sharp-needled Sitka spruce trees), and protective helmets. Trees were climbed using a variety of equipment, including tree-climbing spurs, metal chain- link friction steps, aluminum ladders, and fixed ropes equipped with mechanical ascenders. The fixed ropes were sometimes put in place with the help of a specially modified arrow shot over limbs by a reel-equipped bow. The arrow was fitted with a weighted tip covered by styrofoam and duct tape and a small wire loop for tying braided fishing line to the base of the shaft. Maxson 49-HI voice-activated FM transceivers mounted in climbing helmets and Bausch and Lomb ear protectors allowed direct, continuous communications between personnel working in trees and construction team members working on the ground. Installation sites in trees were prepared by pruning limbs and tying a single heavy-duty snap-block pulley to the tree trunks several feet above intended work sites. Ground-based preparations consisted of unpacking, laying out, and organizing equipment and supplies on tarps, and anchoring another snap-block pulley to either the bases of nearby trees or to doubled loops of strong nylon webbing hooked between two 24-in (62-cm) long metal screw-anchors twisted into the ground. Screw-anchors were typically placed about 3 ft (1 m) apart. One end of a 300-ft (91-m) long, 0.4-in (9-mm) diameter climbing rope was temporarily fastened to the ground and the free end was clipped to one end of a 150 ft (46 m) length of 0.2-in (5.5-mm) diameter kevlar line tossed down from the work site in the tree. The climbing rope was pulled up to the work site and one end was slipped over the pulley attached to the trunk. The free end of the kevlar line was tossed back to the ground and the climbing rope was pulled through the pulley and back to the ground. After loops were tied in both ends of the climbing rope, one end was slipped over the staging site pulley, and the loops were pulled together and joined by a carabiner (tension in the climbing rope was accomplished by adjusting loop-size at one end). Finally, an aluminum mountaineering pulley was opened, slipped over the top line of the continuous climbing rope loop opposite the carabiner, and clipped to it with a locking snap-link (Plate A). After the rope-pulley delivery system was installed, one team member working on the ground hooked tools, fittings, and other construction materials onto the carabiner in the rope loop and pulled the loads aloft by hand (Plate B). Personnel working in trees assisted the ground crew member in some steeply angled situations by helping pull up platforms and large bundles of saplings and sticks. In special cases, the length of the delivery system loop was increased by as much as 100 ft (30 m) by splicing in pieces of kevlar line to decrease angles and make it easier to pull heavy loads up to exceptionally high work sites (e.g., ATN-5 and ATN-6). After construction sites were prepared and pulley systems set in place, nests were assembled in trees in the following manner. First, all small tools and prepackaged fittings were sent aloft and hung in convenient locations around the work site (loops of nylon cord were attached to all tools and bags of fittings before being taken into the field). Next, the metal support bracket members were pulled up and bolted in place. If necessary, the normal bracket configuration shown in Figures 3-5 was modified to conform to the sizes and shapes of tree trunks (e.g., double-trunked trees—Plate C). The plywood platforms were then sent aloft and bolted to the horizontal support bracket members. Bolt holes were 10 custom-drilled in the platforms with a hand-held bit and brace (Plate D). After the platforms were bolted down, one aerial team member stayed on top to insert the dowels, while the second crew member dropped below to string wire on the support bracket members in preparation for covering the bottoms (Plate E). Wiring patterns consisted of running strands of wire between the horizontal bracket members, angled bracket members, and horizontal members and bases of some of outer-round dowels on top of the platform. Next, bundles and bags of materials required for weaving and lining the nests were hauled up in order of use (i.e., first bundles of saplings and larger sticks to weave nests and conceal bottoms of platforms, then bags of smaller sticks, mosses, and grasses to line nests and flesh out rims). Again, during this final stage of the construction process, one aerial team member usually worked atop the platforms weaving and lining the nests, while the second crew member hung suspended beneath them covering and concealing support brackets and platform bottoms (Plate F). When nests were finished to the satisfaction of the field crew, all remaining tools were sent down, pulley systems were released from trees, and team members working aloft returned to the ground, where they helped the ground crew member pack gear and police up work sites preparatory to being picked up helicopters. Before leaving construction sites, nests were photographed to record habitat settings and document condition to help track weathering processes and other changes that might occur over the years (Plate G). Note: Nests can also be built in a single day by two people, one working in the tree and one working on the ground. This method requires about two extra hours of construction time. Hand tools can be quickly sent back to the ground by clipping them to carabiners and Sliding the carabiners down the pulley system rope. The aluminum tripods were assembled by the study team during 7-10 June 1986 in the Martin River Road corridor just southwest of a small wooded islet that was eventually used as an observation post during the experiment to directly translocate nesting pairs (see below). Construction time, including weaving nests and building perches, averaged 16 hrs per unit (Plate H). The finished structures, weighing about 800 Ibs (363 kgs) each, were installed near Battle Creek with the aid of a light helicopter (Bell 206-B II Jet Ranger) on 10 and 12 June. The tripods were rigged for slinging by threading single 150-ft (46-m) long, 0.2-in (5.5-mm) diameter, 4,500-Ib (2,041-kg) test kevlar ropes through the predrilled holes in the centers of the wooden platforms and head plates, and tying the lines to one of the eyebolts mounted on the legs just above the tundra pads (i.e., the eyebolts installed for anchoring the legs to the ground). Two carabiners were tied to the lines under the head plates to serve as stops, and the free ends of the kevlar lines were shortened to about 35 ft (11 m) by coiling and tying up excess rope. Next, small loops were tied in the free ends of each line near the hanging coils of excess rope. Three carabiners, one to provide a hook for lifting and two to provide additional weight, were snapped onto the loops in the free ends of each line. Short loops of 0.5-in (1.3-cm) rope were also temporarily tied to the tundra pads to provide hand-holds to help guide them across patches of rough ground when the structures were raised into the air by the helicopter, and to help pull the legs apart at installation sites. The tripods were moved separately to study sites marked by bright orange target panels. Just before slinging operations commenced, the pilot was briefed and given a Maxson transceiver headset. Three 11 people serving as a ground support team were equipped similar headsets and assigned specific positions near the tundra pads. After communications was established among all personnel, the pilot lifted the aircraft and hovered over the designated tripod, while one ground team member ran in and snapped the primary carabiner attached to the kevlar line onto the sling-cable hook. Once all ground support personnel were at assigned positions next to the tundra pads, the team leader signaled the pilot to start lifting the structure. As the tripod rose into the air and its legs slowly came together under its head plate, ground personnel guided the leg-pads across rough patches of ground by lifting and pulling on the attached rope loops. After each structure was airborne, the ground party ran to meet the aircraft at the installation site and begin the process of setting the tripod up [Plate I; in both cases, the tripods were set up at locations about 1,000 ft (305 m) away from the assembly sites]. At the installation sites, the pilot descended until the tripod tundra pads rested on the ground and then hovered in place until the ground crew arrived. After all personnel were present and communications reestablished with the pilot, the structure was raised about 2 ft (0.6 m) and team members pulled the legs apart via the rope loops hanging from the pads. During the leg-spreading process, the pilot was instructed to gently ease the tripod closer and closer to the ground. After the legs were properly spaced at near-correct angles, the ground team leader signaled the pilot to set the structure down, move aside, and release the sling line above a point where it could fall free and not become entangled on the nest or perch. After the tripods were in position and free of the helicopter, carabiners and loops were removed from the free ends of the kevlar lines, and the lines were recovered by untying them from the eyebolts and winding them in. Final adjustments to leg-spacing were made by lifting tundra pads by hand and pulling them across the ground until guide lines tied between legs were taut (moving legs requires two people pulling and lifting on the same leg simultaneously). After the legs were in final position, metal screw-anchors were twisted into the ground next to the pads and attached to the legs with loops of plastic coated cable (Plate J). Direct Translocation of Nesting Pairs In 1986, an experiment was conducted in the BLHPA to test methods for directly relocating breeding pairs of bald eagles from natural territories to man-made nesting locations by physically moving eaglets from natural nests to artificial nest sites (Roseneau et al. 1987). The translocation experiment was based on pioneering work conducted in the early 1980's on golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting in Wyoming (e.g., Fala 1985; Phillips and Beske 1982, 1983, 1985; Postovit and Postovit 1985; and Postovit et al. 1982). The experimental setting is shown in Figure 10 (also see Figure 2a), and methods used to accomplish the relocation are described below. On 11 and 13 June 1986, two artificial nests (ATN-5 and ATN-6) were installed 250 ft (76 m) apart in large, living Sitka spruce trees about 1,350 ft (411 m) and 1,600 ft (488 m) southeast of the natural BAEA-37 nest site, respectively, to provide an alternate man-made nesting territory for the test pair and their two nestlings. Also, two 40-ft (12-m) tall, aluminum tripod nesting structures (TNS-1 and TNS- 12 2) were set in place between the natural and artificial territories at sites about 850 ft (259 m) and 1,500 ft (457 m) from the natural nest, and 750-950 ft (229-290 m) and 600-650 ft (183-198 m) from the artificial tree nests, respectively. The tripods were deployed as "stepping stones" between the natural and artificial nests to allow the eaglets to be moved in three short stages, if necessary. The structures were used to help avoid potential problems posed by the fact that the artificial nests were not visible from the natural nest and nearby perches and were located well outside normal flight paths used by the pair when they commuted to and from hunting areas in upper Kachemak Bay. On 31 July, three personnel flew to the study area to begin the translocation experiment at a time when the BAEA-37 nestlings were estimated to be about 55 days old and easily capable of self- thermoregulation. Timing of the experiment was determined by a combination of construction schedules, estimated ages of nestlings in mid-June, and state and federal permit requirements. Before work started, a contingency plan was developed that designated various circumstances that could lead to automatic termination of the experiment. Returning the eaglets to their natural nest was the first fall- back option in the plan. However, the study team also surveyed several other nesting territories in the region to locate potential foster pairs with single, similar age nestlings in the event the test pair refused to accept the returned eaglets. Also, all artificial structures intended for use during the relocation effort were checked to make certain they were still in good condition. After aerial reconnaissance was complete, study team members began observing the BAEA-37 territory to obtain information on the general behavior and perching habits of the adults. On 1 August, the study team established a concealed observation post and temporary campsite in a dense grove of spruce trees on a small, rocky islet in the tidelands that offered clear unobstructed views of the natural BAEA-37 nest site and the artificial tree nests and tripod nesting structures. Team members also hiked to TNS-1 and installed a 45-ft (14-m) tall ladder and a rope in preparation for moving the nestlings to the top of the structure the next day. After the ladder and rope were in place, around-the-clock watches were initiated to obtain more detailed information on the activities of the target pair. The experiment officially commenced at 0545 hrs on 2 August at a time when both adults were absent from the the BAEA-37 territory. Initial plans were to remove the nestlings from the natural nest and place them atop TNS-1 in full view of at least one member of the pair. However, based on observations that indicated the adults were only visiting the nest a few times each day for brief intervals (usually 5 minutes or less) to feed the nestlings and the fact that TNS-1 was highly visible from the nest, the decision was made to proceed with the experiment despite the absence of the pair. Note: The trade-off was between having at least one member of the pair see where the eaglets were taken vs subjecting one or both adults to the disturbance generated by hiking to the nest tree, climbing it, capturing the young, and carrying them to TNS-1. The nestlings, one male and one female, were transferred from the BAEA-37 nest to TNS-1 during a 6.7-hr period that started when study team members first reached the base of the nest tree and ended when personnel arrived back at the hidden observation post. To accomplish the task, one member of 13 the study team, equipped with tree spurs and safety belts, climbed to the rim of the nest and captured the eaglets one-by-one by gently pulling them to within arms reach with the aid of a pole fitted with a wire hook. Once in hand, the nestlings were hooded, and their feet, wings, and tails were temporarily bound up in soft muslin cloth and nylon stockings to prevent injury to feathers, bones, and soft tissues. Next, the birds were placed in separate soft mesh bags and lowered to the ground. Once the eaglets were safely on the ground, they were removed from the bags to prevent over-heating, and restraints were adjusted, as needed. During the next phase of the operation, the nestlings were examined for general health and condition. Then the birds were placed breast down on soft beds of grass in the shade and carefully monitored until the team member in the tree was back on the ground. After collecting equipment, the field party remained near the nest tree tending the eaglets for an additional 35 minutes in hopes at least one member of the pair would arrive to observe the last steps in the transfer process. However, after that time elapsed and the adults were still absent, the decision was made to carry the nestlings to TNS-1 in preparation for starting the next phase of the operation. When the study team arrived at TNS-1 at 1020 hrs with the eaglets, the decision was made to remain at the tripod for up to 1 hour to increase chances that one or both adults might return to see the nestlings released atop the structure. After this decision was reached, the eaglets were placed in a cool shady spot near the tripod and monitored constantly by two team members, while the third crew member climbed the structure to watch for the adults and be prepared to release the birds in it as quickly as possible. One adult (probably the female) returned to the BAEA-37 nest with a small fish at 1100 hrs, but it failed to look toward TNS-1 and left before the nestlings could be taken to more visible locations. The same adult returned and circled over the natural nest once 19 minutes later without looking in the direction of the tripod or a clearing near the natural nest tree where two study team members were holding the partially unrestrained eaglets aloft in hopes of attracting the bird's attention (wing-bindings had been removed and the nestlings were spreading their wings in response to gentle up and down movements that caused them to try and maintain their balance). When it became apparent that the returning adult had not noticed the eaglets and was no longer in the area, the decision was made to feed the nestlings and release them atop TNS-1. The eaglets were unhooded and released in a sandy, shady spot near the tripod and offer food, which they accepted readily. Both birds were hand-fed pieces of fresh coho salmon and Pacific herring until their crops were about half full to prepare them for the time it might take the adults to find and feed them (feeding the nestlings was a planned trade-off between preparing the eaglets for an extended wait and the likelihood the meal would reduce their willingness to beg for food in the presence of the adults—the fish were purchased in Homer, iced, and flown to the site just before the experiment commenced for this specific purpose). After the eaglets were fed, they were rehooded and restrained to prevent injury, placed in mesh bags, hoisted into the nest, released, and given several large chunks of salmon to keep their attention until the team member attending them left the nest. Fish-parts left for the nestlings consisted primarily of salmon heads and tails that were difficult to tear apart, thus ensuring some food would be available the next day, without team members having to make a potentially disturbing trip back to the tripod to feed the eaglets). The field party left TNS-1 at 1230 hrs and arrived back at the hidden observation post about 9 minutes later (one adult returned to the BAEA-37 nest while personnel 14 were enroute—see Results below). Note: The ladder was left in place at TNS-1 to provide emergency access, if needed, and to facilitate feeding the nestlings in the event the adults failed to bring them food during the first 24 hrs of the experiment. It did not did not extend above the rim of the nest, and it did not markedly change the inherent overall foreign appearance of the structure—it appeared unlikely the addition of one more "leg" on the device would be a determining factor in whether or not the pair decided to accept the artificial structure. The BAEA-37 territory and TNS-1 were placed under 24-hr surveillance by personnel working in overlapping 9-10 hr shifts until 1940 hrs on 5 August, when the decision was made to transfer the eaglets to artificial tree nest ATN-6. The decision to move the nestlings was based on several factors: The apparent, continuing good health of the eaglets; the fact that the adults had located the nestlings and were still quite interested in them, despite refusing to land in the tripod nest; and the fact that the pair had clearly altered their behavior and were perching and flying in clear sight of the artificial tree nests on a regular basis. Note: During the preceding 79-hr long interval, the nestlings fed twice, once on 3 August when they consumed the salmon left in the nest the previous day (see above), and once on 4 August,when the field team gave them three chopped herring apiece because the adults were refusing to land on the tripod and deliver food to them (see Results below). The task of transferring the eaglets from TNS-1 to ATN-6 was initiated at 2020 hrs on 5 August, 40 minutes after the decision was made to move them, and completed about 2.6 hrs later at 2315 hrs in the absence of the adults. Nore: In this case, the option to conduct the operation in the absence of the adults was selected, because both birds already appeared to be interested in the artificial tree nests, and it would avoid disturbing them at new, recently established perching and roosting locations. To accomplish the task, two team members hiked to TNS-1, captured and temporarily restrained the eaglets, examined them for fault-bars and other signs of stress, and then carried them to the ATN-6 nest tree. Concomitant with these activities, the third crew member hiked to ATN-6, climbed to the nest, and started rigging a pulley system and climbing rope in the tree. The climbing rope was installed on the back side of the tree to facilitate access to and from the nest (it was left in place until the end of the nesting season). Soon after the nestlings were brought to ATN-6, the pulley and climbing rope systems were completed, the eaglets were hoisted up to the nest in separate mesh bags, and the pulley system was disengaged from the tree. Moments later, the nestlings were released, fed about one-half crop-full of salmon and herring each, and given several additional tough scraps of salmon to keep their attention until the aerial team member left the nest. Note: Fault-bars, or “hunger streaks" are visible, light-colored, narrow physical flaws that develop across the shafts and vanes of feathers at right angles to the feather shafis when normal processes of feather growth are interrupted by stress or shortages of food. The absence of these features, and the condition of the eaglets' breast muscles and other physical and behavioral parameters (e.g., eye shape and clarity, strength, aggressiveness) indicated they were both still in good health and capable of withstanding several more days of experimentation. Shortly after the nestlings were moved to ATN-6, the BAEA-37 territory, TNS-1, and both artificial nests were placed under near-continuous surveillance by team members working in overlapping 9- to 15 10-hr long shifts. Observations were discontinued at 1115 hrs on 9 August, after completion of the experiment. Camping equipment and supplies were packed up and carried to a pick-up point along the Martin River access road and the field team returned to Homer via helicopter later that same day. Removal of Tripod Nesting Structures The temporary tripod nesting structures were removed on 29 August 1986 (Roseneau ef al. 1987). The day before the operation began, two team members hiked to the installation sites, detached the screw anchors, and rigged kevlar rope sling-lines to the tripods with the aid of a ladder (methods for attaching the lines were the same as those used during the installation process—see above). On 29 August, the structures were picked up by a helicopter and flown to the north edge of the construction camp pad, where they were stored horizontally on the ground. Both tripods were disassembled in late September 1991, package for shipment on 14 October 1991, and flown to Homer via helicopter the next day. Construction and Installation of Nest Cones for Indirect Translocation Experiments Experiments were also conducted in and near the project area to temporarily prevent pairs from using natural nests and indirectly relocate them to artificial nest sites in trees (Roseneau et al. 1987). Cone- shaped devices were developed to make it physically impossible for birds to occupy natural nests. Initially, cones were made from wood and weighted with small sand bags. One of these wooden cones was lowered into the BAEA-37 nest from a hovering helicopter on 29 August 1986, and three similar units were installed in the BAEA-40a, BAEA-40c, and BAEA-34 nests via the same technique on 27 September 1986. However, the wooden cones were both cumbersome to handle and incapable of withstanding high winds. By mid-November 1986, the three units installed in the BAEA-37 and BAEA-40 territories were blown out of the experimental nests by high winds. The wooden cone placed in the BAEA-34 nest survived until the nest tree fell over during a violent wind and snow storm in March 1987 (see Results below). In December 1986, new nest cones were designed and manufactured from steel at a metal shop in Fairbanks (Plate K). Four units were made by cutting and bending 1-in (2.5-cm) diameter rolled-steel rod into one 36-in (91-cm) and three 30-in (76-cm) diameter rings. After the base-rings were welded closed, eight 24-in (61-cm) long sections of 0.4-in (1-cm) diameter "rebar" rod were welded onto each of them at equally spaced intervals and bent together to create cone shapes. Next, the rods clustered at the cone-peaks were welded together and small 2-in (5.1-cm) diameter rings fashioned from 0.3-in (0.8-cm) diameter steel rod were welded to the cone-peaks to provide loops for raising and lowering the structures. Upper portions of completed units were given several coats of white metal primer and international orange paint to increase visibility during installation. The 36-in (91-cm) diameter model specifically designed for the BAEA-37 nest weighed 45 Ibs (20 kg). Weights of the three smaller, 30- in (76-cm) diameter cones built for the BAEA-40 and BAEA-34 nests were increased from about 30 Ib (14 kg) to 40 Ibs (18 kg) by cutting 10 ft (3 m) lengths of heavy, 1-in (2.5-cm) steel chain that could be woven and wired around the base-rings in the field [the chain weighed about 1 Ib (0.5 kg) per foot]. 16 Three of the new units were installed in the experimental BAEA-37, BAEA-40a, and BAEA-40c nest sites on 27 January 1987 (Roseneau and Bente 1987). The devices were deployed by two personnel in three separate helicopter-assisted operations. In each case, the cones were flown to open gravel bars near target nests and prepared for insertion by attaching large, heavy-duty stainless steel Sampo® swivels to the loops on top the units with locking snap-links (the chain weights were also attached to the small-diameter models). One study team member wearing a climbing harness and voice-activated intercomm headset secured himself in the left rear seat of the aircraft with nylon safety straps and carabiners. The crew member in the helicopter also clipped one end of a 300 ft (91 m) kevlar rope onto a spare seat belt loop with a carabiner, and cocked the left rear door partially ajar with one foot. The second team member, performing ground support duties, placed a cone on the ground between the aircraft pontoons, threaded the free end of the kevlar line through an open 0.5 in (1.3 cm) steel ring on the swivel, and gave the rope back to the person in the helicopter to hold. After all connections and safety gear were checked, the ground team member signaled the pilot to began ascending vertically. As the helicopter rose, the person riding in the rear seat paid out line until the cone hung about 10 ft (3 m) below the aircraft. After gaining altitude, the pilot transited to forward flight, flew to the nest, and hovered about 50-75 ft (15-23 m) above it. As the helicopter hovered above the nest, the team member handling the cone pushed the door open with one foot, leaned out, and lowered it into place by paying out the free end of the kevlar line (Plate L). The pilot assisted by gently maneuvering the aircraft in response to instructions from the crew member lowering the cone, and by tracking its descent in mirrors mounted outside the aircraft. Note: the fourth steel cone built for the BAEA-34 nest was not deployed, because the original wooden model was still in place on 27 January 1987, and the risk of removing it was deemed too high, given the extremely poor condition of the leaning nest tree. After the cone was firmly seated in the target nest, the team member in the helicopter instructed the pilot to climb away from the nest on the side with the fewest branches until all excess kevlar rope could be payed out and the free end dropped. Once the free end of the line was released, it was pulled slowly through the swivel-rings on top the cones and back into the hovering aircraft (small diameter kevlar rope is recommended for this type of operation, because its extremely hard, smooth woven covering resists kinking and catching on rough surfaces). Installation of the cones only required about 5-10 minutes of air time per nest. The BAEA-40c nest required the longest time, about 10 minutes, because the cone had to be maneuvered between several large branches extending 25-30 ft (7.6-9.1 m) above the nest. Removal of Nest Cones The steel nest cones were removed from the BAEA-37 and BAEA-40a nests on 14 October 1991. No attempt was made to recover the unit placed in the BAEA-40c nest, because the BAEA-40 pair had recently built a new nest across the top of the it and removal would have almost certainly destroyed the nest (see Results below). The cones were removed via helicopter and a custom-made, three-pronged, 12-in (30-cm) high, grapple-hook fashioned from 0.4-in (1-cm) diameter steel rod. Gaps between shaft and prong-points averaged about 6 in (15 cm), and weight was increased to about 5 Ib (2.3 kg) by wrapping about 2.5 Ibs (1.1 kg) of lead sinker wire around the shaft. The finished hook was 17 attached to a 150-ft (46-m) long kevlar rope with a Sampo® swivel and locking snap-link. One person, outfitted with a safety harness, lowered the device into the nests from the rear compartment of the hovering helicopter, snagged the cones, clipped the taut rope into carabiners attached to a spare seat belt, and signaled the pilot to climb straight up until the cones cleared the tree-tops. The cones were then flown to nearby gravel bars, set down, and loaded aboard the aircraft. In each case, a second team member stationed on the ground near the nests assisted by advising the helicopter crew via radio when the hook was level with the cones. Total time required to recover the devices averaged about 5 minutes per nest. Both cones came free of the nests smoothly without damaging the structures, despite thick mats of dead grass covering their bases (grass that had sprouted in the nests every summer during the four previous breeding seasons). Note: Based on our experience removing nest cones, we recommend using slightly larger grapple-hooks with four prongs for projects requiring these types of devices. RESULTS Numbers, Distribution, and Productivity of Eagles in Upper Kachemak Bay During the study, 68 natural bald eagle nesting territories were documented around the perimeter of Kachemak Bay between Homer Spit and Peterson Bay. Aerial and ground survey data and historical information are compiled in Appendix 3. The locations of the natural territories, three artificial nesting territories (ATN-1, ATN-3/4, ATN-5/6), and three alternate artificial nest sites (ATN-2, ATN-7, ATN- 8) built in the BLHPSA during 1986 and 1991 are provided in Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. e@ Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Study Area (BLHPSA—Homer Spit to Glacier Spit) Sixty-two of the 68 natural territories were located within the boundaries of the BLHPSA (Appendix 3) and information on these 62 locations and three artificial territories built in the study area are reported here (location BAEA-68 was not included in the study area; see Figure 11). Changes in numbers of territories and nest sites are reported in Table 1 and Appendix 4, respectively. These data are also graphed in Figures 18, 19,20, and 21. Information on tree types of territories and nest sites is also listed in Appendix 4. Data on occupancy of territories by pairs and single birds, numbers of pairs vs successful pairs, and productivity of pairs are reported in Table 1 and graphed in Figures 22, 23, and 24, respectively. Both the total number of territories and the number of territories containing nests increased in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991 (Table 1). In 1986, 48 nesting locations, including 38 with nests, were known to exist in the study area based on aerial and ground surveys and information obtained from other sources. By late summer 1991, 62 territories, including 50 with nests, were present. The increases of 29% in total known nesting locations and 32% in locations containing nests were significant (Figure 18: total territories, 1 = 0.92, p < 0.01 and slope = 0, p < 0.005; territories with nests, 12 = 0.84, p = 0.01 and slope = 0, p < 0.01). These increases resulted from a combination of losses and gains in nesting locations that occurred over the six study years (Figure 19). During late 18 fall 1986 - late fall 1990, six established territories lost nests from natural causes (e.g., erosion of river banks and bluff-edges, wind and snow storms) and reverted to dormant status (i.e., locations no longer containing nests but having documented histories of previous use by eagles). However, during the springs of 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1991, prospecting pairs built nests at four dormant historical territories and 14 new locations that had no evidence of previous use. By the time the last survey was made in August 1991, these concurrent changes resulted in a net increase of 12 natural nest-containing territories in the BLHPSA. The number of natural nest sites also increased in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991 (Table 1, Appendix 4). In 1986, only 45 complete structures needing little repair were present at 34 territories (1.3 usable sites/location), but by spring 1991, 68 complete structures were located at 48 territories (1.4 usable sites/location). This 51% increase in readily usable nest sites was significant (Figure 20; r2 = 0.82, p < 0.05 and slope = 0, p < 0.013), and it also resulted from a combination of losses and gains that accrued during the six nesting seasons (Figure 21). During fall 1986 - late winter 1991, 15 nests were lost at 14 territories because of natural events. But during spring 1987 - spring 1991, pairs built 38 new nests at 34 locations, including 5 at dormant historical territories that did not contain nests, 14 at new locations that did not have records of previous use (i.e., the 14 new territories mentioned above), and 19 at locations that already contained nests. By August 1991, these concurrent changes resulted in a net gain of 23 nest sites in the study area. Data on territory and nest site tree-types were obtained at 56 (90%) of the 62 nesting locations documented in the BLHPSA (see cumulative territory type, Appendix 4). Twenty-six (46%) territories were composed solely of spruce tree nests, 27 (48%) contained only poplar tree nests, and 3 (5%) consisted of a mixture of both types of nests. Nest sites were less evenly divided between the two species of trees (see cumulative nest site type, Appendix 4). Of 100 sites checked in the study area, 44 (44%) were located in spruce trees and 56 (56%) were built in poplar trees. During 1986-1991, an average of 30 (range = 22-37) BLHPSA territories were occupied by eagles annually. Pairs or single adults were present at 22 locations in 1986, 34 in 1987, 29 in 1988, 37 in 1989, 29 in 1990, and 31 in 1991 (Table 1, Figure 22). Numbers of nesting territories defended by pairs followed the same general pattern, rising from a low of 22 in 1986 to 31 in 1987, declining to 27 in 1988, rising again to a high of 33 in 1989, dropping to 29 in 1990, and finally increasing to 31 in 1991. Single adults were not observed at any nesting locations in 1986; however, 1-4 territories were defended by single birds in 1987-1991 (six-year mean = 2.3; five-year mean = 2.8). The fluctuations in numbers of occupied territories, nesting locations defended by pairs, and territories occupied by single birds did not follow clear trends and were not significant. Numbers of successful pairs remained relatively stable in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991, ranging from 16 to 22 pairs and averaging about 19 annually (Table 1, Figure 23). In contrast, numbers of pairs failing to fledge young varied markedly, ranging from 4 to 15 pairs during the six-year study. Proportions of unsuccessful pairs in annual populations also varied. In 1986, 27% of the pairs occupying territories in the study area failed at various stages of the breeding cycle. Proportions of 19 pairs failing during the subsequent five nesting seasons were 48%, 29%, 30%, 16%, and 37%, respectively. The highest failure rate (48%) occurred in 1987, a year when a series of large snow and rain storms passed through the study area during the courtship, egg-laying, and early incubation periods in mid-March - late April (Roseneau and Bente 1987). During 1986-1991, productivity of eagles nesting in the BLHPSA was relatively high, averaging about 1.0 (range = 0.6-1.3), 1.0 (range = 0.7-1.3), and 1.5 (range = 1.3-1.7) fledging-age youngsters per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively (Table 1, Figure 24). Productivity was highest in 1986, when 22 pairs produced 1.3, 1.3, and 1.7 nestlings per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively, and lowest in 1987, when 31 pairs fledged 1.4 eaglets per successful pair, but only about 0.7 and 0.6 nestlings per pair and per occupied territory, respectively. In 1988, productivity rebounded to near 1986 levels when 27 pairs produced 1.1, 1.2, and 1.7 young fledged per occupied territory, pair, and successful pair, respectively. During the last three years of the study when 29-37 pairs defended nesting locations, numbers of nestlings per occupied territory and pair remained relatively stable, only varying from about 0.9 to 1.1 young for both of these parameters. However, numbers of young per successful pair were somewhat more variable during these same years, dropping from 1.5 nestlings in 1989 to 1.3 eaglets in 1990, and then increasing again to 1.5 youngsters in 1991. Slight downward trends apparent in the three graphed data sets (Figure 24) were not statistically significant. @ Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Area (BLHPA) Eight (13%) of the 62 natural nesting territories documented in the BLHPSA were located in the BLHPA at the head of Kachemak Bay, and three artificial nesting locations were installed in this area during the first full year of study (Figures 2a and 2b). These natural and artificial nesting territories are listed in Table 2, and data on occupancy of territories by pairs and single birds, numbers of pairs vs successful pairs, and productivity of pairs are graphed in Figures 25, 26, and 27, respectively. Survey data and information on tree types and changes in numbers of territories and nest sites is compiled in Appendices 3 and 4. Seven of the eight natural territories (BAEA-34, and BAEA-36 through BAEA-41) were present in the BLHPA before construction activities commenced in spring 1986, and one (BAEA-35) was established by a pair in the spring of 1991, when the birds built a nest at a location with no record of previous use (Appendices 3 and 4). The three artificial territories were built in early June 1986, shortly after construction crews started clearing trees from the temporary camp site area north of Battle Creek (Appendices 2 and 3). When site preparation work began in the BLHPA in spring 1986, one of the seven natural territories present was a dormant historical location without any nests (BAEA-36; Appendix 4). The other six locations contained a total of eight complete natural nests and three remnant sites (1.8 nests/territory, 1.3 complete nests/location). However, one of these latter territories consisted of only one remnant nest (BAEA-38; Appendices 3 and 4). 20 A total of five artificial nests were built at the three man-made nesting locations (one at ATN-1 and two each at ATN-3/4 and ATN-5/6), and one artificial nest (ATN-2) was installed in a natural territory (BAEA-40) during June to provide an alternate nest site (Figures 2a and 2b; Appendices 2, 3, and 4). A seventh man-made nest (ATN-7) was constructed in another natural territory (BAEA-34) in late September. When the work was finished, the project area contained 15 complete nests (8 natural and 7 artificial) and 3 old remnant sites at eight territories (2.3 nests/territory, 1.9 complete nests/location). During 1987-1991, pairs constructed four more nests in the BLHPA, including three at two of the original seven natural territories (BAEA-38 and BAEA-40), and one at a new location (BAEA-35) about 1,400 ft (427 m) north of an existing territory (BAEA-34) (Appendices 3 and 4). Note: One of the two new structures built in the BAEA-40 territory was built atop a temporarily blocked remnant site, thereby canceling it out—i.e., the new nest replaced the remnant site and took its place in the listing of 1991 sites shown in Appendix 4. However, during the same interval, two natural sites, including one complete nest and one remnant site, were lost to natural causes at two locations (BAEA- 34 and BAEA-40, respectively). Asa result, 11 complete natural nests, 1 natural remnant site, and 7 artificial nests were present at seven natural and three man-made territories in the project area when the hydroelectric facility was finished in fall 1991 (1.7 natural nests/natural territory, 1.6 complete natural nests/natural territory, 2.0 total nesting sites/natural territory, 1.7 artificial sites/artificial territory). Note: One other artificial nest site (ATN-8) was built in the project area in October 1991 (Appendices 2 and 3, BAEA-37), however, it is not included in the above calculations because it was not available to eagles during the study. Only one (13%) of the eight natural nesting locations documented in the BLHPA during the six-year period was a spruce tree territory (BAEA-38). The other seven (87%) locations were poplar tree types. Asa result, only two (14%) of the 14 natural nests recorded in the project area over the years were located in coniferous trees and 12 (86%) were situated in deciduous trees (Appendix 4). The artificial territories that were built in the BLHPA included two spruce tree types (ATN-1 and ATN-5/6) and one mixed spruce/poplar type (ATN-3/4; Appendices 2, 3, and 4). Both of the artificial alternate nest sites built in existing territories (BAEA-34 and BAEA-40) were installed in poplar trees. Note: The other alternate artificial nest, ATN-8, was built in a poplar tree in the BAEA-37 territory in October 1991, but it is not included here because it was not available to eagles until spring 1992—see comments above. The addition of the artificial territories and alternate nest sites changed the proportion of territories with nests from 100% poplar locations containing 100% poplar tree sites to a combination of 25% spruce, 63% poplar, and 13% mixed spruce/poplar territories containing 31% spruce and 69% poplar tree nests before the start of the 1987 breeding season. In the BLHPA, eagles occupied an average of six (range = 4-7) territories annually during 1986-1991, and numbers remained relatively stable after 1986 (Table 2, Figure 25). Pairs or single adults were found at four locations in 1986, seven in 1987 and 1988, and six in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Numbers of nesting territories defended by pairs were slightly more variable, rising from only four in 1986 to six in 1987 and seven in 1988, then declining to six in 1989 and five in 1990, and finally rising to six again in 1991 (six-year mean = 5.7). Single adults did not defend nesting locations in 1986; however, 21 single birds occupied one territory in 1987 and 1990. The small fluctuations in numbers of occupied territories, nesting locations defended by pairs, and territories occupied by single birds did not follow clear trends and were not statistically significant. However, the 50% gain in numbers of pairs from four in 1986 to an average of six during 1987-1991 was interesting, because potentially disturbing human activities were much higher at the beginning of the nesting seasons in these years. In contrast, only a few site preparation crews visited the area via light helicopters to survey roads, borrow pits, and facility sites during the start of the 1986 breeding season. Numbers of successful pairs also remained relatively stable in the BLHPA during the six-year study period, ranging from three to five and averaging four annually (Table 2, Figure 26). Variation in numbers of pairs that failed to produce young was slightly higher, ranging from zero to three and averaging 1.7 annually. Proportions of unsuccessful pairs in annual populations also varied. In 1986 and 1990, all pairs occupying territories in the project area were successful. In contrast, 33%, 43%, 50%, and 33% of the pairs present failed at some point during the 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1991 nesting seasons, respectively. During 1986-1991, productivity of birds nesting in the project area was slightly higher than recorded in the larger BLHPSA as a whole, averaging about 1.1 (range = 0.8-1.8), 1.2 (range = 0.8-1.8), and 1.7 (range = 1.5-1.8) fledging-age youngsters per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively (Table 2, Figure 27). Productivity was highest in 1986, when four pairs produced 1.8, 1.8, and 1.8 nestlings per occupied territory, per pair, and per successful pair, respectively, and lowest in 1989, when six pairs fledged 1.7 eaglets per successful pair, but only about 0.8 nestlings per pair and per occupied territory, respectively. The largest variation occurred in numbers of young per occupied territory and per pair (means = 1.1 and 1.2, respectively, and ranges = 0.8-1.8 in both cases). In contrast, numbers of young per successful pair were much more stable (mean = 1.6, range = 1.5-1.8). Experiments to Translocate Pairs in the BLHPA In 1986, three experiments were initiated in the BLHPA to test methods for moving eagles from natural territories to distant artificial nesting locations and from natural nests to alternate man-made nest sites within existing territories. Results of these experiments are summarized below. @ Battle Creek Relocation Experiment The Battle Creek experiment was divided into two parts. It was designed to test techniques for directly relocating breeding pairs from natural territories to artificial nest sites at distant man-made nesting locations by physically moving nestlings. It was also designed to test methods for encouraging relocated pairs to return to artificial territories in subsequent breeding seasons by blocking nests. The BAEA-37 territory was selected for experimentation because it was only 750 ft (229 m) from the edge of the dam site access road and temporary construction camp site and 900 ft (274 m) from the 22 Martin River access road (Figures 2a and 10). In preparation for both experiment,s two artificial nests, ATN-5 and ATN-6, were installed in live Sitka spruce trees about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) southeast of the BAEA-37 nest site during mid-June 1986 to provide an attractive, multiple-nest forest-edge territory at maximum feasible distance from potentially disturbing human activities at the temporary construction camp and Martin River road (also about 0.3 miles or 0.5 km—see Figure 10 and Appendices 2 and 3). Also, at the same time, two tripod nesting structures, TNS-1 and TNS-2, were assembled and temporarily positioned between the natural nest site and the artificial territory because the artificial nests were not located within sight of the BAEA-37 nesting location or within the normal flight paths of the resident pair (see Methods; also see Appendices 2 and 3; Plates H, I, and J). The pair was successfully moved from the natural BAEA-37 nest site to artificial nest ATN-6 in two stages in early August, when the pair's two nestlings were about eight weeks old. Only highlights of events that occurred during the translocation work are reported here. More detailed information can be found in Roseneau ef al. 1987. The eaglets were transferred from the BAEA-37 nest to TNS-1 on 2 August. The adults were not present when the young were removed from the natural nest during 0600-0930 hrs, or when they were released in the artificial nest on top of TNS-1 at 1223 hrs. One adult visited the BAEA-37 territory twice during the transfer process, but failed to see the nestlings despite attempts to attract its attention (see Methods). Both members of the BAEA-37 pair located and recognized the nestlings by 0530 hrs on 3 August, and during 4-5 August, the adult female attempted to deliver fish to them on four occasions. The female's attempts to deliver food failed because she was wary of landing on the artificial structure (the eaglets were hand-fed during this period to keep them healthy—see Methods). However, her behavior during the third and fourth delivery attempts suggested her reluctance to land at TNS-1 was diminishing. By the evening of 5 August, both BAEA-37 adults were perching regularly in clear view of artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 and occasionally roosting and flying near them. Based on these changes in the perching and flight patterns of the pair, the eaglets were transferred to ATN-6, where it was assumed the adults would be less reluctant to visit them because of the natural appearance of the setting. The nestlings were transferred to artificial nest ATN-6 at 2300 hrs on 5 August (the eaglets were hand- fed just before they were left in the nest—see Methods). Both BAEA-37 adults were absent throughout the entire process, and they stayed away until late the next day. The adult female returned first at 1508 hrs on 6 August. She was carrying a fish, probably a sculpin or flounder, and she flew 23 directly to ATN-6 and started feeding the youngsters. The adult male returned about 3.5 hours later at 1940 hrs. He searched the empty TNS-1 and BAEA-37 nests before finding the eaglets at 2012 hrs. The relocated pair and their two nestlings were monitored closely for two and a half more days to make certain the adults had fully accepted the eaglets and the artificial nesting location. During this interval, both adults visited ATN-6 and fed the youngsters on a regular basis. At 1115 hrs on 9 August, about 68 hours after the pair found the eaglets at the artificial nest and 174 hours after the direct relocation experiment began, the effort was declared a success. Both nestlings fledged from artificial nest ATN-6 about two weeks later. The female eaglet left the nest about 23-24 August and the male made his first flight at 1250 hrs on 28 August. The natural Battle Creek BAEA-37 nest site was temporarily blocked to encourage the pair to continue to use the artificial ATN-5/ATN-6 territory until potentially disturbing project-related activities ceased in nearby areas. Blocking was accomplished by inserting an open-framed, welded steel cone in the nest in late January 1987 (see Methods and Appendix 3). In 1987, the BAEA-37 pair returned to the lower Battle Creek drainage in late March and began visiting the artificial ATN-5/ATN-6 nesting territory (Appendix 3). The birds also visited the decommissioned BAEA-37 nesting location during mid- and late April. Although courtship activities were interrupted by snow storms and flurries on 25 and 29-30 April, the birds' interest in the artificial nest sites increased rapidly after these events. The pair worked steadily on both ATN-5 and ATN-6 during early May, and finally laid two eggs in ATN-5 in mid-May (the late egg-laying date probably resulted from the earlier periods of inclement weather conditions). The female assumed incubation posture and did not leave the nest after late evening 15 May. One male eaglet fledged successfully from the artificial site about 13-15 September (one of the two eggs failed to hatch for unknown reasons). The BAEA-37 pair also occupied the artificial ATN-5/ATN-6 territory during the 1988-1991 nesting seasons (Tables 1 and 2, Appendix 3). In 1988, after perching near the temporarily blocked BAEA-37 nest a few times in late March, the birds quickly shifted their attention to the ATN-5 and ATN-6 nest sites, laid two eggs in ATN-6 shortly after mid-April (the first egg was laid about 20-22 April), and fledged two nestlings from it in mid-August. During April 1989, the pair visited the coned BAEA-37 nest, rebuilt the nest cup at the ATN-5S nest site, rearranged some nesting material in ATN-6, and defended both artificial nests until leaving in mid-May after failing to produce eggs. All observations indicated the breeding attempt failed as a result of natural causes. The birds were not only well buffered from ongoing project activities, but they were also clearly quite tolerant of these activities, 24 often choosing to perch near the temporary camp facilities, sewage treatment lagoon, and Martin River access road. In 1990, the BAEA-37 pair nested in ATN-5 (Plate M) and successfully fledged one eaglet from it in mid-August. The next year, the birds investigated the blocked BAEA-37 nest site briefly and built nest cups in both ATN-5S and ATN-6 during late April, laid eggs in ATN-5 during early May, and then left the area shortly after 17 May. As in 1989, all observations indicated the birds failed because of natural causes. The cone was removed from the BAEA-37 Battle Creek nest in mid-October 1991 to make it available to the pair during the 1992 nesting season (see Methods and Appendix 3). Also, because the upper portion of the BAEA-37 nest tree was known to be rotten and weak, one artificial nest (ATN-8) was installed in a poplar tree in the territory about 250 ft (76 m) north of the natural nest site to serve as an alternate nest when the BAEA-37 site eventually falls down (Appendices 2 and 3). Artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 were still in good condition in fall 1991. The wooden nest platforms were still securely fastened to the tree trunks and no evidence was found indicating the attached nests damaged the trees. Although some sticks covering the bottom sides of the platforms had fallen off, exposing a few small patches of painted wood, most materials were still securely in place and only close inspection revealed the well-weathered structures were man-made. e@ Martin River Relocation Experiment In 1986, a second experiment to directly translocate breeding eagles by moving nestlings was scheduled to be conducted in the BLHPA. The experiment was designed to test relocating pairs from natural nests to nearby alternate artificial nest sites in the same territory. The BAEA-40 nesting location in the lower Martin River delta was selected for the work because it was only 500 ft (152 m) from the edge of proposed Martin River dike and borrow pit area (Figure 2a). In anticipation of the experiment, one artificial nest, ATN-2, was installed in a live balsam poplar tree about 900 ft (274 m) southwest of the BAEA-40a nest site during early June 1986 (Figure 2a, Appendices 2 and 3, Plates F and G). However, in spring that year, a series of volcanic eruptions at St. Augustine Island deposited large amounts of ash on the glaciers and ice fields in the Kenai Mountains. The dark layers of ash altered normal snow and ice melt patterns at high elevations. By midsummer, rivers and creeks in the project area were running at flood stage and the base of the BAEA-40a nest tree was surrounded by swift-flowing water that prevented safe removal of the nestlings. Because of these conditions, the experiment was modified to test indirect methods for relocating pairs from natural nests to artificial nest sites by blocking natural nests during the nonbreeding season. 25 The BAEA-40a and remnant 40c nest sites were temporarily blocked with open-framed steel cones in late January 1987 (see Methods, Appendix 3, and Plate L; the BAEA-40b remnant nest could not be coned because it only consisted of a few sticks). The nests were blocked to encourage the birds to use nearby artificial nest ATN-2 until potentially disturbing project-related construction activities ceased in the borrow pit area. The BAEA-40 territory was also evaluated to determine if other potential nest trees were available within it. One large, open-crowned poplar was found near the BAEA-40b remnant site that provided a possible building site for prospecting birds. The pair eventually built a new nest, BAEA-40d, in this tree (see below). The BAEA-40 pair was present when the nests were blocked in January 1987 and the birds also perched near the coned sites on at least one occasion in late February and numerous occasions during March (Appendix 3). Frequency of visits increased during late March - early April and courtship commenced shortly before 10 April. However, the birds stopped courting during a major snow storm on 12-15 April. During late April, the pair investigated the coned BAEA-40a site numerous times and visited artificial nest ATN-2 on at least three occasions. On 25 April, another large snow storm curtailed all courtship activities again, but on 26 April, the birds suddenly began building a new nest in the open-crowned poplar tree about 500 ft (152 m) southwest of the BAEA-40a tree, 500 ft (152 m) southeast of ATN-2, and 600 ft (183 m ) from the edge of the previously built Martin River dike and functioning borrow pits (Figure 2a). However, the pair stopped courting and working on the new, already half-complete BAEA-40d nest site on 29 April, when snow flurries began occurring intermittently in the area (the flurries persisted until the evening of 30 April). The BAEA-40 birds finally resumed breeding activities on 5 May. However, shortly after that date, the pair's interest in nesting waned again and became intermittent and divided between nest sites. During the last two weeks of May, the birds attempted to add nesting materials to the blocked BAEA- 40a and BAEA-40c nest sites on several occasions and they also investigated artificial nest ATN-2 a few times. The pair also worked on the new BAEA-40d nest, finally finishing it during the last days of May, but the female soon lost all interest in breeding and she never produced eggs. All observations indicated the nesting failure was related to inclement environmental conditions, not human activities (see Discussion section below) The BAEA-40 pair also returned to the experimental territory in 1988, 1989, and 1990, and successfully reared two eaglets in the BAEA-40d nest site each year (Tables 1 and 2, Appendix 3). During these breeding seasons, the birds investigated the temporarily blocked BAEA-40a and BAEA- 40c nests and artificial nest ATN-2 before finally settling down at the BAEA-40d nest site. 26 The same pair of adults also successfully fledged two young from the experimental BAEA-40 territory in 1991 (Tables 1 and 2; Appendix 3). However, the birds did not use the BAEA-40d nest during the 1991 breeding season. Instead, after briefly investigating BAEA-40d and ATN-2, they shifted their attention to the temporarily blocked BAEA-40a and BAEA-40c sites and eventually built a new nest on top of the steel cone blocking the old remnant BAEA-40c site. The cone was removed from the Martin River BAEA-40a nest in mid-October 1991 to make it available to the pair during the 1992 nesting season (Methods, Appendix 3). However, the cone was left in place in the remnant BAEA-40c nest because it was an integral part of the new structure, and removing it would have damaged the nest. Artificial nest ATN-2 was still in excellent condition in fall 1991. The wooden nest platform was still securely fastened to the tree trunk and no evidence was found indicating the attached nest had damaged the tree. Sticks covering the bottom side of the platform were still securely in place and even during close inspection it was difficult to tell the well-weathered structure was a man-made nest. e@ Bradley River Relocation Experiment The Bradley River experiment was initially designed to test restoration of territories that had lost all nest trees and nest sites and no longer contained trees affording potential nesting opportunities (i.e., trees of appropriate size or configuration for birds to build nests in). The BAEA-34 territory in the lower Bradley River drainage was selected for the work because the nest tree and nest site BAEA-34a fell into the river during fall 1984 (APA 1985; Appendix 3) and the remaining trees were poorly configured to hold nests. The nesting location also appeared well-suited for experimentation because a pair of adults was still visiting the territory in fall 1985. In preparation for the experiment, plans were made to install an artificial nest in the same isolated stand of trees containing the fallen nest site during June 1986. However, the experiment was modified in May 1986 to test relocating pairs from natural nests to nearby alternate artificial nest sites because of events occurring after October 1985. Sometime during November 1985 - March 1986, bank erosion caused a partially live poplar tree to fall over against a branch of a nearby dead tree, creating a potential nest-building site for eagles. In May 1986, an incubating adult was discovered in a new nest built on top of a cluster of branches near the top of the leaning tree trunk (nest BAEA-34b—see Plate N; the nest was probably built by the same nonbreeding birds that were observed at the territory during fall 1985). Because of the presence of the nesting pair, artificial nest construction activities scheduled for June were postponed until fall to avoid disturbing the birds, and plans were made to block the new, potentially dangerous BAEA-34b nest site before the start of the 1987 breeding season. 27 Artificial nest ATN-7 was finally installed in a dead balsam poplar tree about 400 ft (122 m) west of the new BAEA-34b nest site in late September 1986 (Figure 2b, Appendices 2 and 3, Plates C and O). ATN-7 was also built to serve as an alternate nest site in the event the precariously leaning nest tree fell down before the start of the 1987 breeding season, something almost certain to happen because the uprooted tree was supported by only one branch of a nearby dead tree and beavers, Castor canadensis, were beginning to cut through the leaning tree trunk above its still partially supporting root-mass. The new natural BAEA-34b nest was temporarily blocked with an open-framed steel cone in late January 1987 (Methods, Appendix 3). The cone was inserted in the potentially dangerous nest site to prevent the pair from reusing it and encourage them to shift nesting activities to artificial nest ATN-7 during 1987 and subsequent breeding seasons. The leaning, unstable BAEA-34b nest tree finally fell over during a heavy snow and wind storm that passed through the area on 20-21 March 1987 (Appendix 3). The loss of the tree and the coned nest site caused the experiment to be revised to match the original design: testing the feasibility of restoring the viability of territories that had lost all available nest trees and nest sites. The BAEA-34 pair began visiting artificial nest ATN-7 in early April 1987 (Appendix 3). The pair also tried building a new nest on branches between two dead tree trunks that were leaning together about 400 ft (122 m) southwest of the fallen nest tree and 200 ft (61 m) south of ATN-7. However, the birds had little luck getting sticks to remain in place at the marginal site, and by mid-April, they began building a nest cup in ATN-7. In late April, the pair laid eggs in the artificial nest and successfully fledged two eaglets from it in late August. The same adults also used artificial nest ATN-7 in 1988, 1989, and 1990 (Tables | and 2, Appendix 3, Plates P and Q). During these three breeding seasons, the birds fledged one, two, and two eaglets, respectively. The pair also added about 70-80 sticks to the rim of the artificial nest in the rehabilitated territory during this same three-year period. In 1991, the BAEA-34 territory was unoccupied (Tables 1 and 2, Appendix 3). Two adults perched near ATN-7 at least once during 27-28 April. However, no evidence was found suggesting the birds spent time in the artificial nest (ie., material lining the nest was not rearranged). On 29 April, a nesting pair was found at a new, recently built nest at a new territory, BAEA-35, about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of the unoccupied BAEA-34 nesting location (Figure 2b, Appendix 3). The birds were probably the same individuals that nested successfully at ATN-7 during 1987-1990. The pair produced two young at the new territory, and both nestlings probably fledged about mid-August. Artificial nest ATN-7 was still in good condition in fall 1991. The wooden nest platform was still securely fastened to the tree trunk and the dead tree was still solidly anchored in the ground and 28 relatively secure from ongoing river bank erosion. Sticks covering the underside of the platform were still securely in place, and even from short distances away, it was not readily apparent the well- weathered structure was man-made. Attempts to Attract Additional Pairs to the BLHPA In addition to the Battle Creek ATN-5/ATN-6 territory, two other completely artificial nesting locations were installed in the BLHPA in 1986. These artificial locations were built to test the feasibility of increasing local nesting populations by increasing numbers of available nesting territories. Information obtained on the two experimental locations is provided here. e Artificial Territory ATN-1 Artificial territory ATN-1 was built in the marshy tidelands at the head of Kachemak Bay in mid-June 1986 (Figure 2b, Appendices 2 and 3). The nesting location consisted of one artificial nest installed in a live Sitka spruce tree on a small, rocky, forested islet about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) west of the BAEA-34 territory (Plate B). In 1987, at least one adult perched near the ATN-1 nest in early May (Appendix 3). However, no evidence was found indicating the bird visited the artificial nest site (e.g., feathers, feces, rearranged nesting material). The next year, a pair accepted the ATN-1 territory in April and attempted nesting at the artificial nest site (Tables 1 and 2). The breeding attempt failed on 25-26 April when the single egg laid by the incubating female broke during a period of relatively severe snow, rain, and wind squalls (Appendix 3). However, in spite of losing their egg, the pair continued to occasionally defend the artificial nest until at least late September. During the winter of 1988-1989, strong winds damaged artificial nest ATN-1 (Appendix 3). By spring 1989, several inches of bare wood were exposed along the southeastern side of the platform, and no evidence was found indicating eagles occupied the territory that year. The following winter, winds caused additional damage to the artificial nest, exposing most of the southern half of the wooden platform (Appendix 3). However, in spite of the damage, at least one adult spent time at the artificial nesting location during the 1990 breeding season, and at some point after 10 May, the bird rearranged several sticks along the backside of the platform. Artificial nest ATN-1 was damaged again by winds during the winter of 1990-1991 (Appendix 3). By spring 1991, almost two-thirds of the wooden platform lay bare. 29 In April 1991, despite most of the platform being exposed, a pair of adults reoccupied the ATN-1 territory and built a nest cup in the sticks and debris piled up along the back edge of the structure (Appendix 3). However, the birds lost all interest in breeding by mid-May and never produced eggs. The wind-damaged nest was repaired in mid-October 1991 (Appendix 3). Platform fastenings were checked and the nest was completely rebuilt. Several dowels were replaced and sticks forming the rim of the nest were secured to the platform at several points with strong nylon cord. The cord was buried within the structure to prevent possible deterioration by sunlight. The tree was also inspected. It was healthy and no evidence was found indicating that it had been damaged by wind storms or the artificial structure. @ Artificial Territory ATN-3/ATN-4 Artificial territory ATN-3/ATN-4 was built along the forested western edge of the Martin River delta tidelands in mid-June 1986 (Figure 2a, Appendices 2 and 3). The nesting location consisted of two artificial nests, one installed in a live Sitka spruce tree (Plate D) and one installed in a live balsam poplar tree about 80-100 ft (24-30 m) apart. The artificial territory was located about 2,600 ft (792 m) southwest of BAEA-39, 2,900 ft (884 m) west of BAEA-40, and 2,600 ft northwest of BAEA-41. In 1987, at least one adult perched near the ATN-3/ATN-4 territory in late April (Appendix 3). However, no evidence was found indicating the bird visited the artificial nests (e.g., feathers, feces, rearranged nesting material), and it was suspected the individual was a member of the nearby failed BAEA-41 pair (see observations of nonexperimental territories below). Results were similar the following year. Single adults perched near the ATN-3/ATN-4 nest sites on at least two occasions, once in late April and once in early May (Appendix 3). However, the nests contained no evidence of visits by birds, and again it was suspected individuals visiting the artificial territory belonged to the nearby failed BAEA-41 pair. In 1989, birds were not observed at the ATN-3/ATN-4 territory, but at least one individual visited artificial nest ATN-3 during late April or early May (Appendix 3). On 23 April, ATN-3 was empty and untouched, but the center of the nest contained a fresh scrape when rechecked on 13 May. During 1990 and 1991, no evidence was obtained indicating eagles perched in the ATN-3/ATN-4 territory or visited the artificial nests. In both years, birds were not present and the weathered nests were empty and untouched every time the sites were checked (Appendix 3). Artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 were still in good condition in fall 1991. The wooden nest platforms were still securely fastened to the tree trunks, and no evidence was found indicating the attached nests had damaged the trees. Sticks covering the bottom sides of the platforms were still 30 securely in place. However, dowels were protruding several inches above the woven rim of ATN-3. The gray-painted dowel-ends blended with the structure, but they still made it relatively easy to tell the nest was man-made from distances of about 150 ft (46 m) or closer. Observations of Pairs at Nonexperimental Nesting Territories in the BLHPA All nonexperimental nesting territories in the BLHPA were also monitored during the six-year study. Information obtained on these locations is summarized here. e Nesting Location BAEA-38 Nesting location BAEA-38 was found in late May 1986 (Appendix 3). It was situated immediately adjacent to the proposed Martin River access road right-of-way and only a few hundred feet from the eastern end of the proposed temporary airstrip and associated facilities (Figure 2a). At the time of discovery, only one remnant spruce tree nest (nest site 'a') was present and its condition indicated the territory had not been occupied by eagles for several years. Because the historical territory was unoccupied and the remnant nest was almost gone, construction activities proceeded on schedule in nearby areas. By late July 1986, the Martin River access road, dike, and temporary airstrip were functional, and project activities increased rapidly in the vicinity of the long-dormant territory. In early April 1987, while several project site preparation activities were still underway, two adults began perching near the remnant BAEA-38 nest (Appendix 3). Snow storms and flurries interrupted the pair's courtship activities on 12-15, 25, and 29-30 April. However, during late April - early May, the birds built a new nest (nest site 'b’) about 65 ft (20 m) above the flood plain in a live Sitka spruce tree on a small rock outcrop about 75 ft (23 m) from the center line of the Martin River road, 90-150 ft (27-46 m) from aircraft and vehicle loading and parking areas, and 175-200 ft (53-61 m) from the eastern threshold of the temporary runway. During nest construction, the adult male regularly collected sticks along the eastern edge of the access road and northern edge of the temporary, active runway. Based on measurements taken in September, the finished nest was only about 4 ft (1.2 m) long, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide at its east end, 1.3 ft (0.4 m) wide at its west end, and 1.3 ft (0.4 m) high. Despite the small size of the nest and nearby project facilities, the pair successfully produced one young (Tables 1 and 2). The adult female laid one egg in the oddly shaped structure sometime during 7-14 May and hatched a female chick about 20-22 June. The eaglet fledged about 9-11 September and remained in the immediate area with both adults for at least two more weeks. The BAEA-38 pair calmly tolerated a wide variety of potentially disturbing activities during all phases of the breeding cycle, including survey parties working 100-1,000 ft (30-305 m) away in sight of the 31 nest; passing pickup trucks; heavy equipment (e.g., large scrapers, D-10 tractors) passing by and grading the road below the nest and working 200-500 ft (61-152 m) away in view of it every few days; and Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft landing, loading, and taking off as many as 5-6 times per day about 150-200 ft (46-61 m) from the nest. In all cases observed (several dozen), the birds essentially ignored the activities, only glancing at them for short periods of time (typically less than 1 minute) at onset and during specific events that momentarily caught their attention (e.g., engines starting, car doors slamming, people shouting to one-another, vehicles back-firing). Both adults (and later, the nestling) rarely gave indications of being even moderately startled by events (e.g., quick turn of head), and both were clearly much more concerned about the presence of other adult eagles near their territory than they were about the man-made activities occurring near them (potential intruders were watched intently, and if they came too close, they were quickly chased off, while human activities were either ignored or viewed with curiosity). Based on familiarity with perch sites, responses to nearby construction activities, and other behavioral traits, the same pair returned to the BAEA-38 territory and successfully nested at the BAEA-38b nest during the 1988-1991 breeding seasons (Tables 1 and 2, Appendix 3). In 1988, the birds arrived about mid-April and began adding sticks and small clumps of grass and moss to the 1987 nest site, increasing its size by several inches in all directions. The female laid two eggs in the nest in late April and two nestlings fledged successfully from it during late August. In 1989, 1990, and 1991, the pair returned to BAEA-38b during April and fledged single nestlings from it in late August, mid-August, and late August, respectively. During 1988, the BAEA-38 pair continued to calmly tolerate and essentially ignore a wide range of human activities near their nest site. For example, in April and May, the birds typically glanced at, but otherwise ignored, pickup trucks driving by on the Martin River road and parking in the adjacent aircraft loading zone almost directly below and in clear sight of the nest several times per day, and single-engine aircraft landing and taking off within 200 ft (61 m) of it every few days. The most extreme responses to vehicles and aircraft by the incubating or perching adults were to wake up if asleep, or pause if preening, feeding, or watching the bay, and briefly glance at activities (e.g., vehicles driving by under the nest, or stopping and opening and closing doors in the parking area; aircraft just touching down, starting engines, or applying power during takeoff). During these episodes, both adults invariably resumed pre-event activities and behaviors less than 30 seconds after events. After May, when vehicle traffic and loading and off-loading activities at least tripled in the airstrip parking area and aircraft operations began averaging several landings and takeoffs per day, both birds calmly accepted the additional nearby noisy, visual events. In June, both adults also tolerated the off-loading and placement of a small wooden flight shack at the airstrip parking area about 100-110 ft (30-34 m) from and in clear sight of the nest. 32 A typical example of the BAEA-38 birds' remarkably tolerant attitude toward vehicles, aircraft, and other human activities in and near the temporary airstrip and aircraft loading/off-loading zone occurred on 2 August 1988. On that day, the nestlings were dozing in the nest, and the adult male and female were perched atop spruce trees only a few hundred feet east of the airstrip about SO ft (15 m) and 150 ft (46 m) south of the center line of the runway, respectively, when a Cessna 185 approached the facility. As the aircraft approached, both adults were intently watching another adult eagle soaring above Sheep Point. The airplane flew northeast directly over the nest at an altitude of about 100 ft (30 m), circled to the right, approached from the east, and touched down on the eastern end of the runway. As the aircraft passed over the nest, the eaglets glanced up, then turned their heads and watched vehicles and people in the nearby parking area (all the while giving the impression of being rather bored with events). The perching adults glanced at the airplane for several seconds when it turned for approach, once more as it passed by level with them only 50-60 ft (15-18 m) directly opposite the male, and again when its wheels first touched the runway. During times when the adults were not looking at the aircraft, they continued staring at the eagle soaring above Sheep Point, and moments after the airplane touched down, they resumed watching the soaring bird. As the aircraft taxied toward the parking area, both adults began preening and did not look up again until the airplane began taking off to the west about 8 minutes later. The birds did not even look toward the aircraft when its engine first started, or when the pilot increased power to turn onto the runway. The nestlings also glanced at the airplane just as it crossed the threshold of the runway and touched down, but about 2 minutes later one eaglet fell asleep and one began preening, and they did not look at the aircraft or people again until the pilot restarted the engine. Several similar episodes demonstrating the remarkable tolerance of the perched adults to arriving and departing aircraft were also observed in July 1988 (T. Salazar and J. Daly, BCI., pers. comm. 3 August 1988). The BAEA-38 pair also calmly accepted and basically disregarded a wide range of project-related activities near and in sight of their nest throughout the 1989-1990 breeding seasons. Most activities contained strong visual and auditory stimuli, and it was common for several events to occur in rapid succession over only a few hours time in a single day (and sometimes simultaneously). Typical activities included large and small trucks, front-end loaders, and scrapers driving by below the nest, and light fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., piston-powered Cessna 185's, 206's, and 207's; turbine-powered DeHavilland Beavers) landing and taking off from the temporary airstrip and flying past perches (see above—several more incidents involving light aircraft passing close to the perched birds were observed in July-August 1989 and 1990—T. Salazar, BCI, pers. comm. August 1989; J.E. Smith, BCI, pers. comm. August 1990; this study). Activities also included light helicopters (usually turbine- powered Bell 206 Jet Rangers) landing and taking off from a site near the flight shack about 100-120 ft (30-37 m) from the nest; vehicles loading and unloading people and supplies near the flight shack; large groups of people (e.g., 10-20 individuals) walking and talking near the flight shack; heavy 33 equipment (e.g., large trucks, front-end loaders, scrapers, D-10 tractors) working in the borrow pit area about 500-1,000 ft (152-305 m) from the nest; rock crushing equipment operating about 500- 1,000 ft (152-305 m) from the nest; and large trucks and front-end loaders working in a tree-stump and gravel stock-piling area about 200-500 ft (61-152 m) from the nest. During May-June 1991, the BAEA-38 birds also tolerated assembly of transmission line towers in the nearby borrow pit area and heavy helicopters ferrying the completed structures to locations north of the power plant facility. Later during July and August the same year, they also tolerated equipment removal operations and a variety of restoration work in the borrow pit area (e.g., heavy equipment landscaping terrain, people planting willows, equipment spraying fertilizer). e@ Nesting Location BAEA-39 Nesting location BAEA-39 was discovered in late May 1986 (Appendix 3). It was located about 1,800 ft (549 m) west-southwest of the western end of the future site of the temporary airstrip and northern end of the Martin River dike at the northern edge of the Martin River delta (Figure 2a). When found, the territory appeared to consist of only one recently built nest (nest site ‘a’). However, three additional alternate nests were discovered the following year. In late May 1986, the BAEA-39 territory was occupied by a pair of birds that were already incubating eggs in the recently built nest. Construction of the Martin River access road, dike, and temporary airstrip began in late June-early July, and by late July, the airstrip was functional. Shortly afterwards, piston-powered single-engine (e.g., Cessna 185's, 206's, 207's) and turbine-powered twin-engine airplanes (DeHavilland twin otters) began using the gravel runway on a regular basis. During times when easterly winds prevailed, arriving and departing aircraft landed from and took off to the west, often flying within 500-800 ft (152-244 m) of the primary perches and active nest. Also, many aircraft supporting the project frequently followed similar low-level flight paths past the nesting location on calm days. However, in spite of the nearby construction activities and marked increases in air traffic north and east of the territory, the BAEA-39 birds successfully hatched and fledged two chicks from the nest (Tables 1 and 2; also see Appendix 3—fledging occurred in late August). Based on behavioral traits and familiarity with nest sites and perches, the same pair of birds returned to the BAEA-39 territory in spring 1987. The birds defended the nesting location and worked on the weathered 1986 ‘a’ nest site during April and early May, completely ignoring several 2-4 man surveying parties and pieces of heavy equipment working occasionally at the Martin River dike and adjacent borrow pit area, and Cessna 206 aircraft landing and taking off several times each day on the temporary runway. The pair also apparently began rebuilding one of the nearby alternate nests (nest site 'c’, which was found completely rebuilt on 18 September). However, the pair's courtship activities were interrupted by snow storms and flurries on 12-15, 25 and 29-30 April, and the pair 34 appeared to lose interest in breeding during first week of May. Soon thereafter, a second pair of adults arrived and began frequenting the territory. The BAEA-39 birds expended little effort defending the nesting location against the intruders, and soon began tolerating the presence of the itinerant pair. Although the BAEA-39 birds failed to produce eggs, they continued visiting the territory well into September. The same pair of birds also returned to the BAEA-39 territory in 1988, and the female laid at least one egg in the 'c' nest site (the nest rebuilt the previous year) in late April. However, the nesting attempt failed sometime during mid-May - late June. One bird was still incubating in the nest on 13 May, but the nest was empty on 24 June. Although the pair failed to reproduce, they continued to frequent the territory until at least early August. During spring, the pair calmly tolerated or ignored all potentially disturbing human activities in the vicinity of the nesting territory, just as they had the previous two years. For example, during courtship, egg-laying, and incubation in April and May, both birds occasionally watched, but otherwise ignored, pickup trucks driving along the Martin River dike about 1,800 ft (549 m) from the nest and in direct view of several favorite perches several times every day, and single-engine fixed- wing aircraft passing within about 500-800 ft (152-244 m) of the perches and nest every few days. The pair also paid little attention to occasional larger multi-engine airplanes. In one typical case on 26 April, the female was incubating in the nest and preening her breast and the male was perching in a nearby tree and preening his tail when a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules flew almost directly over them about 500 ft (152 m) above the ground. During the noisy event, both birds stopped preening and glanced up just as the aircraft passed over, and then looked away and resumed preening less than 5 seconds later. In 1989, the returning pair relined BAEA-39c and laid two eggs in it in late April, but both eggs failed to hatch. During courtship and incubation, the birds ignored activities in the northern portion of the borrow pit area and project air traffic north and east of the nest site, just as they had in 1986-1988. The birds also ignored occasional low-level U.S. Coast Guard C-130 over-flights, as they had in 1988, and on at least two occasions, they barely glanced at two Alaska Air National Guard helicopters flying in formation at about 400-500 ft 9122-152 m) over the nest site. After the eggs failed to hatch, at least one member of the pair continued to visit the immediate vicinity of the nest until mid-August. The next year, birds (probably the same pair present in 1986-1989) rebuilt nest site BAEA-39b. The pair laid two eggs in the nest before mid-May and successfully fledged two eaglets from it about mid- August. 35 During 1991, the last year of study, a pair (probably the same birds present in 1986-1990) rebuilt the BAEA-394d nest site and laid at least one egg in it during late April. However, sometime before mid- May, the pair abandoned the 'd' nest and shifted breeding activities to BAEA-39a, where they laid two eggs. One eaglet eventually fledged from BAEA-39a in late August. e Nesting Location BAEA-41 Nesting location BAEA-41 was first found in late May 1986 (Appendix 3). It consisted of one old weathered balsam poplar tree nest that was located ina large stand of poplar trees about 1,500 ft (457 m) southwest of the southern end of the Martin River dike (Figure 2a). The BAEA-41 nest was not occupied by eagles during 1986. However, in 1987, a pair of adults claimed the territory in early April, relined the old nest and laid eggs in it in late April, and fledged two nestlings from it in late August. Pairs also attempted to nest at the territory in 1988 and 1989. However, both attempts failed. In 1988, birds laid two eggs in the nest, but abandoned them by 22 April. The following spring a pair relined and defended the nest but never produced eggs. During the last two years of study, the territory was occupied by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) instead of eagles. In 1990, one adult owl and at least three young were discovered in the nest in early May, and in 1991, at least one owlet and an adult owl were present in mid-May (Appendix 3). The location of the BAEA-41 nest was atypical, compared to other nest sites found in upper Kachemak Bay. It was built about 500 ft (152 m) from the nearest water (Martin River) well within the boundaries of a relatively heavily forested area. Also, the nest tree and nearby trees were of similar heights and, as a result, birds attending the nest had limited views of the surrounding terrain. Because of the unusual setting of the nest and its distance from the temporary airstrip and borrow pit area, pairs occupying it were never directly exposed to potentially disturbing project-related activities, as were pairs nesting in the BAEA-37, BAEA-38, BAEA-39, and BAEA-40 territories. DISCUSSION Numbers, Distribution, and Productivity of Eagles in Upper Kachemak Bay No evidence was found indicating construction of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project had adverse effects on eagles in the BLHPSA or BLHPA at either pair or population levels during the six-year study. All data strongly suggested birds nesting in both areas were responding as expected to natural year-to-year fluctuations in environmental conditions. 36 e@ Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Study Area (BLHPSA—Homer Spit to Glacier Spit) In the BLHPSA, the total number of natural nesting territories, number of territories containing nests, and number of available nest sites showed relatively steady, statistically significant increases during 1986-1991. All losses of territories and nest sites clearly resulted from natural causes. Total numbers of occupied territories and territories occupied by pairs and successful pairs varied over the years. However, in all cases, numbers were equivalent or higher in all nesting seasons beginning after construction started than during the 1986 breeding season, a year when relatively few project activities occurred during the courtship, egg-laying, incubation, and hatching periods. Productivity also varied from year to year in the BLHPSA, but no trends were apparent in reproductive performance. The number of young fledged per successful pair was high, and, except in 1987, numbers of young produced per occupied territory and per pair were also relatively high and within the bounds of natural variation reported for other populations (e.g., Stalmaster 1987). The relatively small number of nestlings fledged per occupied territory and per pair in 1987, the second construction year, almost certainly resulted from unseasonably cold weather conditions during the early part of the breeding season. In spring 1987, at least 31 (possibly 32) pairs initially occupied territories in the BLHPSA. However, only two-thirds of them began incubating by late April - early May and only about half produced young. The nesting failures were scattered around the perimeter of Kachemak Bay, but were most prevalent along the western shore, several miles west and south of the BLHPA (see Table 1). During the courtship and egg-laying periods in mid-March - late April, several large mixed snow and rain storms accompanied by strong winds passed through the upper bay and interrupted breeding activities. The storms were particularly severe in the western and northern sectors of the BLHPSA, where nesting failures were most common. On 20-21 March, one storm dropped 12 inches (30 cm) of heavy wet snow across these areas and felled the Bradley River BAEA-34a nest tree. Smaller squalls accompanied by snow flurries also passed through the same region in early April, and 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of wet snow fell during a second large storm on 12-15 April. During this storm, a female nearly ready to lay eggs in the BAEA-23b nest clearly lost interest in breeding for about one week. Another 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of wet snow fell on 25 April and interrupted courtship and nest building activities at the ATN-5/ATN-6, BAEA-39, and BAEA-40 territories for several days, and several additional snow flurries on 29-30 April interrupted breeding activities at these nesting locations again. In contrast, no comparable large-scale cold weather systems struck the region during late March - April 1988-1991, and most storms capable of disrupting nesting activities, including those striking artificial territory ATN-1 in spring 1988, consisted of smaller, more localized low pressure cells and squall-lines that missed many of the nesting locations in the upper bay. 37 @ Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Area (BLHPA) Results were similar in the smaller BLHPA. The total number of natural territories containing usable nests and the number of available nest sites increased slightly after 1986. Again, losses of nest sites resulted from natural causes (e.g., the BAEA-34a nest). Total numbers of occupied territories and territories defended by pairs increased after 1986 and remained relatively stable over the next five years, and little change occurred in annual numbers of successful pairs. Based on total known nesting locations, occupancy of territories in the project area averaged about 14% higher in the BLHPA than in the larger BLHPSA during the six-year period. Although occupancy of total territories with nests varied in the BLHPA, it was essentially the same as occupancy of territories with nests in the broader BLHPSA during the 1987-1991 nesting seasons. The total number of pairs also increased in the BLHPA after 1986. Although pair numbers varied annually, they averaged about 9% higher for all known territories and 27% higher for nesting locations containing usable nests during 1987-1991, when a variety of human activities occurred during the courtship, egg-laying, incubation, and hatching periods. Pair occupancy of known territories and territories with nests also averaged about 15% and 2% higher, respectively, in the BLHPA during 1986-1991, compared to the larger BLHPSA, and for these same parameters, occupancy by successful pairs averaged about 13% and 4% higher, respectively, in the project area, compared to the broader study area. Productivity also varied from year to year in the BLHPA, but again trends were not obvious in reproductive performance during the study period. For example, all pairs occupying territories were successful in 1986, at the beginning of the study, and again in 1990, and the number of young fledging per pair (0.8) was lowest in 1989, about midway through the study. Failure rates were highest in 1988 and 1989, when construction work was peaking. However, in each of these years, two of the three failing pairs were not located near project facilities (BAEA-41, ATN-1, and ATN- 5/ATN-6 territories), and no reasons were found to suspect the remaining failures were associated with intolerance to human activities. The number of young fledged per successful pair was high in the BLHPA in each of the six years, and a slight downward trend after 1988 was not statistically significant. Although numbers of young produced per occupied territory and per pair were about 50% lower in 1987-1989 than in 1986, reproductive success, as measured by these parameters, was still within the bounds of natural variation reported for other populations (e.g., Stalmaster 1987). Furthermore, productivity of eagles for all three parameters (i.e., young per occupied territory, young per pair, and young per successful pair) was slightly higher in the smaller BLHPA during the six year period than it was in the larger BLHPSA. Experiments to Translocate Pairs in the BLHPA All experiments to manipulate pairs of eagles in the BLHPA were successful. Although one indirect translocation attempt did not go according to plan, the birds responded in a manner that met the primary objective of the experiment. @ Battle Creek Relocation Experiment The first phase of the Battle Creek experiment to directly translocate the BAEA-37 pair from their natural territory to artificial nesting location ATN-5/ATN-6 by physically moving their nestlings from the natural nest site to an artificial tree nest about 1,600 ft (488 m) away and out of sight of the natural nest was successful. The successful outcome of the experiment was encouraging. It indicated bald eagles have potential to be manipulated and shifted to newly created distant nesting locations during the breeding season in similar fashion to previously successful translocations of golden eagles in Wyoming. Results of the direct translocation experiment also indicated it is possible to relocate pairs to distant points in different habitat settings (e.g., from poplar tree nests beside creeks to spruce tree nests on hillsides much farther from water) outside boundaries of normal flight corridors to and from foraging areas, if birds are guided to unfamiliar locations via temporary nesting structures (e.g., tripod nesting platforms). The second phase of the Battle Creek experiment to encourage the BAEA-37 pair to continue using the artificial ATN-5/ATN-6 territory in subsequent years by temporarily blocking their natural nest was also successful. Results obtained during this part of the experiment indicated directly relocated pairs may retain relatively strong affinities to natural nest sites for a few years after translocation. However, the results also indicate some pairs are capable of overcoming this bond and have the capacity to shift nesting activities to distant artificial nests in different habitat settings in subsequent years, if man-made nests are available for the blocked, previously relocated pairs to use. Some observations obtained during the second phase of the experiment also suggested prior familiarity with artificial nesting territories may be an important element in successfully redirecting previously translocated pairs back to distant man-made nest sites in the first breeding season following direct relocation of nesting birds. In 1987, the first nesting season following the Battle Creek direct translocation experiment, the BAEA-37 pair demonstrated relatively strong interest in the blocked BAEA-37 nest site. However, the birds also appeared to find the artificial ATN-5/ATN-6 territory quickly and showed little hesitation in visiting and accepting the man-made nests. In general, these observations suggest the redirection portion of the Battle Creek experiment may have succeeded in part because the pair was already familiar with the location of the artificial nests. Additional tests with other previously unmanipulated pairs could help clarify the importance of past experience in redirecting birds 39 over relatively long distances between habitat types in the nesting seasons immediately following the direct relocation of breeding pairs. The addition of artificial nest ATN-8 to the BAEA-37 territory in October 1991 should help maintain the viability of this nesting location for many years to come. The presence of this territory and artificial nesting location ATN-5/ATN-6 may eventually allow two pairs of eagles to nest in the Battle Creek tidelands instead of only one. @ Martin River Relocation Experiment The modified Martin River experiment to indirectly translocate the BAEA-40 pair from their natural nests to another locale in their territory by supplying an artificial nest and temporarily blocking their natural nests technically failed because the birds did not accept the alternate man-made site and instead, built a new nest. However, despite the fact that the BAEA-40 pair built a new nest instead of using the artificial nest site, the translocation experiment was considered successful, because the birds' response to the blocked nests still fulfilled the primary objective of the test: relocating the pair to a new locale within the boundaries of their territory. A review of observations obtained on the BAEA-40 pair suggested at least two possible reasons why the birds built a new nest instead of using the readily available artificial ATN-2 nest site. First, all of the pair's natural nest sites were located along the western edge of the Martin River, and the birds may have preferred to nest (or were habituated to nesting) close to bodies of running water. In contrast, ATN-2 was installed on the edge of a nearly always dry side channel of the river almost 750 ft (229 m) from the main river bed. Also, many dead trees providing numerous attractive perches, including those consistently used by the pair over the years, were located along the edge of the river near the temporarily blocked natural nest sites (see Plate L). Several of these perches, including a favorite limb just above the blocked BAEA-40a nest, were in clear view of the site where the birds built the new nest. In comparison, few perches were present near ATN-2 (see Plate G). One dead spruce tree was located about 75 ft (23 m) south of the artificial nest and two limbs of the ATN-2 tree were stripped to provide perches near and above the nest. Although the BAEA-40 pair investigated ATN-2, the distance from running water and paucity of perches, separately or in combination, may have discouraged the birds from using the artificial nest, particularly since an open-crowned tree with a well-suited crotch was readily available next to the active river channel in clear sight of all of their favorite perch-points. The failure of the BAEA-40 pair to complete the new BAEA-40d nest and lay eggs in 1987 was almost certainly due to environmental factors, not nearby human activities. During initial project activities in 1986, the birds tolerated a variety of noisy, visually provocative events in the nearby borrow pit area, including construction and maintenance of the riprap dike along the Martin River only about 500 ft 40 (152 m) east of and in plain sight of their nest. During these initial construction activities, the birds not only continued to rear their nestlings without hesitation, but they also continued to perch regularly in several favorite dead spruce trees located in the open river bed only about 300 ft (91 m) west of the dike and borrow pit operations. Despite ongoing human activities opposite and in clear view of the nest and perches, the birds and their two fledglings continued to frequent them well into fall 1986. The BAEA-40 pair was present during helicopter supported operations to block the BAEA-40a and BAEA-40c nests in late January 1987, and the pair also frequented the immediate vicinities of the coned nests in late February and March. By the time courtship activities began in earnest in early April that year, project activities in the borrow pit area had almost ceased, and the courting birds paid little attention to occasional light vehicle traffic on and near the dike opposite their perches and nest sites. All observations indicated early breeding activities were proceeding normally, and were not influenced by this relatively low level of human activity along the eastern edge of the territory (e.g., the birds regularly used perches closest to the activities, used the borrow pit ponds for bathing, and courted, copulated, and worked on nests in the presence of vehicles without any indication of nervousness, concern, or fear). Two other factors may have played roles in the BAEA-40 pair's failure to finish the new BAEA-40d nest site and lay eggs in it by mid-May 1987: the temporary blockage of the BAEA-40a and BAEA- 40c nest sites; and unusually cold, inclement spring weather conditions. Both birds were clearly attracted to the BAEA-40a and BAEA-40c nest sites (see Appendix 3), despite the presence of the steel nest cones, and the blocked nests may have helped delay breeding activities past time of normal egg- laying (i.e., if strong attraction to the blocked nests caused the birds to spend too much time selecting or building a nest, the female may have passed the point of laying and reabsorbed eggs). However, the birds were quite familiar with the cones, and when they began building the new BAEA-40d nest on 26 April, they worked on it aggressively and would have probably completed it well before the end of the egg-laying period, if cold weather and snow flurries had not interrupted their nest-building efforts during the last two days of April (see BLHPSA discussion above). Given the marked similarities between the failures of the BAEA-40 and BAEA-39 pairs (see below), the fact that even fewer human activities occurred near the BAEA-39 territory, and the large number of other nesting failures that occurred throughout upper Kachemak Bay during the same interval of time, it appears much more likely the BAEA-40 birds failed because of the unusually cold, inclement weather conditions than because of the blocked nest sites or nearby human activities in the borrow pit and dike areas. e Bradley River Relocation Experiment The modified Bradley River experiment had two goals that were dependant on the fate of the tree the BAEA-34 pair used for a nest platform in 1986: to either indirectly translocate the pair from the 41 precarious natural nest to a safer, alternate artificial nest in the territory by supplying a man-made nest and temporarily blocking the natural nest site; or to retain the pair in the territory by supplying an artificial nest that the birds could use in the event the natural nest tree containing the blocked nest fell down before the start of the 1987 nesting season. The experiment was successful and results were encouraging. They helped confirm that it was indeed feasible to maintain the viability of territories that have few places left for pairs to build new nests in, if current nest sites are lost to natural processes (e.g., river bank erosion, wind storms). Note: A similar experiment conducted in the Susitna River drainage during 1985-1987 had similar successful results (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). The loss of the Bradley River BAEA-34b nest tree at the onset of the 1987 nesting season was not surprising, given its condition (see Plate N). After the natural nest tree fell down in late March, the pair first attempted to build a new nest where two dead trees were leaning together. When these efforts failed, the birds quickly shifted breeding activities to artificial nest ATN-7, and after fledging two young from it that nesting season, they returned to it for three more breeding seasons and fledged a total of five more young from it during those years. The pair's relatively rapid acceptance of the man-made structure in early spring 1987 was probably due in part to both the lack of natural nests and the paucity of alternative nest-building sites. If the temporarily blocked natural nest had still been present, the birds might have spent valuable time investigating it. Also, if viable alternative nest-building sites had been readily available, the pair might have resorted to building a new nest, instead of accepting ATN-7. Additional nest-coning experiments in territories where natural nests are not lost could help clarify how readily pairs may be relocated to nearby artificial nests by using this potentially valuable indirect translocation technique. The successful acceptance of ATN-7 and its repeated use during three subsequent breeding seasons demonstrated that otherwise potentially long-term, possibly permanent losses of nesting territories can be avoided by supplying well-built artificial nests. Also, the acceptance and use of ATN-7, coupled with several instances of reoccupation of dormant historical territories by pairs in the BLHPSA during 1986-1991, suggested another possible use for natural-appearing artificial nests. Building nests in currently nestless territories that still retain all other important habitat features required to support breeding pairs might easily restore the viability of these old historical nesting locations, if prospecting pairs are present in the area. Indeed, reoccupation of several of the long-dormant historical territories in the BLHPSA and BLHPA during the six-year study suggest these types of locations should be protected from development unless they no longer have potential for trees to grow in them or have lost other features important to breeding eagles (e.g., sources of food). 42 Attempts to Attract Additional Pairs to the BLHPA Mixed results were obtained during attempts to attract additional pairs of eagles to the BLHPA by building artificial nests at new locations in the Sheep Creek - Bradley River tidelands at the head of the bay and on the western edge of the Martin River delta. Eagles were attracted to the ATN-1! nesting location at the head of the bay. However, as of 1991, birds showed little interest in the Martin River delta ATN-3/ATN-4 territory just north of Chugachik Island. @ Artificial Territory ATN-1 Single adults occupied the ATN-1 territory at the head of the bay in 1987 and 1990, and pairs attempted to nest at it 1988 and 1991. In 1988, the pair that nested at ATN-1 lost their single egg during a snow and rain storm. However, the failed birds still continued to defend the artificial nest until fall. A pair of eagles also built a complete nest cup in the debris remaining on the platform in spring 1991. Given the level of interest birds have shown for the artificial territory, the repaired nest site is likely to attract nesting pairs in future years. However, in the event breeding birds are not attracted to artificial nesting location ATN-1, it will still provide an alternate territory for nearby pairs, if natural losses of current and potential nest sites prevent birds from nesting at the BAEA-31 - BAEA- 35 nesting locations. The presence of the artificial nest in a prominent, near-classic habitat setting should help ensure that numbers of nesting pairs remain relatively stable in this section of upper Kachemak Bay for several years to come. e Artificial Territory ATN-3/ATN-4 As of 1991, no eagles were attracted to the artificial ATN-3/ATN-4 territory on the western edge of the Martin River delta. Although single adults perched near both man-made nest sites on a few occasions and one or more birds rearranged some material in ATN-3 in spring 1989, eagles never attempted to breed at the artificial territory, despite its favorable habitat setting. Artificial nesting locations ATN-1 and ATN-3/ATN-4 were built in classic habitat settings favored by birds nesting in upper Kachemak Bay. Also, distances between artificial territories and neighboring natural nesting locations were equal to or greater than distances tolerated by most Kachemak Bay pairs (pairs nest on average, about 0.5 miles or 0.8 km apart, but in some cases, about half that distance— e.g., see BAEA-53 - BAEA-S5, Figure 16), and artificial nests at both locations were installed in prominent trees overlooking rich foraging habitats in nearby tidelands of the bay. However, after installation in June 1986, it became apparent that ATN-3/ATN-4 was located almost directly on the route regularly used by foraging members of the BAEA-40 pair, and it was also near the flight paths of birds nesting at the BAEA-41 territory, when this nesting location was active. In contrast, ATN-1 was not situated on or near flight routes used by neighboring pairs commuting between nest sites and hunting and foraging area in the bay. This aspect of ATN-3/ATN-4, coupled with regular use of 43 nearby dead trees as perching points by hunting and commuting members of the BAEA-40 and BAEA- 41 pairs, may have discouraged prospecting birds from using the artificial nests, despite their location in prominent trees on the edge of the bay. If this hypothesis is correct, artificial nesting location ATN-3/ATN-4 is likely to remain unused as long as at least one of the nearby BAEA-40 and BAEA-41 territories is occupied by nesting pairs (particularly the BAEA-40 nesting location). In the event neighboring pairs prevent prospecting birds from using ATN-3/ATN-4, it will still provide an alternate nesting location in the Martin River delta for local pairs, if nest sites in neighboring territories are lost to natural causes (e.g., loss of the BAEA-41 nest). Observations of Pairs at Nonexperimental Nesting Territories in the BLHPA e Nesting Location BAEA-38 The reoccupation of the BAEA-38 territory on the eastern edge of the Martin River delta was not in itself surprising, given its distance from other nesting locations and the presence of a large, open- limbed spruce tree in a prominent, forest-edge setting overlooking the tidelands of the bay. However, the sudden arrival of a prospecting pair and the swift construction of a new nest so close to noisy, visually provocative, potentially disturbing human activities was surprising. Some information obtained during the study may help explain the birds' tolerant attitude toward the active temporary airstrip and other nearby project work. Most Kachemak Bay eagles are intimately familiar with campers, hikers, and fishermen, and many birds are also regularly exposed to relatively high volumes of boat and low-level aircraft traffic that often follow the shoreline of the bay. Air traffic typically consists of a variety of single- and twin- engine fixed-wing aircraft, U.S. Coast Guard C-130's, and small and medium helicopters, including Alaska Air National Guard "Huey" 204-205 types. Birds nesting or reared in the vicinity of Homer (e.g., the BAEA-1, BAEA-2, and BAEA-3 territories; several other locations outside the boundaries of the study area) are exposed to heavy air traffic and are also familiar with road traffic (e.g., passenger cars, trucks). Even eagles nesting along the western side of the bay north of Homer have experience with pickup trucks and all terrain vehicles that drive along beaches between the city and the vicinity of Kachemak Selo at low tide. Also, large numbers of eagles, including both adults and subadults, have been fed fish scraps on the Homer spit in close proximity to buildings, people, and roads every day during winter months for about 12 years (Bain 1990, 1991). When a local resident started the feeding program in about 1979, only a few dozen birds or less were involved, but by 1988 the effort was attracting over 400 birds, and by 1990-1991 numbers increased to about 550-650 individuals. In the mid-1980's, other residents of 44 Homer also began occasionally tossing scraps to eagles, and development of a salmon fishing basin on the Homer Spit put foraging members of local nesting pairs in regular contact with large crowds of people, including some throwing scraps to loitering individuals and some leaving fish unattended that were easily pirated by waiting birds (several cases of pirating fish were observed in June 1988). Familiarity with a variety of human activities and association of food with people in an area where few people tend to harass or persecute eagles may explain, in part, why birds tolerate potentially disturbing situations in many areas of Kachemak Bay. It also may help explain the increasing incidence of pairs nesting in well-populated, urban residential areas of Homer (e.g., the BAEA-1, BAEA-2, and BAEA- 3 pairs) and reoccupation of the BAEA-38 territory next to active project facilities in the BLHPA. After the BAEA-38 pair reoccupied the dormant historical territory next to active project facilities in spring 1987, the birds returned and successfully fledged young from the nest during all subsequent nesting seasons. Two factors probably helped ensure the pair's steady occupation of the location and the successful outcome of their breeding attempts: the absence of direct, overt harassment by people; and relatively regular patterns of human use near the nest site. In 1987, project personnel quickly developed a habit of ignoring the birds, with exception of occasionally glancing at them while driving by or standing in the aircraft loading zone, and no one attempted to approach the nest tree. Nearly all construction site personnel felt protective toward the project area eagles because top-level BCI field engineering staff were genuinely interested in the artificial nest-building experiments. Furthermore, all potentially disturbing activities, with exception of occasional inadvertent aircraft overflights on windy days, were contained in specific areas that had fixed boundaries relative to the nest site, an element that probably helped the birds initially overcome any sense of insecurity about the nesting location next to project activities. In general, the behavioral responses of the BAEA-38 pair demonstrated that at least some bald eagles are more than capable of and successfully tolerating nearby noisy, visually provocative human activities, particularly if they are essentially ignored and not directly harassed or threatened by people or human actions. Several similar situations at other nesting territories in upper Kachemak Bay provide additional support for this conclusion (e.g., BAEA-1, BAEA-2, and BAEA-3 territories; several other nesting locations outside the study area in and near Homer, Seldovia, and China Poot Bay). e@ Nesting Location BAEA-39 Although pairs of eagles occupied the BAEA-39 Martin River territory every year during the study, the birds produced eaglets in only three years—1986, 1990, and 1991. However, no evidence was found suggesting the three successive nesting failures in 1987-1991 were related to project activities. 45 In 1987, the pair's failure to lay eggs was almost certainly weather related (see BLHPSA discussion above). Breeding activities were interrupted by the same late-season snow storms that interfered with courtship and nest-building activities at other territories in the upper bay, and events leading to the pair's nesting failure were nearly identical to events at the adjacent BAEA-40 territory, where birds also failed to lay eggs. Pairs (probably the same pair present in 1986 and 1987) attempting to breed at the BAEA-39 nesting location in 1988 and 1989 were clearly tolerant of local aircraft traffic. Also, the behavior and responses of the birds in relation to various pieces of equipment operating in the northern sector of the borrow pit area and vehicle traffic along the northern end of the Martin River dike clearly indicated they were not concerned about these types of human activities. After reviewing many hours of observational data collected on the BAEA-39 territory, no reason was found to conclude the 1987- 1989 nesting failures were other than natural events. e@ Nesting Location BAEA-41 Territory BAEA-41 was well screened and well-distanced from project activities. However, eagles only occupied it during three of the six study years. Limited use of this nesting location may have been related to its unusual setting deep within a stand of similar size trees about 750 ft (229 m) from the Martin River and 1,250 ft (381 m) from the shoreline of Kachemak Bay (see Figure 2a). Generally most bald eagles prefer nesting relatively close to water (typically within about 600 ft or 200 m; e.g., Stalmaster 1987), and most birds also prefer to nest in situations that provide clear views of at least some surrounding terrain. Although breeding pairs occasionally break these general rules in some areas (e.g. habitats where nesting trees are in short supply near water bodies; see Stalmaster 1987), the majority of prospecting birds probably avoid nesting in settings lacking these basic, characteristic nesting features. MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS Artificial nest building programs have potential to increase and expand local nesting populations of bald eagles in some circumstances. However, because initial acceptance and subsequent use of man- made nesting territories and nest sites is largely density dependent, local populations of birds must already be present before such efforts are likely to succeed (i.e., nearby producing pairs are needed to provide new recruits for supplemental nesting locations). Also, attempts to increase population sizes are likely to fail if distribution of pairs is not taken into account (e.g., spacing between pairs), or basic habitat requirements are missing or inadequate to support additional birds (e.g., hunting habitats, prey 46 bases). Note: Attempts to establish entirely new populations of birds by hacking nestlings and supplying nests in habitats that are not being used are exceptions to some of these general rules. Artificial nests can also be employed to help ameliorate or solve site-specific problems. However, in such cases, nesting preferences of target pairs and characteristics of individual nesting territories and nest sites should be taken into account to help these efforts succeed. Artificial territories/nest sites can be used in a variety of ways. Several potential applications, including some that are population oriented and some that are site specific, are listed below. @ Increasing populations within existing nesting habitats: Installing artificial territories/nests in already occupied nesting habitats may encourage additional pairs to begin nesting in these areas, if suitable nest trees and nest building sites are in short supply and food is not a limiting factor. e@ Expanding populations into peripheral areas near existing nesting habitats: Installing artificial territories/nests in peripheral areas near already occupied nesting habitats may encourage additional pairs to begin nesting in these areas, if suitable nest trees and nest building sites are in short supply and food is not a limiting factor. @ Maintaining/replacing threatened or endangered territories/nests: Viability of territories consisting of single nest sites that are threatened or endangered by natural events (e.g., river bank erosion) can be maintained by anticipating losses of nest trees/nest sites and providing suitable, nearby alternate artificial nests before actual losses occur (e.g., the BAEA-34 Bradley River territory). @ Restoring/rehabilitating historical, dormant nesting territories: Viability of historical territories that no longer contain suitable nest trees or nest building sites can be restored by building artificial nests in nearby trees that could not otherwise be used by eagles (e.g., trees of sufficient size having closed canopies or that are poorly configured for supporting nests), if territories still meet all other requirements for nesting birds. e Directly translocating specific nesting pairs: Pairs, including pairs threatened by natural or man- made events, can be directly relocated during the nesting season from either a) natural territories to more distant artificial nesting locations, or b) from natural nests to alternate artificial nest sites within the same territory by building artificial territories/nests and physically moving nestlings from natural nests to artificial sites and blocking/removing natural nests (e.g., the BAEA-37 pair). @ Indirectly translocating specific nesting pairs: Pairs, including pairs threatened by natural or man- made events, can be indirectly relocated over a longer period of time from natural nests to alternate artificial nest sites within the same territory by first building artificial territories/nests and then blocking/removing natural territories/nests before the start of the next breeding season (e.g., the BAEA-40 pair). LITERATURE CITED Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). 1983. Regional guides draft map, Seldovia, showing distribution of bald eagle nest sites. Prepared by S. Albert, 27 July 1983. Alaska Dept. Fish and Game, Habitat Div., Anchorage, Alaska. 47 Alaska Power Authority (APA). 1985. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project draft mitigation plan, January 1985. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission project No. P-8221-000. Bain, B.K. 1990. The population size and age structure of the bald eagle on Homer Spit, Homer, Alaska during the winter of 1989. Unpubl. rept. by the U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Alaska Maritime Natl. Wildl. Refuge, Homer, Alaska. 24 pp. plus appendices. Bain, B.K. 1991. The population size and age structure of the bald eagle on Homer Spit, Alaska during the winter of 1990-1991. Unpubl. rept. by the U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Alaska Maritime Natl. Wildl. Refuge, Homer, Alaska. 22 pp. plus appendices. Brower, W.A., Jr., H.W. Searby, J.L. Wise, H.F. Diaz, and A.S. Prechtel. 1977. Climatic atlas of the outer continental shelf waters and coastal regions of Alaska (Vol. 1). Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center (Univ. of Alaska), Anchorage, Alaska. Fala, R.A., A. Anderson, and J.P. Ward. 1985. Highwall-to-pole golden eagle nest site relocations. Raptor Res. 19:1-7. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 1985. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, Alaska, September 1985 (FERC No. 8221). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Hydropower Licensing, Washington, D.C. Lamb, K.C. and J.M.Barager. 1978. Bald eagle nesting site selection and artificial nest platform construction, Ruth Lake, Trinity County, [California]. Unpubl. U.S. Forest Serv. rept., Eureka, California. 25 pp. Phillips, R. L. and A. E. Beske. 1982. Golden eagles and coal development in eastern Powder River Basin of Wyoming. Annual rept. for 1981. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Denver Wildl. Res. Center, Denver, Colorado. 55 pp. Phillips, R. L. and A. E. Beske. 1983. Golden eagles and coal development in eastern Powder River Basin of Wyoming. Annual rept. for 1982. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Denver Wildl. Res. Center, Denver, Colorado. 55 pp. Phillips, R. L. and A. E. Beske. 1985. Resolving conflicts between energy development and nesting golden eagles. Pp. 214-219 in Proceeding of the symposium on issues and technology in the management of impacted western wildlife. Tech. publ. 14. Thorne Ecol. Inst., Boulder, Colorado. Poole, A.F. 1989. Ospreys: A natural and unnatural history. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, England. [ISBN 0-521-30623-X]. 246 pp. Postovit, H. R. and B. C. Postovit. 1985. Relocating young or nests: Techniques for mitigating nest site destruction. Pp. 16-17 in Abstrs. of the 1985 Raptor Res. Found. Symp. on Manage. of Birds of Prey, Intl. Meeting, Session 10. 9-10 Nov. 1985. Sacramento, California. 22 pp. Postovit, H. R., J. W. Grier, J. M. Lockhart and J. Tate, Jr. 1982. Directed relocation of a golden eagle nest site. J. Wildl. Manage. 46: 1045-1048. Rappaport, A., L. Shea, and L. Halpin. 1981. Application of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service habitat evaluation procedures to the proposed Bradley Lake project, Alaska, July 1981. Unpubl. rept. by the U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Anchorage, Alaska. 48 Roseneau, D.G. 1985. Survey for bald eagle nesting locations and potential nesting habitat in the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project area, 5 October 1985. Unpubl. rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., Englewood, Colorado and the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 7 pp. Roseneau, D.G. 1986. Survey of bald eagle nesting locations in the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project area, 22 May 1986. Unpubl. interim rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., Englewood, Colorado and the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 7 pp. Roseneau, D.G. 1990. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project bald eagle program - 1989: Summary of 1989 monitoring studies. Unpubl. interim rept. by BioSystems Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska for the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 5 pp. Roseneau, D.G. and P.J. Bente. 1987. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project bald eagle program - 1987: Surveys of nesting populations, experiments with artificial nests and methods for indirectly relocating nesting pairs. Unpubl. annual rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., Englewood, Colorado and the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 32 pp. plus maps. Roseneau, D.G. and P.J. Bente. 1989. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project bald eagle program - 1988: Surveys of nesting populations, experiments with artificial nests and methods for indirectly relocating nesting pairs. Unpubl. annual rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska for the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 31 pp. plus maps. Roseneau, D.G., P.J. Bente, and J.D. Woolington. 1986. Artificial nests and nesting structures built for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Tanana and Susitna river drainages, August- September 1985. Unpubl. rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska for Harza- Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture and the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 28 pp. Roseneau, D.G., P.J. Bente, and J.D. Woolington. 1987. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project bald eagle program - 1986: Prefabrication and installation of artificial nests and nesting structures, direct relocation nesting pairs, and coning natural nests. Unpubl. annual rept. by LGL Alaska Res. Assoc., Inc., Anchorage, Alaska for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., Englewood Colorado and the Alaska Power Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. 40 pp. plus maps. Stalmaster, M.V. 1987. The bald eagle. Universe Books, New York, New York. [ISBN 0-87663- 491-9]. 227 pp. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). 1982. Bradley Lake hydroelectric project final environmental impact statement. August 1982. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1981 (as amended). Unpubl. atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites first compiled in 1981 and updated intermittently by USFWS raptor management personnel. USFWS Raptor Management Office, Juneau, Alaska. [Note: The raptor atlas data referred to in this report were obtained from P. Schempf, USFWS Raptor Management Project Leader, 11 March 1992 and are current for the upper Kachemak Bay region through 1984.] USFWS. 1985. Unpubl. letter from R. Bowker, USFWS, to D.R. Eberle, Alaska Power Authority, 10 October 1985. 49 Table 1. Occupancy and productivity at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1986-1991!. One territory reported in 1984 (BAEA-68) is not listed here because it was not checked during the study. Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 Natural Territories BAEA-1 TNPS TNP Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-2 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA-3 TNP TNP TNP TNP BAEA4 Pair - 3 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-5 TNP Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1+ Young BAEA-6 TNP TNP TNP TNP BAEA-7 Pair - 3 Young Pair - 0 Young Single Adult Pair - 0 Young BAEA-8 TNP Pair - 2 Young UNOC Pair - 0 Young BAEA-9 TNP TNP TNP Pair - 1+ Young BAEA-10 TNP Pair - 0 Young Pair HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-11 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP Pair - 1 Young BAEA-12 Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-13 UNOC Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1+ Young BAEA-14 UNOC Pair HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-15 Pair - 1 Young Single Adult HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-16 UNOC Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA-17 HT/RNP? HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP BAEA-18 HT/NNP Pair HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-19 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-20 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair HT/NNP Pair - 2 Young BAEA-21 UNOC HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-22 TNP TNP TNP Pair - 1+ Young BAEA-23 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-24 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-25 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-26 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young BAEA-27 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-28 Pair - 2 Young Single Adult Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-29 UNOC Pair - 1 Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-30 TNP TNP TNP TNP BAEA-31 Pair - 0 Young UNOC Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-32 UNOC UNOC UNOC Single Adult BAEA-33 Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1+ Young UNOC Pair - 0 Young BAEA-34!0 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair- 1 Young!! Pair - 2 Young BAEA-35 TNP TNP TNP TNP 50 1990 1991 YO/YC? YS/YO} —_NP/NSP4 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young 4/6 3/4 1.5/2.0 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young 6/6 4/6 1.0/1.5 TNP Pair - 1+ Young 1/6 1/1 21.0/21.0 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1+ Young 6/6 6/6 21.8/21.8 Single Adult UNOoc® 4/6 2/4 1.0/1.5 TNP Pair - 0 Young 1/6 O/1 0.0/0.0 HT7/NNP8 Pair - 0 Young 5/6 1/5 0.8/3.0 UNOC UNOC 2/6 1/2 1.0/2.0 Pair - 1+ Young UNOC 2/6 2/2 21.0/21.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 2/6 0/2 0.0/0.0 Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 2 Young 3/6 3/3 21.3/21.3 Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 0 Young 6/6 4/6 20.8/21.3 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young 5/6 4/5 21.2/21.5 HT/NNP HT/NNP 1/6 O/1 0.0/0.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 2/6 1/2 1.0/1.0 Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young 5/6 2/5 0.4/1.0 HT/RNP HT/RNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 1/6 O/1 0.0/0.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young 6/6 3/6 1.0/2.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 1+ Young 3/6 3/3 21.0/21.0 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young 6/6 6/6 2.0/2.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young 6/6 2/6 0.3/1.0 HT/NNP HT/NNP 0/6 0/0 0.0/0.0 Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 1 Young 6/6 5/6 21.4/21.4 Pair - 0 Young UNOC 2/6 1/2 0.5/1.0 TNP Pair - 2 Young 1/6 1/1 2.0/2.0 UNOC UNOC 3/6 2/3 1.3/2.0 Pair - 1+ Young UNOC 2/6 1/2 21.0/21.0 Single Adult Pair - 2 Young 5/6 2/5 20.8/21.5 Pair - 2 Young UNOC 5/6 S/S 1.6/1.6 TNP Pair - 2 Young 1/6 1/1 2.0/2.0 Table 1. (Continued) Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 BAEA-36 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-37!2 (Pair Relocated) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) BAEA-38 HT/RNP Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA-39 Pair - 2 Young Pair'4+-0 Young _ Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA~40 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA441 UNOC Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young GHow!5 GHow!5 BAEA-42 HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP Pair - 0 Young BAEA~43 HT/NNP Pair - 1 Young Single Adult Pair - 2 Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-44 Pair - 1 Chick! UNOC UNOC UNOC Pair - 1+ Young UNOC BAEA45 uNoc!? UNoc!? UNOC!7 UNOC UNOC UNOC BAEA~46 uNoc!7 uNoc!7 UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC BAEA~47 Pair - 1 Young!8 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA-48 Pair - 1 Young!8 Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA-49 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-50 TNP Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 0 Young Single Adult Pair - 0 Young Single Adult BAEA-51 UNOC Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-52 HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP HT/RNP BAEA-53 TNP Pair - 2 Young UNOC Pair - (ND)!9.20 UNOC Pair - 0 Young BAEA-54 UNOC!7 UNOC UNOC Pair - | Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-55 TNP TNP Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-56 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-57 UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC BAEA-58 Pair - 1 Chick!® Pair - 1 Young UNOC Single Adult UNOC UNOC BAEA-59 Pair - 1 Chick!® UNOC UNOC Pair - 2 Young UNOC UNOC BAEA-60 Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1+ Young Pair - 2 Young Single Adult Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA41 Pair - 1 Chick!® Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young Single Adult Pair - 1 Young BAEA62 TNP TNP TNP TNP TNP Pair - 0 Young Artificial Territories ATN-1 (Unavailable)! Single Adult Pair - 0 Young UNOC Single Adult Pair - 0 Young ATN-3/4 (Unavailable)?! UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC ATN-S/6 Pair - 2 Young?? Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young TOTALS Natural Territories 48 Si) DD) 57 57) 62 51 YO/YC? YSs/YO? 0/6 NA]3 5/6 6/6 6/6 3/6 1/6 3/6 2/6 0/6 0/6 6/6 6/6 0/6 5/6 3/6 0/6 3/6 1/6 2/6 0/6 0/6 3/6 2/6 6/6 6/6 1/6 4/5 O/S 6/6 NA 0/0 NA 3/5 3/6 5/6 1/3 O/1 2/3 21/2 0/0 0/0 24/6 24/6 0/0 1/5 1/3 0/0 21/3 1/1 2/2 0/0 0/0 21/3 21/2 4/6 23/6 O/1 0/4 0/0 4/6 NA NP/NSP4 0.0/0.0 NA 1.2/1.2 0.8/1.7 1.7/2.0 0.7/2.0 0.0/0.0 1.5/1.5 20.5/21.0 0.0/0.0 0.0/0.0 20.8/21.2 20.8/21.2 0.0/0.0 20.3/21.0 0.3/1.0 0.0/0.0 20.7/21.5 1.0/1.0 LOLS 0.0/0.0 0.0/0.0 20.5/1.0 21.0/21.0 ZL 2eiS 20.6/1.0 0.0/0.0 0.0/0.0 0.0/0.0 1.0/1.5 NA Table 1. (Continued) (with nests present) (remnant nests only) (no nests present) Artificial Territories (with nests present) Total Territories Occupied Single Adults Pairs SucPairs?® UnsucPairs?? Young Young/Occupied Young/Pair Young/SucPair 22 13-1927 3-930 24-3032 1.1-1.434 1.1-1.435 1.6-1.836 (39) (3) day 5624 34 3 31 16 15 22+ 0.6+ 0.7+ 1.4+ (38) G3) (14) 27 19 8 32 el 1.2 U7 ! Data are from Roseneau (1990), Roseneau and Bente (1987, 1989), Roseneau et al. (1987), and D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente (unpubl. data). 2 YO/YC = number of years occupied (pairs or single birds) / number of years checked. 3 YS/YO = number of years successful (young reared to or near fledging age) / number of years occupied (pairs or single birds). 4 NP/NSP = average number of nestlings (young reared to or near fledging age) per pair / per successful pair. 5 TNP = territory not present. © UNOC = unoccupied. 7 HT = historical territory. 8 NNP = nests not present. (42) (3) (12) 6024 37. 33 22-2328 10-113! 33-34+33 0.9+ 1.0+ LS+ 52 (41) (3) (13) 6024 2925 25 21 oe 1.3+ 6524 3125 30 19 11 28+ 0.9+ 1+ NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Table 1. (Continued) ° RNP = remnant nest present. 10 The pair used artificial nest ATN-7 during the 1987-1990 breeding seasons (see Appendix 3). 11 The pair laid and hatched two eggs and both nestlings survived to an age of about 20-25 days; however, one of the eaglets died in early July shortly after it was blown out of the nest by a violent wind storm (see Appendix 3). 12 Th 1986, a pair occupied the BAEA-37 territory and hatched two eggs in the nest, but the pair and their nestlings were successfully relocated to artificial territory ATN 5/6 in early August and both eaglets fledged from artificial nest ATN-6 about three weeks later (see Footnote 17 below and Appendix 3). In late January 1987, the BAEA-37 nest was temporarily blocked with an open-framed steel nest cone that made it physically impossible for eagles to use during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons (the cone was removed from the nest in mid-October 1991—see Appendix 3). 13 NA = not applicable. [Note: At BAEA-37, the pair and nestlings were relocated to artificial nesting territory ATN-5/6—see Footnote 9 above and Appendix 3.] 14 The BAEA-39 pair started to lose interest in breeding in early May and another pair arrived and began perching in the territory (see Appendix 3), but the second pair was not included in the annual total of pairs because it was probably a failed pair from one of the other nesting locations in the upper Kachemak Bay study area. 15 The nest was occupied by a pair of great homed owls (Bubo virginianus) (see Appendix 3). 16 At least one small chick was present in mid-June, but the nest was not checked again and no information was obtained on whether or not the youngster survived to near-fledging age (see Appendix 3). 17 Probably unoccupied, based on the condition of an old nest found in subsequent years (see Appendix 3). 18 One chick about 40 days old was present in early August, but the nest was not checked again and no information was obtained on whether or not the youngster survived to near- fledging age (see Appendix 3). 19 ND = no data. 20 Productivity not determined because of bright sunlight and deep shadows during the last two surveys (see Appendix 3). 21 The artificial territory was not available to nesting pairs at the start of the 1986 breeding season because it was built in mid-June (see Appendix 3). 22 The pair of adults and the two young were originally from BAEA-37; they were moved to artificial nest ATN-6 in the ATN-5/6 territory during early August (see Footnote 9 above and Appendix 3). 23 Total does not include the three artificial ATN-1, ATN-3/4, and ATN-5/6 territories because they were not available at the start of the nesting season (see Footnote 19 above); ATN-5/6 was only used after the BAEA-37 pair and their nestlings were moved to artificial nest ATN-6 in early August during a successful experiment to translocate nesting pairs by physically moving thermoregulating young (see Appendix 3). 24 Total includes the three artificial ATN-1, ATN-3/4, and ATN-5/6 territories, and the natural BAEA-37 territory that was physically impossible for eagles to use because the nest was temporarily blocked with an open-framed steel nest cone during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons (see Footnote 9 above and Appendix 3). However, since BAEA-37 was temporarily decommissioned and impossible for eagles to use during the 1987-1991 nesting seasons, it was not included in any calculations of available nesting territories during those years. 25 Total does not include the BAEA-41 territory that was occupied by great horned owls (see Footnote 15 above and Appendix 3). 26 SucPairs = successful pairs (i.e., pairs that produced young to or near fledging age). 27 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of successful pairs; at least 13 pairs produced young to near-fledging age, but six other pairs (at BAEA-44, BAEA-47, BAEA-48, BAEA-58, BAEA-59, and BAEA-61) had six chicks ranging in age from about 5-6 days old to 40 days old and it is possible that all of these nestlings survived (see Footnotes 14 and 16 above, and Appendix 3). 28 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of successful pairs; at least 22 pairs produced young to near-fledging age, but it is possible that one other pair (at BAEA- 53) may have also been successful (see Footnote 17 above and Appendix 3). 29 UnsucPairs = unsuccessful pairs (i.e., pairs that did not produce young to or near fledging age). 30 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of unsuccessful pairs; at least three pairs did not produce young, but late season data were not obtained at six territories with chicks (at BAEA-44, BAEA-47, BAEA-48, BAEA-58, BAEA-59, and BAEA-61) and it is possible that none of these chicks survived (see Footnotes 14, 16, and 24 above, and Appendix 3). 31 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of unsuccessful pairs; at least 10 pairs did not produce young, but it is possible that one other pair (at BAEA-53) may not have been successful (see Footnotes 18 and 24 above, and Appendix 3). 53 Table 1. (Continued) 32 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of young; at least 24 young survived to near-fledging age, but it is possible that up to six other chicks may have also survived (at BAEA-44, BAEA-47, BAEA-48, BAEA-58, BAEA-S9, and BAEA-61) (see Footnote 24 above and Appendix 3). 33 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of young; at least 33 young survived to near-fledging age, but it is possible that at least one additional eaglet was produced by a pair in the study area (at BAEA-5S3) (see Footnote 25 above and Appendix 3). 34 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of young per occupied territory based on the minimum and maximum number of young produced in the study area. 35 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of young per pair based on the minimum and maximum number of young produced in the study area. 36 Range represents the minimum and maximum number of young per successful pair based on the minimum and maximum number of young produced in the study area. 54 Table 2. Occupancy and productivity at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area, 1986-1991!. Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Natural Territories BAEA-345 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young® Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young UNOC BAEA-35 TNP? TNP TNP TNP TNP Pair - 2 Young BAEA-36 HT8/NNP? HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP BAEA-37!0 (Pair Relocated) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) (Blocked) BAEA-38 HT/RNP!2 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA-39 Pair - 2 Young Pair!3 - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 1 Young BAEA40 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 2 Young BAEA41 UNoc!4 Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 0 Young GHow!5 GHow!5 Artificial Territories ATN-1 (Unavailable)! © Single Adult Pair - 0 Young UNOC Single Adult Pair - 0 Young ATN-3/4 (Unavailable)!® UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC UNOC ATN-S/6 Pair - 2 Young!7 Pair - 1 Young Pair - 2 Young Pair - 0 Young Pair - 1 Young Pair - 0 Young TOTALS Natural Territories 7 7 7 4 7 8 (with nests present) (5) (6) (6) (6) (6) (7) (remnant nests only) qd) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (no nests present) (ql) (1) (1) qd) qd) ql) Artificial Territories ols 3 3 3 3 3 (with nests present) ols 3 3 3 3 3 Total Territories 718 1019 1019 10!9 10!9 1119 Occupied 4 7 7 6 629 620 Single Adults 0 1 0 0 1 0 55 YO/YC? Ys/Yo3 5/6 1/6 0/6 NA!1 5/6 6/6 6/6 3/6 4/5 0/5 6/6 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA S/S 1/1 0/0 NA 5/5 3/6 5/6 1/3 0/4 0/0 4/6 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NP/NSP#4 1.6/1.6 2.0/2.0 0.0/0.0 NA 1.2/1.2 0.8/1.7 1.7/2.0 0.7/2.0 0.0/0.0 0.0/0.0 1.0/1.5 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Table 2. (Continued) Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 YO/YC? YS/YO3 —_NP/NSP4 Pairs 4 6 7 6 5 6 NA NA NA SucPairs?! 4 4 4 3 5 4 NA NA NA UnsucPairs?? 0 2 3 3 0 2 NA NA NA Young 7 6 7 5 8 6 NA NA NA Young/Occupied 1.8 0.9 1.0 0.8 1.3 1.0 NA NA NA Young/Pair 1.8 1.0 1.0 0.8 1.6 1.0 NA NA NA Young/SucPair 1.8 1.5 1.8 17 1.6 15 NA NA NA ! Data are from Roseneau (1990), Roseneau and Bente (1987, 1989), Roseneau ef al. (1987), and D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente (unpubl. data). 2 YO/YC = number of years occupied (pairs or single birds) / number of years checked. 3 YS/YO = number of years successful (young reared to or near fledging age) / number of years occupied (pairs or single birds). 4 NP/NSP = average number of nestlings (young reared to or near fledging age) per pair / per successful pair. 5 The pair used artificial nest ATN-7 in the 1987-1990 breeding seasons (see Appendix 3). © The pair laid and hatched two eggs and both nestlings survived to an age of about 20-25 days; however, one of the eaglets died in early July shortly after it was blown out of the nest by a violent wind storm (see Appendix 3). 7 TNP = territory not present. 8 HT = historical territory. ° NNP = nests not present. 10 Tn 1986, a pair occupied the BAEA-37 territory and hatched two eggs in the nest, but the pair and their nestlings were successfully relocated to artificial territory ATN 5/6 in early August and both eaglets fledged from artificial nest ATN-6 about three weeks later (see Footnote 17 below and Appendix 3). In late January 1987, the BAEA-37 nest was temporarily blocked with an open-framed steel nest cone that made it physically impossible for eagles to use during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons (the cone was removed from the nest in mid-October 1991—see Appendix 3). 11 NA = not applicable. [Note: At BAEA-37, the pair and nestlings were relocated to artificial nesting territory ATN-5/6—see Footnote 10 above and Appendix 3.] 12 RNP = remnant nest present. 13 The BAEA-39 pair started to lose interest in breeding in early May and another pair arrived and began perching in the territory (see Appendix 3), but the second pair was not included in the annual total of pairs because it was probably a failed pair from one of the other nesting locations in the upper Kachemak Bay study area. !4 UNOC = unoccupied. 15 The nest was occupied by a pair of great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) (see Appendix 3). 16 The artificial territory was not available to nesting pairs at the start of the 1986 breeding season because it was built in mid-June (see Appendix 3). 56 Table 2. (Continued) !7 The pair of adults and the two young were originally from BAEA-37; they were moved to artificial nest ATN-6 in the ATN-5/6 territory during early August (see Footnote 10 above and Appendix 3). 18 Total does not include the three artificial ATN-1, ATN-3/4, and ATN-5/6 territories because they were not available at the start of the nesting season (see Footnote 19 above); ATN-5/6 was only used after the BAEA-37 pair and their nestlings were moved to artificial nest ATN-6 in early August during a successful experiment to translocate nesting pairs by physically moving thermoregulating young (see Appendix 3). 19 Total includes the three artificial ATN-1, ATN-3/4, and ATN-5/6 territories, and the natural BAEA-37 territory that was physically impossible for eagles to use because the nest was temporarily blocked with an open-framed steel nest cone during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons (see Footnote 10 above and Appendix 3). However, since BAEA-37 was temporarily decommissioned and impossible for eagles to use during the 1987-1991 nesting seasons, it was not included in any calculations of available nesting territories during those years. 20 Total does not include the BAEA-41 territory that was occupied by great horned owls (see Footnote 15 above and Appendix 3). 21 SucPairs = successful pairs (i.e., pairs that produced young to or near fledging age). 22 UnsucPairs = unsuccessful pairs (i.e., pairs that did not produce young to or near fledging age). oY Fox River Sheep Creek Study Area Northern Boundary 29m[._—|—j_{T exe eee eno fe ee (Approximate Transmission Line Crossing Point) 7 Bradley River Kachemak Selo Dam Site Sheep Pt. Martin River Bradley Lake Delta 9 2 McNeil Canyon Aurora Spit Bear Cove Power Plant and Permanent Facilities ‘Portlock' Creek Kachemak Bay eo Temporary Construction Camp Homer : Glacier Spit Grewingk Creek = see eee eee eee ee ee ee e =6Study Area Southern Boundary Homer Spit A) Halibut Cove Halibut Cove La, lalibut Cove Lagoon True North Peterson Bay Scale 1"= 5.0 miles (8.0 km) China Poot Bay Figure 1. Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Program study area, upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska. [Note: 'Portlock' Creek is an unnamed creek flowing into the bay from Portlock Glacier. ] 58 Figure 2a and Figure 2b (See pocket attached to inside back cover) 59 23° RA-300 STEEL SLOTTED , 7 ANGLE 8TOCK 0.38'x 4.0-6.0 7 ms LAGBOLTS 0.38°x 0.76” BOLT AND LOCK NUT (NTO TREE TRUNK) ” Vee oe me oe Figure 3. Side view showing a typical artificial tree nest support bracket. Lengths of horizontal members may be varied to accomodate larger or smaller diameter tree trunks to ensure plywood platforms are supported by at least 4 ft of metal while leaving adequate amounts projecting behind the trunks to allow proper attachment of back-braces—see Figure 4). 60 RA-300 STEEL SLOTTED ANGLE BACK-BRACE CUT TO LENGTH ON-SITE 0.38°x .75” BOLT AND LOCKING NUT t RA-300 STEEL SLOTTED ANGLE SUPPORT BRACKETS ” ” 0.38 x 4-6 LAGBOLT AND FLAT WASHER 0.76” HOLES PREDRILLEO AT ~80° FOR MOUNTING 0.75"«12"HARDWOOD DOWELS 0.75” MARINE OR EXTERIOR GRADE PLYWOOD PRECUT INTO HEXAGONAL SHAPE ” 0.75 HOLES PREDRILLED AT~70°FOR MOUNTING 0.76’x 16” HARDWOOD DOWELS 1.26” HOLES PREDRILLED FOR DRAINAGE 0.38’ 1.5” BOLTS AND FLAT LOCKING WASHERS, AND LOCKING NUTS 0.76'x 4’x 4 PLYWOOD BLOCKS PRE-ATTACHED TO UPPER SURFACE OF PLATFORM WITH WOOD SCREWS AND WATERPROOF GLUE Figure 4. Overhead view of artificial nest platform and nest support brackets (note that platforms may be cut in half lengthwise before painting to allow easier transportation and installation in tall trees—this option requires four bolts per side). 61 RA-300 STEEL SLOTTED ANGLE BACK-BRACE 0.38 x 0.75" BOLT ANO LOCKING NUT 0.38"x 4-6” LAGBOLTS ANO FLAT WASHERS ° RA-300 STEEL SLOTTED ———}+— St ANGLE SUPPORT BRACKET TREE TRUNK <= \NNER ROUND OF 0.78'x 12” HARDWOOD DOWELS MOUNTED AT~ 80° 0.76’x 16” HARDWOOD DOWEL ORYWALL SCREWS WATERPROOF GLUE NESTING PLATFORM OUTER ROUND OF 0.78'x 16” HARDWOOD DOWELS MOUNTED AT~70* 0.76°x 6” HAROWOOD DOWELS MOUNTED AT 90° 0.76'x 4’ x 6 MARINE OR EXTERIOR GRADE PLYWOOD PLATFORM 0.38'x 0.76” BOLT ANO LOCKING NUT 0.78 x 4’x 4” PLYWOOD BLOCKS MOUNTED AROUNO PERIMETER OF PLATFORM TO SUPPORT OUTER ROUND OF DOWELS Figure 5. Side view of attached artificial nest platform and nest support brackets. 62 ~ 4-5" OF COMPRESSED SPRUCE BOUGHS 2-3" .OF BROKEN STICKS 3-4” OF BROKEN STICKS (50.75” IN DIAMETER ) (20.76 IN DIAMETER ) ASPEN, WILLOW OR ALDER SAPLINGS ( 0.75-1.0°°™ DIAMETER ) WOVEN AMONG ~2” OF SPHAGNUM MO88 WORKED SECAGNUM MOSS WORKED INNER AND OUTER ROUNDS OF DOWELS 1-2” OF GRASS AND POPLAR TWIGS LINING NEST CUP RA-300 SLOTTED (\ \s | ANGLE STEEL SUPPORT BRACKETS iS STAINLESS STEEL mBEDOED / po SAFETY WIRE 0.76°x 16” ANO, | 0.76%x 12°4 HARDWOOD | DOWELS | ' PLYWOOD,! 5’ PLATFORM | | ' ! | | ' | | | STICKS WIRED TO BOTTOM OF PLATFORM | ! TO PROVIDE NATURAL APPEARANCE | ' < ~6.5-7° el Figure 6. Cross-section of a typical nest. Short sticks pushed completely through the inner and outer layers of the woven saplings at various angles help provide bulk and shape, and smaller branches and twigs inserted randomly between the saplings at different angles around the outside surfaces and rims of the nests help increase the natural look. 63 STAINLESS STEEL ——_- | SAFETY WIRE WRAPPING 0.78"x 4’x 8’ PLYWOOD 7 NEST PLATFORM RA-225 STEEL SLOTTED —— ANGLE PERCH BRACES 3.5” 0.0. . (3” 1.0.) O- . Reynolds Aluminum 7 ” 3 diameter 2 6061 T6 Schedule 80 headiptate \ structural pipe (Two 20’ lengths Joined by one 6 length of $”0.D./2.5” 1.0. pipe) . 0.38"x 5” w 4 eyebolt - he ae NZ aluminum turnbuckle whe % WH f nai ” 0.38” plastic coated—~__ 7 4 3 RS 2 hey AN oh cable and cable clamp 7 ) : WA | SERRE w aE oN Ab NS at ‘ “ 4 30° screw anchor —41 a) LEG JOINT (side view) b) TUNDRA PAD (top view) 0.38’x 6” bolts flat and lock 0.5” threaded — sj 0.25-0.5”aluminum ” “a washers and rod treadplate \ptte re lock nuts ' ' 1 “ : : 3.5 O.D. | pipe leg > g 3 fx 1 right anes flat 4, aluminum > ———- washer 3.5/0.0. pipe | stock heliarc it —— lock washer welded to plate . lock nut | 7’deep x 4.5’ wide leg channel plates Pp headplate (0.25 thick aluminum plate) T aN a“ Vhole__ 4 “ , flat washers J 0.26 and 0.38'thick '] |) > 7 D> thick : nylon bushing : ! channel pistes aluminum ; ; heliarc welde plate 2 we gl 1 1 to headplate > a 0.5 x 6 hinge ‘ i 3.5/0.0. We bolt, flat and ' | Dipe leg lock washer i ! = channel plate channel brace plate and lock nut L454 | c) HEADPLATE (bottom view) d) HEAOPLATE/LEG HINGE (side view) Figure 7. Mobile, reusable aluminum tripod nesting structure. 64 SPRAY PAINTED CAMOUFLAGE AND COVERED WITH BARK P GIRDLE LIMB TO £2” PREVENT REGROWTH LIMBS PRUNED TO PROVIDE PERCHES <__—_—__—_— LIMBS. PRUNED TO ty OPEN UP CANOPY NEAR NEST PATTERN | '\ (ADDITIONAL PRUNING OF LIMBS IN | | NEARBY TREES TO PROVIDE |! PERCHES) Figure 8. Side view of an artificial nest in a deciduous tree. 65 t Bye’ _-L'MBS PRUNED TO PROVIDE ~o oo PERCHES uJ ‘ye ae LIMBS PRUNED TO OPEN Maing ni -—_UP CANOPY NEAR NEST Figure 9. Side view of an artificial nest in a coniferous tree. 66 TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION CAMP SEDGE-GRASS TIDELANDS SEDGE-GRASS TIDELANDS 200° 9 = 200 490 00-800 1000 GRAPHIC SCALE JIN FEET Figure 10. Battle Creek substudy area showing approximate distances between the natural BAEA-37 nest tree, artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6, and nearby potentially disturbing Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project facilities. 67 jl 7 Kachemak +" | oo? Millers «2 Landing - he 7 Homer @ Belvo Lampert 23 Lake Homer Lake Tes Municipal oe Figure 11. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-1 through BAEA- 7 and BAEA-68 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area (BAEA-68, reported near Beluga Lake in 1984, was not surveyed during the study and was considered to be outside the boundaries of the official study area because it was located near a residental area in the flight path of float planes operating from Beluga Lake). [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. 68 gure 12. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-8 through BAEA- 18 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. Fi 69 26 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 1 mile (1.6 km)]. Figure 13. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-19 through BAEA inch 70 ACHEMAK Cl Facil onl plex BAY = s ERY AS i Dock Facility) | — ee ‘Point Road } well Figure 14. Locations of bald eagle (Haliacetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-27 through BAEA-35, and artificial nests ATN-1 and ATN-7 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. 71 Xz Ss SBA }] Martin River Road lud \ REMAK BAY. ~~ ( p-PARK —_— Lis Ie <5 [ Martin River Jo S “| Borrow Pit Sites rr © Figure 15. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeerus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-36 through BAEA-41, and artificial nests ATN-2 through ATN-6 and ATN-8 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. 3 Chugacrin We KACAEMAK BAY Island "°A8@ state park 17 » [BAEA42] e Figure 16. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeerus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-42 through BAEA-60 in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. 73 KACHEMAK Figure 17. Locations of bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories BAEA-61 through BAEA-67 in and near the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area [scale: 1 inch = 1 mile (1.6 km)]. 74 75 @ (Solid Line) Number present in study area: r2= 0.92, p < 0.01 H,: Slope = 0, p < 0.005; average annual increase = 2.4 - Percent change between 1986 and 1991 = +29% 62 Number of Natural Territories 4 H,: Slope = 0, p < 0.010; average annual increase = 2.0 Percent change between 1986 and 1991 = +32% (Data from Table 1) 544 ! c 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Years Figure 18. Trends in numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeertus leucocephalus) nesting territories and territories containing nests in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1986-1991. 75 Number of Territories 5 l ——— 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Legend Territories Lost Territories Gained Notes Data are from Appendix 4. During fall 1986 - late winter 1991, 6 nesting territories reverted to dormant historical status when nest sites were lost due to natural causes. However, during spring 1987 - spring 1991, pairs built nests at 14 new locations that did not have previous histories of use and reoccupied and built nests at 4 dormant historical territories that did not contain nests. These combined changes resulted in a net gain of 12 nesting territories with useable nest sites in the study area. Figure 19. Numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories gained and lost in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1987-1991. 76 90 @ (Solid Line) Total number, excluding remnant nests: r? = 0.82, p < 0.05 805 H,: Slope = 0, p < 0.013; average annual increase = 4 4 Percent change between 1986 and 1991 = +51% 70 68 60 5 50 40 Number of Natural Nest Sites 30 (Data from Appendix 4) 20 T TT T T T T 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years 1992 Figure 20. Trend in numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeerus leucocephalus) nest sites in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1986-1991. 77 Number of Nest Sites | | I | 1987 1988 1989 1990 Years SS Legend Nest Sites Lost Nest Sites Gained Notes Data are from Appendix 4. During fall 1986 - late winter 1991, 15 nest sites were lost due to natural causes at 14 nesting territories. | However, during spring 1987 - spring 1991, pairs built 38 new nests at 33 locations, including 5 at 4 dormant historical _ territories that did not have nests, 14 at new locations that did not have previous histories of use, and 19 at locations where nests were already present. These combined changes resulted in a net gain of 23 nest sites in the study area. Figure 21. Numbers of natural bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest sites gained and lost in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area, 1987-1991. 78 40 Legend 35) @ Total Occupied Territories 30 O Occupied by Pairs ‘'E < A Occupied by Single Adults Ei 25 3 a) a 5 20 5 O emt } w 15 o < Notes ~ Z 10 Data are from Table 1. Numbers of occupied territories reported for 1990 and 1991 do not include one nesting 5 location (BAEA-41) that was used by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) 0 both years (see Table 1, Footnote 23). 0 elie 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Figure 22. Numbers of nesting territories occupied by bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs and single adults in the upper Kachemak Bay Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986-1991. 79 if oO J Legend 354 @ =Total Pairs J O Successful Pairs 30- A Unsuccessful Pairs g 25- Notes = i a 1 Data are from Table 1. In 1986, © 294 13-19 successful pairs and 3-9 Ss 4 unsuccessful pairs were estimated & J to be present in the study area. Zz 45-] However, the mid-points of these ] ranges (ie., 16 and 6 pairs, 4 respectively) were used to plot the 10- graph. Also, minimum numbers of 1 successful and unsuccessful pairs J were used for 1989 (i.e., 22 and 54 10, respectively, vs 23 and 11) J i because maximum numbers of 1 pairs were not known. 0 — 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Figure 23. Numbers of successful and unsuccessful bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs found at nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986-1991. 80 1 Legend @ Young / Successful Pair O Young/ Pair A Young / Occupied Territory Notes Number of Young io i Data are from Table 1. In 1986, 1.1- 1.4, 1.1-1.4, and 1.6-1.8 young were estimated to have been produced per 8 occupied territory, pair, and successful 7 pair, respectively. However, the mid- 0.6 4 points of these ranges (ie., 1.3, 1.3, 0.6 and 1.7 young, respectively) were used | to plot the graph. 0 a a ae a T 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Figure 24. Productivity of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at nesting territories in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during 1986-1991. 81 Number of Occupied Territories wm 1 1986 1987 1988 Years 1989 1990 Legend @ =Total Occupied Territories O Occupied by Pairs A Occupied by Single Adults Notes Data are from Table 2. Numbers of occupied territories reported for 1990 and 1991 do not include one nesting location (BAEA-41) that was used by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) both years (see Table 2, Footnote 14). 1991 Figure 25. Numbers of nesting territories occupied by bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs and single adults in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. 82 Legend 9 @ Total Pairs 8- O Successful Pairs 7 A Unsuccessful Pairs f-4 2 _ 64 a S . 5-4 ® oO E Notes = 44 z Data are from Table 2. 34 2 14 0 T T T To 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Figure 26. Numbers of successful and unsuccessful bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) pairs found at nesting territories in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. 83 | , ‘ Legend 1.8- : @ Young / Successful Pair | O Young / Pair 1.6 & Young / Occupied Territory Notes Number of Young is 1 Data are from Table 2. eS a aa Sas Sasa Seal T T 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Years Figure 27. Productivity of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) at nesting territories in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project area during 1986-1991. 84 Plate A. Close view of the rope-pulley delivery system showing how the rope-ends and running pulley were linked together. Nest-building materials and other supplies (in this case, lunches) were rigged with short lines and carabiners, snapped onto the carabiner below the pulley, and pulled up to construction sites in trees by hand (photo by D.G. Roseneau). Plate B. Distant view of the rope-pulley delivery system developed to quickly and efficiently get building materials to construction sites high up in trees. The photograph, taken during installation of artificial nest ATN-1 on 14 June 1986, shows the plywood nest platform being raised into an 85-ft (26-m) tall Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree growing on the slopes of a small rocky islet in the tidelands west of the Bradley River. Note how the system is anchored in the foreground. Ground level snap-blocks can be tied to trees or bushes, or as shown in the photograph, attached to nylon webbing clipped between two 24-in (61-cm) long metal screw-anchors sunk into the ground (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 86 Plate C. View showing installation of artificial tree nest ATN-7 in a dead, double-trunked balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree in the Bradley River BAEA-34 nesting territory on 26 September 1987. P.J. Bente is bolting the plywood nesting platform to the RA-300 slotted angle support brackets 34 ft (10 m) above ground. Note how the vertical support bracket members were mounted opposite one another on the inner surfaces of the trunks. Also note the back-brace bolted between the trunks near Bente's feet (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 87 Plate D. An example of the artificial nests built in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) trees in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area in 1986. The photograph shows ATN-3 during installation 66 ft (20 m) above ground in a live 75- to 80-ft (23- to 24-m) tall tree on 15 June 1986. P.J. Bente is hand-drilling the last hole needed to finish bolting the plywood nesting platform to the RA-300 slotted angle support brackets, while J.D. Woolington (helmet just visible on top of the already secure platform) is beginning to drive hardwood dowels into predrilled holes along the backside of the platform (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 88 Plate E. Another view showing artificial tree nest ATN-3 during installation west of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area on 15 June 1986. J.D. Woolington (top) is starting to weave alder (Alnus spp.) saplings between the hardwood dowels, while P.J. Bente (bottom) is finishing attaching strands of stainless steel wire beneath the platform to help support the first layers of sticks that will be used to cover and conceal it. Note the bundles of saplings delivered to the construction site via the rope-pulley system (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 89 Plate F. An example of the artificial tree nests built in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) trees in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area in 1986 and 1991. The photograph shows ATN-2 in the BAEA-40 nesting territory during the final phase of construction about 57 ft (17 m) above ground in a live 70- to 75-ft (21- to 23-m) tall tree on 10 June 1986. P.J. Bente has just finished covering the bottom of the plywood nesting platform with tightly crisscrossed saplings and sticks, and J.D. Woolington (not visible) is in the nest tamping the last layer of lining material into place (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 90 Plate G. Distant view showing artificial tree nest ATN-2 in its forest-edge setting in the Martin River delta just west of the borrow pit area in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. The photograph was taken in 1988, two years after installation (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 91 Plate H. View showing tripod nesting structure TNS-1 during final assembly on tidelands in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area about 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from the BAEA-37 nesting territory in early June 1986. J.D. Woolington (left) and P.J. Bente (right) have almost finished inserting dead spruce branches into the woven saplings around the outside of the nest. Note how the design allows structures to be built flat on the ground. When the tripods are lifted up by helicopter, the 40-ft (12-m) long aluminum legs swing in and hang together underneath the nest platforms (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 92 Plate I. The tripod nesting structures were designed to be picked up and transported easily by light helicopter. A Bell 206-B II Jet Ranger is shown slinging TNS-2 from the assembly site near the Martin River Road to a location in the Battle Creek tidelands between the natural BAEA-37 and artificial ATN-5/6 nesting territories on 10 June 1986. Note the 40-ft (12- m) long, hinged legs hanging together below the nest platform. The tripods were installed by pulling the legs apart with ropes tied to the pads after they were lowered to within a few inches of the ground. Perches were attached before slinging, because they helped reduce oscillation and spinning in flight (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 93 ions | Plate J. View showing tripod nesting structure TNS-1 anchored in final position on the Battle Creek tidelands in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area between the natural BAEA-37 and artificial ATN-5/6 nesting territories. The aluminum extension ladder used to access the nest is shown in place (photo by P.J. Bente). 94 Plate K. View showing one of the welded, open-framed steel nest cones designed to temporarily prevent bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from using natural nests in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons. The cone shown in the photograph is the 36-in (91-cm) diameter, 24-in (61-cm) tall, 45 Ib (20 kg) unit used to block the large Battle Creek BAEA-37 nest site. Weights of the smaller 30-in (76-cm) diameter cones were increased to 40 Ib (18 kg) by weaving lengths of heavy chain around their bases (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 95 Plate L. View showing one of the smaller 30-in (76-cm) diameter, 24-in (61-cm) tall, 40 Ib (18 kg) nest cones during installation in the BAEA-40a nest in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area on 27 January 1987. After the cone was slung into position by helicopter, it was lowered into the nest site by hand on a loop of 0.2-in (5.5-mm) diameter kevlar rope threaded through the eye of a stainless steel swivel snap-linked to the top of the unit. After the cone was seated firmly in the center of the nest, one end of the loop was dropped, and the line was pulled back up into the hovering helicopter (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 96 Plate M. An aerial view of artificial tree nest ATN-5 in the artificial ATN-5/6 territory in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. ATN-5 was installed 103 ft (31 m) above ground in a live 120- to 125-ft (37- to 38-m) tall Sitka spruce tree about 1,350 ft (411 m) south-southeast of the natural Battle Creek BAEA-37 nest site on 11 June 1986. The photograph, taken four years later on 10 May 1990, shows the Battle Creek female incubating in the man-made nest (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 97 oko ere OS y Plate N. View showing the precariously leaning balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree used for nesting by the Bradley River BAEA-34 pair during the 1986 breeding season. The pair built the nest (nest site 'b') on top of the small dark cluster of branches visible near the top (right-hand side) of the leaning tree during early spring. The tree fell down during a snow and wind storm on 20-21 March 1987. In anticipation of this event, artificial tree nest ATN-7 was installed in a dead poplar tree about 400 ft (122 m) west of the endangered nest site in late September 1986 (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 98 Plate O. An aerial view showing artificial tree nest ATN-7 in the Bradley River BAEA-34 nesting territory just after completion on 26 September 1987. Note the grass lining in the finished nest. Breeding pairs frequently use clumps of grass to line their nests in upper Kachemak Bay (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 99 Plate P. Another aerial view of artificial tree nest ATN-7 showing an adult female incubating in it on 10 May 1990—the fourth consecutive year the man-made structure was successfully used by a pair (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 100 Plate Q. Another aerial view showing artificial tree nest ATN-7 and two of the seven eaglets that were successfully reared in it during the 1987-1990 breeding seasons. The photograph was taken 24 June 1988 (photo by D.G. Roseneau). 101 Appendix 1. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territory alpha-numaric code equivalents, upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska (BAEA and BE = bald eagle; HALE = Haliaeetus leucocephalus) . New Codes is Rey Old Codes (This Study) USFWS Codes BAEA-I BE-41 BAEA-2 BE-23 BAEA-3 BE-45 BAEA-4 BE-24 BAEA-5 BE-24a, BE-24.1 BAEA BE-24b, BE-24.2 BAEA-7 BE-25 BAEA-8 BE-25a, BE-25.1 BAEA-9 BE-25c, BE-25.3 BAEA-10 BE-25b, BE-25.2 BAEA-11 BE-43 104-HALE 28 BAEA-12 BE-26 BAEA-13 BE-27 BAEA-14 BE-39 BAEA-15 BE-28 BAEA-16 BE-29 BAEA-17 BE-29a, BE-29.1 BAEA-18 BE-47 104-HALE 4 BAEA-19 BE-30a, BE-30.1 BAEA-20 BE-30 BAEA-21 BE-31 BAEA-22 BE-18c, BE-18a, BE-18.1 BAEA-23 BE-18 104-HALE 5 BAEA-24 BE-8.1 BAEA-25 BE-8*# 104-HALE 6 BAEA-26 BE-19+ 104-HALE 7 BAEA-27 BE-19a, BE-19.1 104-HALE 8 BAEA-28 BE-20* BAEA-29 BE-217 BAEA-30 BE-21a, BE-21.1 BAEA-31 BE-7** BAEA-32 BEo*+ 104-HALE 69 BAEA-33 BE-S*+ BAEA-34 BE-4*+ (and BE-4/ATN-7) 104-HALE 10 BAEA-35 BE-a, BE-4.1 BAEA-36 BE-9* 104-HALE 11 BAEA-37 BE-1*? BAEA-38 BE-17* BAEA-39 BE-16* (Probably 104-HALE 12) BAEA~40 BE-2**+ (and BE-2/ATN-2) (Possibly 104-HALE 12) BAEA-41 BE-15* BAEA-42 BE-22 BAEA-43 BE-10* 104-HALE 13 BAEA-44 BE-14* BAEA-45 BE-Ila, BE-11.1 BAEA~46 BE-117 104-HALE 14 BAEA-47 BE-3*+ BAEA-48 BE-137 BAEA-~49 BE-127 104-HALE 15 BAEA-50 BE-12a, BE-12.1 102 Appendix 1. (Continued) New Codes (This Re Old Codes (This Study) USFWS Codes BAEA-S1 BE-32 BAEA-52 BE-32a, BE-32.1 BAEA-53 BE-32b, BE-33b, BE-32.2 BAEA-54 BE-33a & 33c, BE-32.3 BAEA-55 BE-33d, BE-32.4 BAEA-56 BE-34a, BE-34.1 BAEA-5S7 BE-33 BAEA-58 BE-34 BAEA-59 BE-35 BAEA-60 BE-36 BAEA-61 BE-37 & BE-38, BE-37 BAEA-62 BE~46 BAEA-63 BE-~40 BAEA-64 BE-48 104-HALE 16 BAEA-65 BE~49 104-HALE 17 BAEA-66 BE-44 BAEA-67 BE-42 ATN-1 ATN-1 ATN-3/4 ATN-3/ATN-4 ATN-5/6 ATN -5/ATN-6 * Previously reported by Roseneau (1985). + Previously reported by Roseneau (1986). 103 Appendix 2. Descriptions of artificial tree nests and temporary tripod nesting structures in the upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area. Data are from Roseneau e¢ al. (1987), Roseneau and Bente (1987), and D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente (unpubl. data). Artificial Tree Nests Artificial Tree Nest 1: ATN-1 was built in a 85-ft (26-m) tall, 28-in (71-cm) diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) live Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree on 14 June 1986. The tree is located on the south-facing slopes of a rocky, forested islet emerging from the tidelands between the lower Bradley River and Sheep Creek about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) west of BAEA- 34 and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southwest of BAEA-35 (a new territory established in 1991; see Appendix 3). The nesting platform was mounted 69 ft (21 m) above ground on the south-southeast side of the tree. The back brace was made from a 16-in (41-cm) long piece of RA-225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, light gray, light green, and dark green spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from partially dry alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with freshly cut spruce bough tips and partially dry alder sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss, dry leaves, twigs, and dry grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with freshly cut spruce boughs and some partially dry alder sticks. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. The nest was visited and the dowels were trimmed off flush with the rim of the nest on 23 September 1988. During a wind storm in late winter 1989, several inches of plywood were exposed along the southeast side of the nesting platform. During the next two years, strong winds funnelling out of the Bradley River valley increased damage, and by late April 1991, about two-thirds of the plywood platform was bare (strong updrafts apparently lifted the saplings up off of the dowels). The wind-damaged nest was repaired on 14 October 1991. It was rebuilt using freshly cut alder saplings, dead spruce boughs, dry grass, and leaf litter, and the saplings woven between the two rounds of dowels were firmly attached to the platform at strategic points with strong nylon cord. ATN-1 was in excellent condition when last observed on 15 October 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 2: ATN-2 was installed in a 70- to 75-ft (21- to 23-m) tall, 29-in (74-cm) DBH live balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree in the BAEA-40 nesting territory on 6 and 10 June 1986. The tree is located on the south side of the usually dry southwest channel in the Martin River delta about 900 ft (274 m) southwest of the BAEA-40 ‘a’ and ‘c' nests, 500 ft (152 m) northwest of the BAEA-40 ‘d' nest (a nest built by the pair in 1987; see Appendix 3), and 1,900 ft (579 m) south-southeast of BAEA-39. The nesting platform was mounted 57 ft (17 m) above ground on the northeast side of the tree. The normally vertical support bracket members were angled about 20 degrees to follow the natural curve of the tree trunk, and the northeast side of the platform (i.e., the front) was positioned to rest on a large limb. As a consequence, it was not necessary to join the support brackets together with a back brace. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, and light gray spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from both previously cut and freshly harvested alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with dead spruce sticks and freshly cut spruce bough tips covered by layers of dry leaves, twigs, and freshly picked grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with partially dry alder saplings, a few freshly cut spruce boughs, and a few broken, weathered sticks. ATN-2 did not require maintenance or repairs during 1986-1990, and was still in good condition when last checked on 15 October 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 3: ATN-3 was built in a 75-to 80-ft (23- to 24-m) tall, 27-in (69-cm) DBH live Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree on 15 June 1986. The tree is located on the western edge of the forested Martin River delta tidelands about 6,000 ft (1,829 m) northeast of Chugachik Island, 2,600 ft (792 m) southwest of BAEA-39, 2,900 ft (884 m) west of BAEA-40, and 2,600 ft (792 m) northwest of BAEA-41. The nesting platform was mounted 66 ft (20 m) above ground on the south-southwest side of the tree. The back brace was made from a 14-in (36-cm) long piece of RA-225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, light gray, light green, and dark green spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with dead spruce sticks, freshly cut spruce bough tips and partially dried alder sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with freshly cut spruce boughs and some partially dried alder sticks. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. However, the dowels were not trimmed off, because they were only protruding a few inches and nesting pairs ignored similar situations at artificial nests ATN-1, ATN-5, ATN-6, and ATN-7. ATN-3 was still in good condition when last observed on 15 October 1991. 104 Appendix 2. (Continued) Artificial Tree Nest 4: ATN-4 was installed in a 70- to 75-ft (21- to 23-m) tall, 30-in (76-cm) DBH live balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree on 16 June 1986. The tree is located on the western edge of the Martin River delta tidelands about 80-100 ft (24-30 m) southeast of ATN-3, 6,000 ft (1,829 m) northeast of Chugachik Island, 2,600 ft (792 m) southwest of BAEA-39, 2,800 ft (853 m) west of BAEA-40, and 2,500 ft (762 m) northwest of BAEA-41. The nesting platform was mounted 55 ft (17 m) above ground ina multiple fork on the east side of the tree. The normally vertical support bracket members were angled about 20 degrees to follow the natural curve in one of the upper trunks growing from the multiple fork in the tree. The back brace was made from a piece of RA-225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, and light gray spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with dead spruce sticks, freshly cut spruce bough tips, and partially dried alder sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with partially dried alder sticks and a few freshly cut spruce boughs. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. However, the dowels were not trimmed off, because they were only protruding a few inches and nesting pairs ignored similar situations at artificial nests ATN-1, ATN-5, ATN-6, and ATN-7. ATN-4 was still in good condition when last checked on 15 October 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 5: ATN-S was built in a 120- to 125-ft (37- to 38-m) tall, 35-in (89-cm) DBH live Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree on 11 June 1986. The tree is located on a west-facing, forested hillside about 30 ft (9 m) above the Battle Creek tidelands, 1,350 ft (411 m) south-southeast of BAEA-37, and 4,380 ft (1,335 m) west of BAEA-38. The nesting platform was mounted 103 ft (31 m) above ground on the west side of the tree. The combined height of the platform and the elevation of the tree placed the finished nest about 130-135 ft (40-41 m) above the grassy tidelands that begin just west of the base of the tree. The back brace was made from a 18- to 20-in (46- to 51-cm) long piece of RA- 225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, light gray, light green, and dark green spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with partially dried alder sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with freshly cut spruce boughs and bushy, moose-browsed willow (Salix spp.) branches. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. The dowels were trimmed off flush with the rim of the nest on 19 September 1987. ATN-5 was still in good condition when last observed on 14 October 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 6: ATN-6 was installed in a 100-ft (30-m) tall, 24-in (61-cm) DBH live Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree on 13 June 1986. The tree is located on the west-facing, forested hillside about 45-50 ft (14-15 m) above the Battle Creek tidelands, about 250 ft (76 m) south of ATN-5, 1,600 ft (488 m) south-southeast of BAEA-37, and 4,170 ft (1,271 m) west of BAEA-38. The nesting platform was mounted 81 ft (25 m) above ground on the west side of the tree at the same level as ATN-5S. The combined height of the platform and the elevation of the tree placed the finished nest about 130-135 ft (40-41 m) above the grassy tidelands that begin just west of the base of the tree. The back brace was made from a 16-in (41-cm) long piece of RA-225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were enhanced by adding additional streaks and swirls of quick drying black, brown, light gray, light green, and dark green spray paints before the platform was raised into the tree. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with partially dried alder sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with freshly cut spruce boughs and partially dried alder sticks. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. The dowels were trimmed off flush with the rim of the nest on 22 September 1988. ATN-6 was still in good condition when last checked on 14 October 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 7: ATN-7 was built in a 55- to 60-ft (17- to 18-m) tall, 24-in (61 cm) DBH dead balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree in the BAEA-34 nesting territory on 26 September 1986. The tree is located along the lower Bradley River at the western end of the stand of flood-damaged trees containing the historical BAEA-34 ‘a’ and 'b' nest sites. It is situated about 400 ft (122 m) west of the historical nest sites and 75 ft (23 m) south of the river channel. The nesting platform was mounted facing north 34 ft (10 m) above ground in a large fork in the tree. The vertical support bracket members were bolted to the inside opposing surfaces of the twin trunks about 4 ft (1 m) above the fork point. [Normally, vertical support bracket members are bolted to opposite sides of single trunks of trees; see Figure 5]. The modified attachment of the support brackets effectively connected the twin tree trunks and provided an exceptionally strong framework for the plywood platform to rest on. The back brace was fashioned from a 24-in (61-cm) long piece of RA-225 slotted angle stock. Previously applied camouflage patterns on the edges and underside of the platform were not 105 Appendix 2. (Continued) retouched. The nest was woven from previously stockpiled dry alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with dead alder and poplar sticks covered by a layer of freshly cut grass. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with spruce branches, some dry alder sticks, and a few freshly cut willow (Salix spp.) boughs. About one year after construction, dowels began protruding from the rim of the nest as the woven saplings dried out, shrunk, and settled on the nesting platform. The dowels were trimmed off flush with the rim of the nest on 23 September 1988. ATN-7 was still in good condition when last observed on 13 August 1991. Artificial Tree Nest 8: ATN-8 was installed in a 100-ft (30-m) tall, 33-in (84-cm) DBH live balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree in the BAEA-37 nesting territory on 13-14 October 1991. It is situated about 250 ft (76 m) north of the natural nest, and was built to provide an alternate site in the event the natural nest falls down. The nesting platform was salvaged from one of the decommissioned tripod nesting structures (see below). It was mounted facing west about 80 ft (24 m) above ground in a large fork in the tree. Construction was modified to conform to the size and shape of the forked tree trunk. One horizontal support bracket member was bolted between the twin trunks about 5 ft (1.5 m) above the fork point, and the vertical support members were bolted to the inside opposing surfaces of the twin trunks at the same level in a manner that allowed them to project straight back horizontally from the trunks. Angled braces were bolted to the projecting ends of the short horizontal pieces and to the inside surfaces of the trunks about 2.5 ft (0.8 m) below the horizontal member attachment points. The highly modified configuration of the brackets effectively connected the twin tree trunks and provided an exceptionally strong framework for the plywood platform to rest on. The platform was mounted lengthwise on top of the backets with one end projecting about 10 in (25 cm) past the horizontal member spanning the forked trunks. The nest was woven from freshly cut alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and lined with dead poplar and spruce sticks covered by layers of alder twigs, dry grass, and leaf litter. The edges and underside of the platform were concealed with dead spruce branches, freshly cut alder and willow (Salix spp.) sticks, and a few freshly cut spruce boughs. ATN-8 was in excellent condition when last viewed on 15 October 1991. Tripod Nesting Structures Tripod Nesting Structure 1: TNS-1 was assembled near the Martin River road on 7 and 9 June 1986. Two pieces of RA- 225 slotted angle stock were bolted to the head plate to serve as ladder guides. Perch brackets were also made from pieces of RA-225 slotted angle stock. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and dead spruce boughs, and lined with partially dried alder sticks and dead spruce sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The perch was fashioned from 4- to 5-in (10- to 13-cm) diameter poles cut from nearby dead spruce trees. On 10 June, a light helicopter picked the finished structure up and slung it into position on the shrub and grass- covered tidelands south of Battle Creek, where it was anchored into place about 850 ft (259 m) south of and in line-of- sight of BAEA-37, 750 ft (229 m) northwest of ATN-S, and 950 ft (290 m) northwest of ATN-6. TNS-1 was removed from the Battle Creek tidelands via light helicopter on 29 August 1986. It was stored at the temporary construction camp site until 15 October 1991, when it was disassembled and shipped to Homer. Tripod Nesting Structure 2: TNS-2 was assembled near the Martin River road on 7, 9, and 10 June 1986. Two pieces of RA-225 slotted angle stock were bolted to the head plate to serve as ladder guides. Perch brackets were also made from pieces of RA-225 slotted angle stock. The nest was woven from partially dried alder (Alnus spp.) saplings and dead spruce boughs, and lined with partially dried alder sticks and dead spruce sticks covered by layers of freshly picked sphagnum moss and dried grass. The perch was fashioned from 4- to S-in (10- to 13-cm) diameter poles cut from nearby dead spruce trees. On 12 June, a light helicopter picked the finished structure up and slung it into position on the shrub and grass-covered tidelands south of Battle Creek, where it was anchored into place about 1,500 ft (457 m) south of and in line-of-sight of BAEA-37, 700 ft (213 m) south of TNS-1, 650 ft (198 m) west of ATN-S, and 600 ft (183 m) west- northwest of ATN-6. TNS-2 was removed from the Battle Creek tidelands via light helicopter on 29 August 1986. It was stored at the temporary construction camp site until 15 October 1991, when it was disassembled and shipped to Homer. 106 Appendix 3. Summaries of occupancy and productivity data from 71 bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories surveyed in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska during 1976-1991. Data are from USACE (1982), USFWS (1981, as amended), ADFG (1983), Rappaport et al. (1981), APA (1985), Roseneau (1985, 1986, 1990), Roseneau er al. (1987), Roseneau and Bente (1987, 1989), R. King (unpubl. data), J. Klein (unpubl. data), and D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente (unpubl. data). Nineteen seventy-six and 1979-1982 observations were made from light fixed-wing aircraft during Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) surveys for eagle nests in Kachemak Bay and the Fox River valley. Most observations reported for 1985-1991 were made during light helicopter (Bell 206-B II and III Jet Ranger, and Bell LongRanger III) surveys for nests around the perimeter of Kachemak Bay between Homer and Glacier spits and in and near the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project study area (BLHPSA). However, incidental data collected during fixed-wing and rotor-wing commuting flights between Homer and the BLHPSA, and all relevant ground-based observations obtained in the project area are included in the annual data summaries. All nests were located in either balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) or Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) trees. Note: As a result of the T/V_Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, the USFWS flew fixed-wing surveys for birds along the Kachemak Bay shoreline in April, May, June, July, and October 1989, and in March, May, and October 1990 (R. King, USFWS, pers. comm. 10 March 1992), however, observations of birds, including eagles, were tallied by transect 'segment' and specific locations of nests were not noted on maps. Nesting Territories Located Inside Study Area (62 Natural and 3 Artificial Locations) Natural Territories BAEA-1: New territory established by pair in spring 1988 about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southwest of BAEA-2 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1988). No nests present during the 1986-1987 breeding seasons. [The nest built in 1988 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, and 26 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 4 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: (22 April) no nests or birds noticed this location; (9 May) no nests or birds noticed this location; (24 June) no nests or birds noticed this location; (2 August) small new nest built sometime during spring discovered about 20 ft (6 m) below tree top in 60-ft (18 m) tall bushy spruce tree in front yard of home opposite Homer Airport, 2 large young about 60 days old in new nest, 1 adult perched on nest rim; (22 September) new nest empty, 2 eaglets and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (10 July) 1 adult attending at least 1 chick about 35-40 days old in nest; (17 August) 2 large young about 75-80 days old standing on rim of nest ready to fledge, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) | adult incubating in nest; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (29 April) nest empty but recently relined, adult female perched above relined nest, adult male arrived carrying a fish; (17 May) nest empty and nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present, new recently built half- finished nest found about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) south of empty nest in last spruce trees growing on bluff overlooking Mud Bay; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present, new half-finished nest found to south starting to fall out of tree. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-2: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986). [The nest was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 107 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) not checked because of homes in immediate area, 1 adult perched in trees; (6 June) 1 adult flying into trees; (11 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest; (17 June) | adult brooding in nest, second adult perched nearby; (9 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present; (26 August) nest empty, 2 recently fledged eaglets and | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (13 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) nest empty but partly relined, pair of adults perched above it in nest tree; (2 May) nest empty and still only partly relined, 1 adult perched near it; (14 May) nest empty but now completely relined, 1 adult perched near it; (6 July) nest empty and nest cup weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (20 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (24 June) 2 large chicks in nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (2 August) 2 large young about 65-70 days old almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (23 April) not checked; (13 May) | adult incubating in nest, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) at least 1 chick in nest, not adults present; (17 August) 1 large eaglet perched on rim of nest almost ready to fledge, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in nest; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, grass growing in nest cup, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-3: New territory established by pair in spring 1991 about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) northeast of BAEA-2 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). No nests present during the 1986-1990 breeding seasons. [The nest built in 1991 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, and 26 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: No nests or birds present this location on 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1990: No nests or birds present this location on 10 May and 12 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1991: (29 April) adult female discovered incubating in new recently built nest only about 70-80 ft (21-24 m) above and 30-35 ft (9-11 m) from edge of driveway and corner of garage attached to bluff-side home, adult male flew in from west; (17 May) adult female incubating in new nest; (13 August) nest empty, 1 recently fledged eaglet and 1 adult perched nearby - the eaglet probably fledged about 6 August, and given the large amounts of fresh feces and down in and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] BAEA-4: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found on top of live spruce tree in early summer 1986 that was partly fallen down by the end of the 1989 nesting season and completely fallen down by spring 1990) and ‘b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1990). [The ‘a’ nest was completely gone by 12 October 1991 (only a nest scar was present in the tree), but the 'b' nest built in 1990 was still useable on that date.] 108 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding at least 1 chick in ‘a’ nest, second adult flying nearby; (11 June) adult female attending 3 chicks about 15-16 days old in ‘a’ nest, adult male arrived from northeast - possibly carrying fish; (31 July) 3 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest; (9 August) 3 recently fledged eaglets perched and flying near ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby - this was very early pair; (26 August) ‘a’ nest empty, | strong-flying eaglet and pair of adults found in area. [Successful Pair - 3 Young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest empty but possibly partly relined, pair of adults perched opposite nest tree on coast; (21 April) adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (29 April) adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (14 May) adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (16 May) adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 July) 2 chicks in ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (20 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (9 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (24 June) 2 chicks in ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (2 August) 2 large young about 55 days old in 'a' nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a' nest; (10 July) 2 chicks in ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (17 August) 1 eaglet almost ready to fledge from ‘a' nest, just-fledged sibling perched nearby, nest partly fallen out of tree, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ nest completely gone from nest tree, no other nests noticed in territory, pair of adults perched nearby; (12 August) 1 large young discovered almost ready to fledge in new ‘b' nest built by pair sometime during spring, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) old ‘a’ nest scar located, but 'b' nest not found; (17 May) old ‘a’ nest scar located, but 'b' nest not found; (13 August) ‘b' nest found with large amounts of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it, 1 recently fledged eaglet perched nearby, no adults present - no other young were found in the area, but given the large amounts of fresh down, feces and prey remains in and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] BAEA-5: New territory established by pair in spring 1987 about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) southwest of BAEA-7 and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) northeast of BAEA-4 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in dead spruce tree in spring 1987). No nests present during the 1986 breeding season. [The nest built in 1987 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds present this location, 2 adults perched about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to south; (21 April) no nests or birds present this location; (29 April) 1 adult discovered incubating in new recently built nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in new nest; (16 May) | adult incubating in new nest, second adult perched nearby; (6 July) nest empty, no birds present; (20 August) nest empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in nest, second adult perched nearby; (24 June) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in nest; (2 August) 1 adult attending 2 large young about 55 days old in nest. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) nest empty but recently relined, 1 adult perched nearby; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in nest, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) 2 large chicks in nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (17 August) 1 eaglet almost ready to fledge from nest, sibling not found but feces below limbs in nearby trees suggested it had already fledged, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young (Probably 2 Young)]| 1990: (10 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 109 Appendix 3. (Continued) grass growing in nest cup, no birds present; (12 October) nest empty and weathered but still useable, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-6: New territory established by pair in spring 1991 about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) north of BAEA-5S (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). No nest present during the 1986-1990 breeding seasons. [The nest built in 1991 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 June, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: No nests or birds present this location on 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1990: No nests or birds present this location on 10 May and 12 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1991: (29 April) 2 adults perched by new recently built empty nest found in tree; (17 May) new nest empty, nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (13 August) new nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-7: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found on top of live spruce tree in spring 1986 that was apparently present for at least 10 years - M. Fell and J. Sink, Maritime Helicopters, pers. comm. - that fell down by spring 1990) and 'b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). During the winter of 1988- 1989, the tree containing the ‘a' nest blew over at a 45° angle and the nest was unusable during the 1989 nesting season. The tree containing the ‘a’ nest fell the rest of the way to the ground during the winter of 1989-1990 and no nests were present during the 1990 breeding season. During spring 1991, a pair built a new nest (‘b’) less than 100 ft (30 m) from the fallen ‘a’ nest tree. [The 'b' nest built in 1991 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 June) adult feeding small chicks in ‘a’ nest; (11 June) 3 chicks about 10- 12 days old in ‘a' nest; (16 June) pair of adults and 3 chicks in ‘a’ nest; (31 July) 3 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (9 August) 3 recently fledged eaglets perched near ‘a’ nest, no adults present - this was very early pair; (26 August) ‘a’ nest empty, 3 strong-flying eaglets and 1 adult found nearby. [Successful Pair - 3 Young] 1987: (10 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) 'a' nestempty but partly relined, no birds present; (29 April) ‘a’ nest empty but relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (14 May) ‘a’ nest empty, nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (16 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathering, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (6 July) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched close by; (2 August) ‘a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1989: (21 April) 2 adults perched by ‘a’ nest (R. Longfellow, Maritime Helicopters, pers. comm. 23 April 1989); (23 April) ‘a' nest empty but recently relined, no birds present; (13 May) ‘a’ nest empty and starting to weather, no birds present; (10 July) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, nest tree partly uprooted and leaning at 45° angle to west - nest no longer useable because of steep slant. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 110 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: (10 May) 'a' nest tree completely fallen down and lying on ground, no evidence of recent nest building activities, no birds present; (12 August) ‘a’ nest gone, no evidence of recent nest building activities, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) ‘a’ nest tree lying on the ground, no new nests noticed in territory, no birds present; (17 May) pair of adults perched next to new recently built 'b' nest just southwest of fallen ‘a’ nest tree; (13 August) new ‘b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 October) new nest 'b' empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-8: New territory established by pair in spring 1987 about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) northeast of BAEA-7) (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1987). No nests present during the 1986 ing season. [The nest built in 1987 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds seen this location; (21 April) 1 adult discovered incubating in new recently built nest; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in new nest; (1 May) | adult incubating in new nest, second adult perched nearby; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in new nest, second adult perched nearby; (16 May) 1 adult incubating in new nest, second adult perched nearby; (6 July) both adults attending 2 chicks in new nest; (20 August) 2 just-fledged eaglets perched near new nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (22 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest empty but recently relined, no birds present; (13 May) nest empty, relined nest cup starting to weather and grass sprouting in it, pair of adults perched nearby; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, pair of adults perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) nest empty and grass growing in it, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass sprouting in nest cup, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-9: New territory established by pair in spring 1989 about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) south of BAEA-10 and 0.5 miles northeast of BAEA-8 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987- 1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). No nests present during the 1986-1988 breeding seasons. [The nest built in 1989 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 June, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: (23 April) no nests or birds noticed this location; (13 May) no nests or birds noticed this location; (10 July) no nests or birds noticed this location; (17 August) new nest built sometime during spring discovered hidden on landward 111 Appendix 3. (Continued) side of spruce tree, new nest empty but 1 adult perched nearby and large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated the pair fledged at least 1 eaglet from it shortly before 17 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1990: (10 May) nest not found, no birds in area; (12 August) nest located, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces and prey remains in and near it indicated pair fledged at least 1 eaglet from it shortly before 12 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, grass growing in nest cup, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-10: New territory established by pair in spring 1987 about 0.9 miles (1.4 km) northeast of BAEA-8 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1987 that fell down because of collapsing bluff edge sometime during 1-13 May 1987). No nests present during the 1986 and 1988-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September; however, 1 pair of adults perched in trees on bluff in immediate vicinity on 6 June. [No Nesting Territory Present - Prospecting Pair?] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds present this location; (21 April) about 15-20 sticks found recently placed in limbs of spruce tree at edge of bluff, no birds present; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in new recently built nest discovered in same tree where sticks were found on 21 April; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in new nest, second adult perched nearby; (14 May) new nest not found, | adult perched in tree at approximate location of missing nest; (6 July) uprooted nest tree found lying part way down bluff face, sticks from broken nest scattered on slope, no birds present; (20 August) nest tree and remains of nest lying part way down bluff face, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) old nest tree still lying near base of bluff, no new nests found, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, 2 adults perched in tree on bluff near location of old fallen nest tree; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Pair Present] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present; (12 October) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-11: [Also listed as "104-HALE 28" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); rechecked during 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest probably found in either live poplar or spruce tree in 1976 that fell down sometime before the 1986 nesting season, 'b' (aew nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989), and ‘c' (new nest built higher on slope by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). No nests present during the 1986-1988 breeding seasons, but a pair suddenly reoccupied the old territory during spring 1989, and built a new nest (‘b’) at the same locale marked in 1976. In spring 1991, a pair built another new nest (‘c’) just northeast of the ‘b' nest. [Nests ‘b’ and 'c' were still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Armeson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: Not reported (probably not surveyed). [Status Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nest found this location, nest probably fallen down, no birds present; (6 June) no nest found this location, nest apparently fallen down, no birds present; (11 June) no nest found this location, nest apparently gone, no 112 Appendix 3. (Continued) birds present; (26 August) no nest found this location, nest apparently gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nest found this location, nest apparently fallen down, no birds present; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (13 May) 1 adult discovered incubating in new recently built 'b' nest; (10 July) 1 chick about 30 days old in new 'b' nest, no adults present; (17 August) new 'b' nest empty, | recently fledged eaglet and | adult perched in trees on hillside just below it. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 'b' nest empty, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated at least 1 eaglet fledged from it shortly before 12 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, new recently built 'c' nest discovered about 100 ft (30 m) uphill from 'b' site, no birds present; (17 May) adult female incubating in new ‘c' nest; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from new ‘c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 October) both nests empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-12: Reported in 1983 (J. Klein, unpubl. data); date of discovery uncertain, but probably during spring 1983; rechecked in 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 historical nest reported at creek mouth; 4 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986 that fell down during winter 1987-1988), 'b' (nest found in live poplar tree in early summer 1986), 'c' (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in early summer 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that may have been the nest reported in spring 1983), and ‘d' (new nest built by pair in in live spruce tree in spring 1991). [Nests 'b' and 'd' were still useable on 12 October 1991, but 'c’ was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1983: At least 1 nest site observed this location in March (J. Klein, unpubl. data), but information not available on status (e.g., active, inactive). [Status Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, nearby alternate nest 'b' in good condition, remnant nest 'c' nest also found nearby; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (11 June) 1 adult brooding at least 1 small chick - possibly 2 - in ‘a’ nest; (17 June) 1 adult brooding in ‘a’ nest; (26 August) ‘a’ nest empty but large amounts of feces and down on limbs below and near it, 1 fledged eaglet and 1 adult perched close by - no other eaglets found in the area, but given the large amounts of feces on limbs below and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out; (25 September) all nests empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, ‘c' nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (21 April) ‘a’ and ‘b' nests empty but ‘a’ recently relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (29 April) ‘a’ nest completely fallen out of nest tree and lying on ground, pair of adults perched in ‘a’ tree above remains of fallen nest, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered; (14 May) 'b' and ‘c’ nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (6 July) ‘b' and ‘c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ nest gone, 1 adult incubating in recently rebuilt 'b' nest, second adult perched nearby, remnant 'c’ nest almost gone from tree, several sticks found in spruce tree near top of ridge above old fallen down ‘a’ site - recent nest building attempt; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (24 June) 1 adult feeding chick in 'b' nest, 1 unhatched egg also visible in ‘b' nest; (2 August) 'b' nest empty but 1 eaglet about 65-70 days old perched on limb above it, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1989: (23 April) 'b' nest empty but in good condition and possibly partly relined, ‘c’ nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest, dead gull or kittiwake lying in nest just in front of incubating bird, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) at least 1 chick about 30 days old in 'b' nest, 1 adult arrived from bay and landed in 118 Appendix 3. (Continued) nest next to chick; (17 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, adult male perched nearby, remnant 'c' nest still visible but almost gone from tree; (12 August) 'b' nest empty, 1 recently fledged eaglet and 1 adult perched nearby - no other young were found in the area, but given the large amounts of fresh down, feces and prey remains in and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, 'c' nest still visible but almost gone from tree; (17 May) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (13 August) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks, new ‘d' nest built by pair sometime after mid-May found on south side of creek down slope from old ‘a’ nest site with adult female lying down in it just as if incubating eggs or brooding small chicks; (12 October) new ‘d' nest empty, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-13: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986) and ‘'b' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1991). [The ‘a' and 'b' nests were still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 June) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (25 September) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) 'a' nest empty but possibly partly relined, 1 adult perched nearby; (29 April) nest not found; (14 May) ‘a’ nest empty but recently relined, 1 adult perched on rim; (16 May) relined ‘a’ nest empty, no birds present; (6 July) ‘a’ nest empty and nest cup weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks, pair of adults perched nearby; (20 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) adult female incubating in ‘a’ nest and adult male perched nearby; (9 May) not checked; (24 June) 2 chicks and both adults in ‘a' nest; (2 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in ‘a’ nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) 1 adult incubating in 'a' nest; (13 May) 1 adult incubating ‘a’ nest; (10 July) 1 adult attending 2 large chicks about 35-40 days old in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (17 August) ‘a’ nest empty, 1 recently fledged eaglet and both adults perched nearby, sibling not found but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near nest suggested both young successfully fledged from it. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young (Probably 2 Young)]| 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in ‘a’ nest; (12 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, adult female incubating in new recently built 'b' nest about 100 ft (30 m) down slope from old ‘a’ nest; (17 May) adult female incubating in new ‘b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 October) both nests empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-14: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); | historical nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 that fell down during the winter of 1986-1987). No nest present during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (25 September) nest empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 114 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) nest tree not found and probably fallen down, no birds present; (29 April) nest tree not found and apparently fallen down, pair of adults perched in trees at approximate location of missing nest; (14 May) nest tree not found and apparently fallen down, no birds present; (6 July) nest tree discovered snapped off and lying on ground, pair of adults perched in tree near fallen nest site; (20 August) nest tree lying on ground, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-15: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 historical nest site known (nest found in dead poplar tree in spring 1986) that fell down sometime during late spring - early summer 1987). No nests present during the remainder of the 1987 nesting season or during the 1988-1991 breeding seasons. [The territory still did not contain a nest on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in nest; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest, second adult flying nearby; (11 June) 1 adult brooding at least 1 recently hatched chick only about 2-4 days old in nest, chick seen when bird stood up slightly during survey, second adult perched nearby; (26 August) nest empty, 1 wobbly just-fledged eaglet and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1987: (10 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (14 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) nest tree found snapped off and lying on beach by creek mouth, no birds present; (20 August) nest tree lying on beach, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, old nest tree trunk still lying on beach at creek mouth, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, old nest tree trunk still lying on beach at creek mouth, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, old nest tree trunk still lying on beach at creek mouth, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, part of old nest tree trunk still lying on beach at creek mouth, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present; (12 October) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-16: Reported in 1983 (J. Klein, unpubl. data); date of discovery uncertain, but probably during spring 1983; rechecked in 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 historical nests reported at creek mouth; at least 4 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), ‘b' (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that may have been | of the 2 nests reported in spring 1983—see below), 'c' (nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1986 that fell down during the winter of 1988-1989), and ‘d' (new_nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). [The ‘d' nest was still useable on 12 October 1991, but ‘a’ and ‘b' were almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild them).] 115 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1983: At least 2 nest sites observed this location during March (J. Klein, unpubl. data), but information not available on status (e.g., active, inactive). [Status Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) old nests ‘a’, 'b’, and 'c' empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 June) all nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) all nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) all nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (25 September) all nests empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’, 'b', and 'c' nests empty and weathered, 1 adult perched nearby; (21 April) all nests empty and weathered, 1 adult perched nearby; (29 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered but 'c' partly relined, pair of adults standing together in 'c' nest; (14 May) all nests empty and weathered but 'c' recently relined, no birds present; (16 May) 'a' and 'b' nests empty and weathered, 1 adult perched on rim of recently relined 'c' nest; (6 July) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, 'c' nest also empty and nest cup weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no birds present; (20 August) all nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in 'c' nest, 'a' nest empty and essentially remnant, remnant 'b' nest almost gone from tree; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in 'c' nest, second adult perched nearby; (24 June) 'c' nest empty and nest cup weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no birds present; (2 August) 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (23 April) remnant 'a' nest empty and weathered, 'b' nest gone from tree, 'c' nest completely fallen out of nest tree, 1 adult incubating in new recently built 'd' nest; (13 May) | adult incubating in new 'd' nest; (10 July) 1 chick about 20 days old in new ‘d' nest, 1 adult perched close by; (17 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from new ‘d' nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) remnant 'a' nest still present, 'b' and 'c' nests gone, adult female incubating in 'd' nest, adult male soaring nearby; (12 August) 'd' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1991: (29 April) remnant ‘a’ nest still present, adult female incubating in ‘d' nest; (17 May) adult female incubating in ‘d' nest; (13 August) 1 large young in 'd' nest about 1 week short of fledging, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 October) 'd' nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-17: Discovered in 1987 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery). [The nest was not useable on 13 August 1991 because it was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests or birds found this location; (6 June) no nests found, no birds present; (11 June) no nests found, no birds present; (26 August) no nests found, no birds present - however, 1 old remnant nest was discovered in the territory in 1987, but its condition indicated it almost certainly was not used by eagles during the 1986 nesting season— see below. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Probably Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) old remnant nest platform consisting of a few weathered sticks and debris discovered in tree, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (29 April) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (14 May) not checked; (6 July) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (20 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present - the presence of the remnant nest indicated eagles occupied the location at least once sometime prior to the mid-1980's. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) old remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (9 May) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (24 June) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (2 August) not checked. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (13 May) remnant empty and unused nest, no birds present; (10 July) not checked; (17 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 116 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: (10 May) old remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (12 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (17 May) not checked; (13 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] BAEA-18: [Also listed as "104-HALE 4" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).| Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); marked on ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) showing distribution of bald eagle nests; rechecked during 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live poplar tree in 1976 that fell down before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1988-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests found this location, no birds present; (6 June) no nests found, no birds present; (11 June) no nests found, no birds present; (26 August) no nests found, no birds present; (25 September) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (21 April) no nests found, no birds present; (29 April) no nests found, pair of adults perched together in broken off poplar tree at location of missing historical nest site; (14 May) no nests found, upper half of poplar tree that may have contained historical nest found lying on ground, | adult perched nearby; (6 July) no nests found, no birds present; (20 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Pair Present] 1988: (22 April) no nests found this location, upper half of poplar tree that may have contained historical nest site lying on ground, no birds present; (9 May) no nests found, no birds present; (24 June) no nests found, no birds present; (2 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (13 May) no nests found, no birds present; (10 July) no nests found, no birds present; (17 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) no nests found this location, no birds present; (12 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (17 May) no nests found this location, no birds present; (13 August) no nests found this location, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-19: Date of discovery uncertain; marked on ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) showing distribution of bald eagle nests as reported by USACE (1982) [not listed as found in either 1976 or 1980 by USFWS (1981, as amended)]; rechecked during 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in either live spruce or live poplar tree in late 1970's or early 1980's that apparently fell down before spring 1986). [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) not checked; (6 June) no nests or birds found this location, nest probably fallen down; (11 June) no nests or birds found, nest apparently fallen down; (26 August) not checked. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 117 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest apparently fallen down; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest apparently fallen down; (9 May) not checked; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest apparently fallen down; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) not checked; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) no nests or birds found this location, nest apparently fallen down; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest apparently fallen down; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-20: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 near top of bluff that fell down during the winter of 1987-1988) and 'b' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1989 near bottom of bluff that was half fallen out of tree by late summer 1990 and rebuilt in spring 1991. No nests present during the 1988 breeding season. [The ‘b' nest built in 1989 and rebuilt in 1991 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in 'a' nest; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, second adult flying nearby; (11 June) 1 adult brooding at least 1 small chick in ‘a’ nest; (26 August) ‘a’ nest empty, 2 fledged eaglets and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (21 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult perched nearby; (29 April) ‘a’ nest empty but partly relined, pair of adults perched close by; (14 May) ‘a’ nest empty but partly relined, 1 adult perched nearby and 1 adult soaring overhead; (16 May) ‘a’ nest empty, no birds present; (6 July) ‘a’ nest empty and nest cup weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) ‘a’ nest empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) 'a' nest tree discovered snapped off and lying on ground below edge of bluff, pair of adults perched in poplar stand near base of bluff directly below fallen nest site; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Pair Present] 1989: (23 April) 1 adult discovered incubating in new recently built 'b' nest near bottom of bluff; (24 April) 1 adult incubating in new 'b' nest; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in new 'b' nest; (10 July) 1 adult attending 2 large chicks about 30-35 days old in new ‘b' nest; (17 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from new 'b' nest, both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (12 August) 'b' nest about half fallen out of nest tree, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in rebuilt 'b' nest and adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in 'b' nest; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'b' nest, no adults present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-21: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 historical nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in early summer 1986 that fell down during the winter of 1986-1987). No nest present during the 1987-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 118 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) 1 old empty weathered nest found, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) nest tree not found and probably fallen down, no birds present; (29 April) nest tree not found and apparently fallen down, no birds present; (14 May) nest tree not found and apparently fallen down, no birds present; (6 July) nest tree discovered snapped off and lying on ground, no birds present; (20 August) nest tree lying on ground, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, old nest tree lying on ground, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-22: New territory established by pair in spring 1989 about 1.0 miles (1.6 km) southwest of BAEA-23 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1989). No nests present during the 1986-1988 breeding seasons. [The nest built in 1989 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 26 August, and 25 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location during 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location during 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: (23 April) no nests or birds noticed this location; (13 May) no nests or birds noticed this location; (10 July) no nests or birds noticed this location; (17 August) new nest built by pair sometime during spring discovered in tree, new nest empty, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated pair fledged at least 1 eaglet from it shortly before 17 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1990: (10 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (12 August) nest empty but 1 adult perched nearby and large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains indicated the pair used it and fledged at least 1 young from it shortly before 12 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] ; 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in nest; (17 May) adult female incubating in nest; (13 August) nest empty, 1 just-fledged eaglet perched nearby, no adults present - no other young were found in the area, but given the large amounts of fresh down, feces and prey remains in and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] BAEA-23: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old weathered nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that was a remnant site by 1991), ‘b' (newer nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), and ‘c' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1991). [Nests 'b' and ‘c’ were still 119 Appendix 3. (Continued) useable on 12 October 1991, but ‘a’ was almost entirely gone by spring 1989 and only a few sticks were still present in 1991 (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered but in relatively good condition, 1 adult incubating in ‘b' nest; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in 'b' nest, second adult soaring overhead; (11 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘b’ nest; (31 July) at least 1 large chick in ‘b' nest about 2 weeks short of fledging, 1 adult perched nearby; (26 August) ‘b' nest empty, 2 recently fledged eaglets and 1 adult perched and flying nearby; (25 September) 'b' nest empty, pair of adults and at least 1 eaglet perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 1 adult lying down in recently partly relined 'b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (13 April) 1 adult lying down in ‘b' nest; (21 April) 'b' nest empty and partly relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (29 April) 'b' nest empty but now completely relined, no birds present; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (6 July) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in 'b' nest; (20 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘b' nest. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (22 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (26 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘b' nest; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (24 June) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in ‘b' nest; (2 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'b' nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree and essentially remnant, 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (24 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘b' nest; (12-13 May) | adult incubating in 'b' nest; (10 July) 2 large chicks about 30-35 days old in ‘b' nest, no adults present; (17 August) ‘b' nest empty, 2 just-fledged eaglets and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, adult female incubating in 'b' nest; (12 August) 'b' nest empty, 2 just-fledged eaglets and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (29 April) remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, 'b' nest weathered and empty, adult female incubating in new recently built ‘c' nest, adult male flying nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in new ‘c' nest; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'c' nest; (12 October) 'c' nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-24: [Also listed as "104-HALE 5" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live poplar tree in spring 1980 that apparently fell down before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The territory still did not contain any nests on 12 October 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 “inactive” nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) not checked; (6 June) nest not present, but several small stands of large balsam poplar trees containing remains of several fallen trees that might have contained the nest lying on ground, no birds present - based on the weathered nature of the old trunks and stumps, the trees fell down well before the 1986 breeding season; (11 June) nest gone, no birds present; (26 August) not checked. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) nest gone, no birds present; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) not checked; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) not checked; (9 May) not checked; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest still gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (13 May) not checked; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) not checked. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 120 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-25: [Also listed as "104-HALE 6" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1985-1991 (Roseneau 1985, 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1980 that fell down during the winter of 1985-1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The territory still did not contain any nests on 12 October 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 “inactive” nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: (5 October) 1 nest found, condition of nest cup suggested it was used during nesting season, pair of adults perched nearby. [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1986: (22 May) nest tree discovered lying on ground, tree snapped off sometime during 5 October - 22 May, remains of nest scattered nearby, no birds present; (6 June) nest gone, no birds present; (11 June) nest gone, no birds present; (26 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) nest gone, no birds present; (21 April) nest gone, pair of adults perched in territory near old nest site; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, pair of adults perched in territory near fallen nest tree; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Pair Present] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present; (12 October) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-26: [Also listed as "104-HALE 7" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); marked on ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) showing distribution of bald eagle nests as reported by USACE (1982); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 4 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 that fell down during the winter of 1987-1988), 'b' (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), ‘c’ (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1989), and ‘d’ (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in late summer 1991 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery, and that may have been the nest found in spring 1980). [Nests ‘b' and ‘c' were still useable on 12 October 1991, but ‘d’ was almost entirely gone by 13 August 1991 (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, ‘b' nest empty and weathered; (6 June) adult female incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, adult male perched nearby; (11 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest; (26 August) ‘a’ and ‘b’ nests empty, 1 recently fledged eaglet and 1 adult flushed from trees nearby - given the large amounts of down and feces in and near the nest, the possibility that a second eaglet fledged from it could not be ruled out. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 121 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult perched by ‘a’ nest; (21 April) both nests empty but ‘a’ possibly partly relined, pair of adults perched near ‘a’ nest; (14 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity in ‘a’ nest, no birds present; (20 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ nest tree found snapped off and lying on ground and ‘b' nest empty, but 2 adults perched near it; (9 May) 'b' nest empty but possibly relined, no birds present; (24 June) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest; (2 August) 'b' nest empty and nest cup weathered, grass growing in it, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (23 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, pair of adults lying down side-by-side in new recently built 'c' nest; (24 April) 1 adult lying down in new ‘c' nest; (13 May) pair switched nests, new ‘c' nest empty and relined nest cup starting to weather, 1 adult incubating in recently relined 'b' nest; (10 July) both nests empty and nest cups weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks in ‘b’, pair of adults perched nearby; (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, 1 adult perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) ‘b' nest empty and weathered, adult female incubating in ‘c’ nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘c' nest, 2 adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered but 'c' freshly relined, 1 adult perched nearby; (17 May) both nests empty and ‘c' nest cup starting to weather, pair of adults perched nearby; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in 'c' nest cup, 1 adult perched nearby, old remnant ‘d' nest discovered in tree near 'c' nest site; (12 October) both nests empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-27: [Also listed as "104-HALE 8" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live poplar tree in spring 1980 that apparently fell down before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 12 October 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests found this location, several stands of large poplar trees containing some weathered broken off stumps at and near reported coordinates, no birds present; (6 June) no nests found, no birds present; (11 June) nest apparently gone, no birds present; (26 August) nest apparently gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (21 April) nest almost certainly gone, no birds present; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-28: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), 'b' (aew nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1989), and 'c' (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in late summer 1991 that was obviously 122 Appendix 3. (Continued) built several years prior to discovery). [Nests ‘a' and 'b' were still useable on 12 October 1991, but 'c' was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 June) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (11 June) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult flying nearby; (26 August) ‘a nest empty, 2 recently fledged eaglets and pair of adults perched and flying nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) ‘a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched by it; (14 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, grass growing in it, no birds present; (20 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (9 May) | adult incubating in nest; (24 June) 1 adult feeding chick in ‘a’ nest; (2 August) | large young about 55 days old in ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby flew to ‘a’ nest and landed on rim. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1989: (23 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in new recently built 'b' nest, second adult perched nearby; (24 April) 1 adult incubating in new ‘b' nest; (13 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in new 'b’ nest; (10 July) 2 chicks about 15-20 days old in new ‘b' nest, 1 adult crouched in nest shading them; (17 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from new 'b' nest, both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) 'b' nest empty and weathered, adult female incubating in rebuilt 'a' nest and adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 1 just-fledged eaglet and 1 adult perched near ‘a’ nest, no sign of second youngster but could have been present. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, adult female incubating in ‘a’ nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating at least 1 egg in 'a' nest, egg seen when bird stood up slightly during survey; (13 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a' nest, pair of adults perched nearby, old remnant 'c' nest found just behind ‘a’ site; (12 October) both nests empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-29: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in 1986). [The nest was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) nest empty and weathered, no birds present; (21 April) nest empty but possibly partly relined, no birds present; (14 May) | adult incubating in nest; (6 July) 1 adult attending 1 chick in nest; (20 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (22 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 April) nest appeared empty, no birds present; (13 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest empty but recently relined, no birds present; (12 August) nest empty and relined nest cup weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, pair of adults perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 123 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no eagles present, but 1 common raven (Corvus corax) nest containing 3 large young found in poplar tree nearby; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no eagles present, raven nest empty and fresh feces on limbs of nearby trees indicated nestlings had fledged; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 October) nests empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-30: New territory established by pair in spring 1991 about 0.6 miles (1 km) northeast of BAEA-28 (no_nest present during 1986-1990) (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1991). [The nest built in 1991 was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, and 26 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: No nests or birds present this location on 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1990: No nests or birds present this location on 10 May and 12 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1991: (29 April) adult female discovered incubating in new recently built nest and adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in new nest; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from new nest, no adults present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-31: Located in 1985 (Roseneau 1985); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); may have been found earlier because it may be | of 2 nesting territories previously reported in the lower Fox River valley (by APA 1985—see Roseneau 1985, 1986); 1 nest site known (nest found in partially dead poplar tree in fall 1985). [The nest was still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1985: (5 October) 1 nest found, weathered condition of nest cup suggested it was not used during nesting season. [Probably Unoccupied] 1986: (22 May) nest empty but partly relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (6 June) nest empty and nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, 1 adult perched nearby; (11 June) nest empty, nest cup undisturbed and weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (14 June) nest empty, nest cup undisturbed and weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, pair of adults perched nearby; (7 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, pair of adults soaring about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) south of nest; (26 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1987: (10 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) nest empty, no birds present; (14 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) pair of adults in recently relined nest - 1 standing and 1 lying down; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in nest, second adult perched nearby; (24 June) 2 large chicks in nest and 1 adult also present shading them; (2 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) 1 adult incubating in nest and second adult perched nearby; (24 April) 1 adult visited nest and worked on it, second adult perched out on flats nearby - possibly gathering nesting material; (12-13 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (10 July) 2 chicks in nest about 30-35 days old, 1 adult crouched down beside them; (17 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, just-fledged sibling perched nearby, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 124 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: (10 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass already sprouting in nest cup, no birds present; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 October) nest empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-32: [Also listed as "104-HALE 69” in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Date of discovery uncertain, but sometime during 1979-1981 (USFWS 1981, as amended); rechecked during 1985-1991 (Roseneau 1985, 1986; D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); may be 1 of 2 nesting territories previously reported in the lower Fox River valley (by APA 1985—see Roseneau 1985, 1986); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in fall 1985 that was probably present during 1979-1981) and 'b' (old alternate nest found in nearby live poplar tree in fall 1985 that was also probably present during 1979-1981). [Nests 'a’ and 'b' were still useable on 12 October 1991.] 1979-1981: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by E. Bangs, USFWS, that was "active" at least once during the 3 year interval (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Status Uncertain] 1985: (5 October) 2 nests found, ‘a’ nest in relatively good condition but filled with freshly fallen leaves and not possible to judge if used during nesting season, old 'b' nest in relatively poor condition, no birds present. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) ‘a’ nest in relatively good condition but empty and grass already growing in nest cup, 'b' nest empty and in relatively poor condition, no birds present; (6 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (11 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (7 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (26 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (25 September) both nests empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) ‘a' and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (14 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) both nests empty and weathered, grass growing in them, no birds present; (20 August) both nests empty and weathered, grass growing in them, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) both nests empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (13 May) nests ‘a’ and 'b' empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) 1 adult flushed from ‘a’ nest and fresh scrape visible in center of nest in spite of grass growing in it; (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1990: (10 May) 'b' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (12 August) ‘a’ nest empty, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated at least 1 eaglet fledged from it shortly before 12 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 October) both nests empty, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-33: Located in 1985 (Roseneau 1985); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); may have been found earlier because it may be 1 of 2 nesting territories previously reported in the lower Fox River valley (APA 1985); 1 nest site known (nest found in dead poplar tree in fall 1985). [The nest was still useable on 14 October 1991.] 1985: (5 October) 1 nest found, condition of nest cup suggested it was used during nesting season, pair of adults perched nearby. [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1986: (22 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (6 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest, second adult flying nearby; (11 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest, second adult perched nearby; (14 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in 125 Appendix 3. (Continued) nest; (15 June) | adult brooding in nest; (7 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (26 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (25 September) nest empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1987: (10 April) 1 adult perched in nest tree; (21 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (6 July) 2 chicks in nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from nest, second young not seen but it probably fledged successfully 1-2 days earlier. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young (Probably 2 Young)] 1988: (22 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (12 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (13 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (10 July) nest empty and nest cup weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) nest empty but recently partly relined, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating 2 eggs in nest, eggs seen when bird stood up during survey; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-35: New territory established in spring 1991 about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of BAEA-34 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1991). No nests present during the 1985-1990 breeding seasons. [Note: The pair that built the new nest at this location in 1991 was probably the same pair that nested in ATN-7 in the BAEA-33 territory during 1987-1990 (see BAEA-34 below).] [The new nest built in 1991 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: No nests or birds present this location on 5 October. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, 6 and 11 June, 7 and 26 August, and 26 September. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: No nests or birds present this location on 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1990: No nests or birds present this location on 10 May and 12 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in new recently built nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating at least 1 egg in new nest, egg seen when bird stood up slightly during survey; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, pair of adults perched nearby (probably the BAEA-34 pair that used ATN-7 during 1987- 1990). [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-36: [Also listed as "104-HALE 11" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986- 1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1980 that fell down before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nest on 13 August 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 “active” nest found by R. King, USFWS, with 1 adult in it (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data and pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 126 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) nest not present, but small stand of large balsam poplar trees containing remains of several fallen trees that might have contained the nest lying on ground, no birds present - based on the weathered nature of the old trunks and stumps, the trees fell down well before the 1986 breeding season; (6 June) nest gone, no birds present; (11 June) not checked; (26 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) nest gone, no birds present; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) not checked; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) not checked; (9 May) not checked; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest still gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (13 May) not checked; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) not checked. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-38: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old remnant nest site found in live spruce tree in spring 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery) and ‘b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1987). [The 'b' nest built in 1987 was still useable on 15 October 1991, but ‘a’ was almost entirely gone by that date (only a few sticks and a nest scar were present, but birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: (5 October) area surveyed but no nests or birds found this location - however, 1 old remnant nest was discovered in the territory in 1986, but its condition indicated it almost certainly was not used during the 1985 nesting season—see below. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Probably Unoccupied] 1986: (22 May) old remnant 'a' nest site consisting of nest scar and a few dozen weathered sticks discovered hanging in tree on hillside, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 June) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (15 June) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (17 June) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (i August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (27-29 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present - the presence of the remnant nest indicated eagles occupied the location at least once sometime prior to the mid- 1980's. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) pair of adults perched near old empty and unused remnant ‘a’ nest site; (15-24 April) pair of adults perched near remnant nest several times; (21 April) remnant nest empty, no birds present; (25 April) pair of adults started building new 'b' nest about 100-150 ft (30-46 m) down slope and northwest of remnant ‘a’ nest site; (29 April) 1 adult perched near new 'b' nest; (1 May) 1 adult perched near new 'b' nest; (7 May) new 'b' nest almost finished, both members of pair worked on it steadily during late April and early May; (14 May) adult female incubating in new 'b' nest; (27 May) adult female incubating in new 'b' nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 29 May 1987); (3 July) adult female brooding in new 'b' nest; (4 July) adult female attending 1 small chick about 14 days old in new ‘b' nest - chick seen when bird stood up during survey; (5-6 July) both adults attending 1 small chick in new 'b' nest; (20 August) 1 large young about 60-62 days old in new 'b' nest, both adults perched nearby; (17-19 September) new 'b' nest empty, 1 recently fledged eaglet and both adults perched close by - eaglet probably fledged about 9-11 September. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (16-17 April) pair of adults perched and flying near ‘b' nest tree on several occasions (D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 28 April 1988); (19-20 April) pair of adults appeared to be absent from nesting territory but female may have been lying down in ‘b' nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 21 April 1988); (22 April) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (23-28 April) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, behavior of female suggested she laid 1 egg on 23 April, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (9-13 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest - usually the female but occasionally the male, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (24 June) adult female attending 2 chicks about 20 days old in 'b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (2-3 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in 'b' nest, both adults occasionally perched nearby; (late August) both eaglets fledged successfully from 'b' nest several days after nestlings fledged from the BAEA-40 'd' and ATN-6 nests (J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. 127 Appendix 3. (Continued) comm. 22 September 1988). [Note: The behavior of the adults, including high tolerance of aircraft and people and obvious familiarity with the nest and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that built the nest in 1987.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (1-7 April) pair of adults perched near 'b' nest on several occasions (D. Greer and T. Salazar, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (7-18 April) pair of adults perched near ‘b' nest on numerous occasions, 1 bird visited it several times, pair also spent most of 1 day defending nest from another pair (D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (19-20 April) 1 adult visited 'b' nest several times and began spending longer periods of time in it (D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (23 April) 'b' nest empty, 1 adult perched close by; (24 April) adult female settled down into ‘b' nest and remained overnight; (25 April) adult female incubating in ‘b' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (12-13 May) adult female incubating in 'b' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (10 July) 1 large chick about 35 days old in ‘b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (15 July) 1 large chick in 'b’ nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘b' nest and 1 adult also in nest apparently feeding it; (about 19-20 August) eaglet fledged successfully from 'b' nest (D. Greer and J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 25 August 1989). [Note: The behavior of the adults, including high tolerance of aircraft and people and obvious familiarity with the nest and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that built the nest in 1987 and occupied it in 1988.] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (early April) pair present in territory and perching near 'b' nest—J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1990; (10 May) remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, adult female incubating in 'b' nest; (12 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘b' nest, no adults present; (14-15 August) both adults present, eaglet just fledged from nest—J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 20 August 1990. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including high tolerance of aircraft and people and obvious familiarity with the nest and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that built the nest in 1987 and occupied it in 1988 and 1989.] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (22-28 April) pair of adults perched at 'b' nest and worked on it on several occasions (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (29 April) remnant 'a' nest almost gone from tree, 'b' nest empty but recently relined, 1 adult perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in ‘b' nest; (13 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from 'b' nest, pair of adults perched nearby. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including high tolerance of aircraft and people and obvious familiarity with the nest and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that built the nest in 1987 and occupied it in 1988, 1989 and 1990.] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-39: [Probably the "104-HALE 12" territory listed in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended), but exact location of 104-HALE 12 uncertain; 104-HALE 12 may possibly be BAEA-40 (see below).] Probably discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); probably resurveyed during 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); reported in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked in 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 4 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (recently built nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), ‘b' (old nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that was completely rebuilt by fall 1987), ‘c' (old nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery), and 'd' (old nest found in live poplar tree in fall 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery). [Nests ‘a’, 'b’, 'c’, and 'd' were still useable on 15 October 1991.] 1976: (Date Unknown) if BAEA-39 is equivalent to 104-HALE 12, at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) if BAEA-39 is equivalent to 104-HALE 12, at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1985: (5 October) area surveyed but no nests or birds noticed - however, at least 3 and possibly 4 nests were present, based on 1986 and 1987 observations—see below. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) 1 adult incubating in recently built ‘a’ nest; (9 June) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (15 June) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (17 June) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult arrived from bay; (1 August) 2 young about 65 days old in ‘a’ nest; (27 August) ‘a’ nest empty but 2 recently fledged eaglets perched near it, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 young] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 2 old empty and weathered nests 'b' and 'c' discovered in trees nearby, 1 adult perched near ‘a’ nest; (11 April) 1 adult visited ‘a’ nest for 2 minutes, pair of adults flew in and out of trees near ‘a’ and ‘c' nests several times; (12-13 April) pair of adults often perched in territory; (21 April) ‘a’, 'b', and ‘c' nests empty, 1 128 Appendix 3. (Continued) adult perched nearby; (29 April) ‘a’, 'b', and 'c' nests empty, pair of adults perched nearby; (1 May) ‘a’, ‘b’, and ‘c’ nests empty, pair of adults perched in nearby; (2 May) | adult brought new stick to 'a’ nest and worked on nest cup; (3-13 May) pair of adults visited territory on regular basis and perched occasionally near ‘a’ nest, second pair of adults appeared and started perching in territory; (14 May) ‘a’, 'b’, and 'c' nests empty, 1 adult female perched nearby, second adult female and 2 adult males chased each other in and out trees near nests; (16 May) 'a’, 'b’, and 'c' nests empty, 1 adult perched nearby; (4-5 July) ‘a’, 'b’, and 'c' nests unattended, 2 pairs of adults perched nearby; (6 July) ‘a’, 'b', and'c' nests empty, 2 pairs of adults perched nearby; (20 August) ‘a’, 'b', and'c' nests empty, 2 adults perched nearby (21 August) ‘a’, 'b’, and ‘c’ nests unattended, 2 adults perched nearby; (17-19 September) old 'b' nest found completely rebuilt, old previously used 'd’ nest discovered about 200 ft west of 'a' nest, 1 pair of adults perched in territory. [Note: The BAEA-39 pair appeared to lose interest in breeding during the last few days of April and first few days of May, and a second pair of adults arrived and started perching in the territory on 7 May.] [Note: Behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with specific nests and favorite perches, suggested they were the same pair that occupied the nesting location in 1986.] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] [Second Transient Pair Present] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’, 'b', and ‘d' nests empty and weathered, 'c' recently relined, pair of adults perched between ‘a’ and 'c' nests; (23 April) both adults visited 'c' and worked on nest; (24-25 April) adult female entered 'c' several times and laid down in it at least once; (26 April) adult female started incubating steadily in 'c' nest; (27-28 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘c' nest; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in 'c' nest, second adult arrived and landed in nest and exchanged places with incubating bird, at least 1 egg visible during exchange; (10-13 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘c' nest; (24 June) 'c' nest empty and nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of eggs or chicks, pair of adults perched nearby, nesting attempt probably failed sometime during last 2 weeks of May or first 2 weeks of June; (2 August) 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent use, pair of adults perched nearby. [Note: Behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity specific nests and favorite perches, suggested they were the same pair that occupied the nesting location in 1986 and 1987.] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (22 April) ‘a’, 'b’, and ‘d' nests empty and weathered, 'c’ completely rebuilt and partly relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (23 April) pair of adults finished relining 'c' nest; (24 April) adult female laid down in 'c' nest and remained overnight; (25 April) adult female incubating in 'c' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (12-13 May) adult female incubating in 'c' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (10 July) 2 unhatched eggs lying together unattended and partly buried in 'c’ nest, 1 adult - probably female - flew in from bay and perched near ‘b' nest; (25 July) both unhatched eggs still visible partly buried in 'c’ nest, no birds present (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) both unhatched eggs still visible partly buried in 'c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Note: Behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with specific nests and favorite perches, suggested they were the same pair that occupied the nesting location in 1986, 1987, and 1988.] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’, 'c', and 'd' nests empty and weathered, adult female incubating in ‘b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Note: The pair was observed in the territory on numerous occasions during April - August, and the male often perched in the same dead spruce used regularly during 1986-1989 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. September 1990).| [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (22-26 April) pair of adults seen in territory (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (29 April) ‘a’, 'b', and ‘c' nests empty and weathered, adult female incubating at least 1 egg in recently rebuilt ‘d’ nest, egg seen when bird stood up slightly during survey, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) pair switched nests, no sign of first egg in rebuilt ‘d' nest, adult female incubating 2 eggs in recently relined ‘a’ nest, eggs seen when bird stood up slightly during survey; (13 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby - no sign of unhatched egg or sibling but given that the eaglet in the nest was still about 1 week short of fledging, it appeared unlikely that a second youngster was reared to near-fledging age; (late August) 1 eaglet observed flying and perching with adults near nests (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers comm. 20 September 1991). [Note: The pair was observed in the territory on numerous occasions during April - September, and the male often perched in the same dead spruce used regularly during 1986-1989 (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers comm. 13-14 October 1991).] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-41: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (15 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 August) nest empty and 129 Appendix 3. (Continued) weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (27 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) nest empty but possibly partly relined, no birds present; (21 April) 1 adult incubating in recently relined nest; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (6 July) 2 large chicks in nest, 1 adult perched on rim; (20 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from nest, 1 recently fledged eaglet and | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (22 April) nest recently relined, 2 eggs lying neatly together unattended in nest cup, no birds present; (23-28 April) pair of adults and single birds seen soaring above nest on several occasions; (9 May) both eggs still lying neatly together unattended in nest cup in same position as before, no birds present; (10-13 May) no birds seen in territory; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no sign of eggs or recent activity, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no sign of eggs or recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (22-25 April) nest empty but nest cup recently partly relined with dry grass and leafy twigs, pair of adults perched and courted near nest on at least 3 occasions; (12 May) pair of adults perched in territory; (13 May) nest empty and relined nest cup weathered and incomplete, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) 1 adult great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) brooding at least 3 downy young in nest; (12 August) nest empty, no birds present. [Occupied By Great Homed Owls - 3+ Young]. 1991: (29 April) nest appeared empty, but grayish brown lump near center - possibly owl; (17 May) 1 adult great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) brooding at least 1 downy young in nest; (13 August) nest empty, no birds present. [Occupied By Great Horned Owls - 1+ Young] BAEA-42: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old remnant nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery) and 'b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). [The ‘b' nest built in 1991 was still useable on 13 August 1991, but ‘a’ was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests or birds found this location; (9 June) no nests or birds found this location; (15 June) 1 old remnant ‘a’ nest consisting of nest scar and a few weathered sticks discovered in tree, no birds present - presence of remnant nest indicated eagles occupied the location at least once sometime before the mid-1980's; (17 June) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) old remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (21 April) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (29 April) not checked; (14 May) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (6 July) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (20 August) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) old remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (9 May) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (24 June) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (2 August) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (13 May) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (10 July) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present; (17 August) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) old remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, no birds present; (12 August) remnant nest almost gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old remnant 'a' nest almost gone from tree, new recently built 'b' nest discovered near remnant ‘a’ nest site; (17 May) new ‘b' nest empty, nest cup starting to weather, | adult perched close by and | adult soaring above it; (13 August) new 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, pair of adults perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 130 Appendix 3. (Continued) BAEA-43: [Also listed as "104-HALE 13" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest probably found in live poplar tree in 1976 that fell down sometime after spring 1980 but before spring 1986), 'b' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1987 that fell down during the winter of 1989-1990), and ‘c' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). No nests present during the 1986 breeding season, but a pair reoccupied the historical territory in spring 1987 and built a new nest (‘b') in the same locale marked in 1976 and rechecked in 1980. In spring 1989, a pair built another new nest (‘c') about 700-800 ft (213-244 m) west of the 'b' tree on the south side of the island. The tree containing the 'b' nest fell down sometime during 17 August 1989 - 10 May 1990, but the 'c' nest was still in good condition on 13 August 1991. [The ‘c' nest built in 1989 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Ammeson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests or birds found this location but small stand of large balsam poplar trees and large weathered stump located at reported coordinates - tree containing ‘a’ nest apparently fell into sea sometime during | May - 22 May 1986, and based on the weathered nature of the stump, it probably snapped off at least 1-2 years before the 22 May 1986 survey; (9 June) no nests found, no birds present; (15 June) no nests found, no birds present; (17 June) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ nest gone, no birds present; (21 April) 1 adult discovered incubating in new _‘b' nest built during 10-21 April, second adult perched nearby; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in new ‘b' nest; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in new ‘b' nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in new ‘b' nest; (6 July) 1 adult attending 1 large chick in new ‘b' nest, second adult - probably male - arrived at nest carrying fish - probably flounder; (20 August) new 'b' nest empty, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated the eaglet fledged successfully from it shortly before 20 August. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (22 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (9 May) ‘b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, 1 adult perched nearby; (24 June) ‘b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present (2 August) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1989: (23 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) 'b' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in new recently built 'c' nest about 700-800 ft (213-244 m) west of the 'b' tree, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) 2 large chicks about 35 days old in new 'c' nest, no adults present; (17 August) 2 just-fledged eaglets perched next to 'c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) tree containing 'b' nest found snapped off and fallen down, 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) 'c' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-44: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1986). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in nest; (5 June) | adult incubating or brooding in nest; (9 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest, second adult perched nearby; (15 June) 1 adult brooding at least 1 small chick in nest; (17 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in nest. [Nesting Pair - 1+ Small Chick - Productivity Unknown] 131 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: (10 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (14 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) | adult incubating in nest; (12 August) nest empty, no birds present but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated at least | eaglet fledged from it shortly before 12 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-45: Discovered in 1989 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked in 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (old weathered nest platform found in live spruce tree in summer 1989). [The old nest platform was still useable on 13 August 1991 (it could easily be rebuilt).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (9 June) no nests noticed, no birds present; (15 June) no nests noticed, no birds present; (17 June) no nests noticed, no birds present (however, | old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1989, but its condition strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years—see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (21 April) no nests noticed, no birds present; (29 April) no nests noticed, no birds present; (14 May) no nests noticed, no birds present; (6 July) no nests noticed, no birds present; (20 August) no nests noticed, no birds present (however, | old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1989, but its condition strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years—see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (9 May) no nests noticed, no birds present; (24 June) no nests noticed, no birds present; (2 August) no nests noticed, no birds present (however, 1 old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1989, but its condition strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years—see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (13 May) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (10 July) old weathered nest platform discovered in tree, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) old nest platform empty weathered, no evidence of recent use no birds present - the condition of the nest strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years and its location was such that if eagles had been present during any of the 1986-1988 surveys, they almost certainly would have been seen. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) old nest platform empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) old nest platform empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old nest platform empty and weathered, no birds present; (17 May) old nest platform empty and weathered, no birds present; (13 August) old nest platform empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-46: [Also listed as "104-HALE 14" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (old weathered nest found in live spruce tree in summer 1988 that may have been the nest located in 1976 and rechecked in 1980). [The old nest was still present on 13 August 1991 (it could easily be rebuilt).] 132 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) no nests or birds found this location, nest thought to be gone (i.e., fallen down); (9 June) no nests found, no birds present; (15 June) no nests found, no birds present; (17 June) no nest founds, no birds present (however, 1 old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1988, but its condition strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years—see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest thought to be gone (i.e., fallen down); (21 April) no nest found, no birds present; (29 April) no nest found, no birds present; (14 May) no nest found, no birds present; (6 July) no nest found, no birds present; (20 August) no nest found, no birds present (however, 1 old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1988, but its condition strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years— see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) no nests or birds found this location, nest thought to be gone (i.e., fallen down); (9 May) 1 old weathered empty nest discovered in tree, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present - the condition of the nest strongly suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years and its location was such that if eagles had been present during any of the 1986-1987 surveys, they almost certainly would have been seen. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) old nest empty and weathered, no birds present; (17 August) old nest empty weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) old nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old nest empty and weathered, no birds present; (17 May) old nest empty and weathered, no birds present; (13 August) old nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-47: Discovered in 1985 (Roseneau 1985); rechecked during 1986-1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P-J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in partially dead poplar tree in fall 1985), 'b' (old remnant nest found in nearby live poplar tree in spring 1988 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery), and 'c' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1990). [Nests ‘a’ and 'c' were still useable on 13 August 1991, but ‘b' was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: (5 October) nest 'a' found in tree, condition of nest suggested it was used during nesting season. [Pair Possibly Present - Productivity Unknown] 1986: (22 May) female incubating in ‘a’ nest; (9 June) | adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (15 June) not checked; (17 June) | adult attending 1 chick about 14-21 days old and 1 unhatched egg in ‘a’ nest; (1 August) | large young about 40 days old in ‘a’ nest, no sign of egg or second chick, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair (Probably) - 1 Young (Probably)| 1987: (10 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, | adult flying nearby; (21 April) 'a' nest empty and but partly relined, no birds present; (29 April) pair of adults perched near recently relined ‘a’ nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 July) 1 chick in ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (22 April) ‘a' nest empty but recently relined, old remnant 'b' nest site discovered about 450-500 ft (137-152 m) north of ‘a’ nest, no birds present; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (24 June) 1 chick in ‘a’ nest and 1 adult standing on rim - possibly feeding the chick; (2 August) 1 large young in ‘a’ nest about 55 days old, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 133) Appendix 3. (Continued) 1989: (23 April) | egg in recently relined ‘a’ nest and 1 adult standing on rim, old remnant 'b' nest empty and weathered; (13 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (10 July) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (17 August) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, | adult female incubating in new_recently built 'c' nest; (12 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from new ‘c' nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, remnant 'b' nest almost gone, adult female incubating in 'c' nest; (17 May) adult female incubating 2 eggs in 'c' nest, eggs seen when bird stood up during survey; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from 'c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-48: Discovered in 1986 (Roseneau 1986); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including 'a' (relatively new nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986), 'b' (old nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery), and 'c' (aew_nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1988). [Nests ‘a’ and 'c' were still useable on 13 August 1991, but 'b' was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, nearby alternate nest site 'b' still in relatively good condition; (9 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (15 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest; (17 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, second adult soaring overhead; (1 August) 1 young about 40 days old in ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair (Probably) - 1 Young (Probably)] 1987: (10 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 'b' nest deteriorating, no birds present; (21 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered but ‘a’ possibly worked on, no birds present; (29 April) 'b' nest empty and weathered, pair of adults perched by freshly relined ‘a’ nest; (14 May) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity in ‘a', no birds present; (6 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched nearby; (20 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, new recently built ‘c' nest discovered in nearby tree, no birds present; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in new ‘c' nest; (24 June) 2 chicks in new ‘c' nest, 1 adult perched on rim, second adult arrived carrying fish; (2 August) 2 large young about 60-65 days old in new ‘c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, 'b' nest almost gone from tree, 'c' nest recently relined, no birds present; (13 May) pair switched nests, recently relined ‘c' nest empty and nest cup starting to weather, 1 adult incubating in recently relined ‘a’ nest; (10 July) 2 unattended chicks only about 10 days old in ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched about 300 ft (91 m) from them; (17 August) | large young about 45-50 days old in ‘a’ nest, sibling missing and presumed dead, | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) 'c' nest empty and weathered, remnant 'b' nest almost gone from tree, adult female incubating in ‘a’ nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (29 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, remnant 'b' nest almost gone from tree, 'c' nest freshly relined, no birds present; (17 May) adult female incubating in 'c' nest; (13 August) 1 young almost ready to fledge from ‘c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-49: [Also listed as "104-HALE 15" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1986- 1991 (Roseneau 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live spruce tree in spring 1980 that fell down sometime before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "inactive" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), birds probably not present and nest probably empty (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Probably Unoccupied] 134 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (22 May) large stand of blown down spruce trees found at location marked by R. King in 1980, no nests or birds present - based on the weathered nature of the fallen trees, they were probably blown down at least 2-3 years before the 22 May 1986 survey; (9 June) nest apparently gone, no birds present; (15 June) nest gone, no birds present; (17 June) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) nest gone, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest gone, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) nest gone, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-SO: New territory established by pair spring 1987 about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southwest of BAEA-49 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new nest built by pair on top of live spruce tree in spring 1987). No nests present during the 1986 breeding season. [The nest built in 1987 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 22 May, and 9, 15, and 17 June. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds present this location; (21 April) no nests or birds present this location; (29 April) 1 adult discovered perched by small new nest built by pair during 21-29 April; (1 May) | adult incubating in new nest; (14 May) not checked; (6 July) 2 large chicks in new nest, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) new nest empty and no birds present but large amounts of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near nest indicated at least 1 eaglet fledged from it shortly before 20 August - given the amount of feces in nearby trees and below the nest, both nestlings probably fledged successfully. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young (Probably 2 Young)]| 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (9 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (24 June) nest empty, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (23 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched nearby; (13 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 subadult perched nearby; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched nearby; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, grass growing in nest cup, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched immediately adjacent to it. [Single Adult] 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in nest; (12 August) nest empty, no evidence of eggs or chicks, grass growing in nest cup, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched by it; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Single Adult] BAEA-S1: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old remnant nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that apparently fell down during the winter of 1987-1988), 'b' (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986), and 'c' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). [Nests 'b’ and 'c' were still useable on 13 August 1991, but ‘a’ was no longer present by that date.| 135 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) old remnant ‘a’ nest weathered and almost gone from tree, nearby alternate ‘b' nest empty and weathered but in relatively good condition, no evidence of recent use, no birds present;(15 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) remnant ‘a’ nest almost gone from tree, 1 adult crouched down in recently relined 'b' nest; (29 April) relined 'b' nest empty, 1 adult perched nearby; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest, second adult soaring nearby; (14 May) | adult incubating in 'b' nest; (6 July) 'b' nest empty and nest cup weathering, no evidence of eggs or chicks, no birds present; (20 August) 'b' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: (22 April) remnant'a' nest not found and probably fallen down, 'b' nest empty but possibly partly relined, no birds present; (9 May) remnant ‘a’ nest not found and probably fallen down, 1 adult incubating in 'b' nest, second adult perched nearby; (24 June) | adult attending 2 chicks in 'b' nest; (2 August) only 1 large young about 60-65 days old in 'b' nest, sibling missing and presumed dead, | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1989: (23 April) remnant ‘a’ nest not found and probably fallen down, 'b' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in new recently built ‘c' nest about 100 ft (30 m) away; (13 May) remnant ‘a’ nest not found, 'b' nest empty and weathered, 1 adult incubating in new 'c' nest, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) 'b' and ‘c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks in 'c’ nest, no birds present; (17 August) 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) remnant ‘a’ nest not found, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) remnant ‘a’ nest not found, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) remnant ‘a' nest not found, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) remnant ‘a’ nest not found, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) remnant ‘a’ nest not found, 'b' and 'c' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-52: Discovered in 1987 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old remnant nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery) and 'b' (old remnant nest found in nearby live spruce tree in spring 1987 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery). [Nests ‘a’ and 'b' were no longer useable on 13 August 1991 because they were almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild them). | 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) no nests or birds found this location; (15 June) no nests found, no birds present; (17 June) no nests found, no birds present (however, 2 old remnant nests were discovered in the territory in 1987, but their condition indicated they almost certainly were not used during the 1986 nesting season—see below). [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Probably Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds found this location; (21 April) no nests found, no birds present; (29 April) no nests found, no birds present; (1 May) no nests found, no birds present; (14 May) 2 old remnant nests ‘a’ and ‘b' consisting of small weathered platforms discovered in trees near each other, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) both remnant nests empty and unused, no birds present; (20 August) both remnant nests empty and unused, no birds present - the presence of the remnant nests indicated eagles used the location at least twice sometime prior to the mid-1980's. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) old remnant ‘a’ and ‘b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) both remnant nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) both remnant nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) both remnant nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old remnant ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) both remnant nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) both remnant nests 136 Appendix 3. (Continued) empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) both remnant nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) old remnant ‘a’ and 'b' nests almost gone from trees, no birds present; (12 August) both remnant nests almost gone from trees, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old remnant ‘a’ and 'b' nests not found, no birds present; (17 May) unused remnant ‘a’ and 'b' nests still visible in trees, no birds present; (13 August) remnant nests not found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nests - Unoccupied] BAEA-S3: New territory established by pair in spring 1987 about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southwest of BAEA-52 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1987) and ‘b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). No nests present during the 1986 breeding season. [Nests ‘a' and 'b' were still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 9, 15, and 17 June. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds present this location; (21 April) no nests or birds present this location; (29 April) 1 adult discovered incubating in new just-built 'a' nest; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in new ‘a’ nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in new ‘a’ nest; (6 July) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in new ‘a’ nest; (20 August) new ‘a’ nest empty, 2 just- fledged eaglets and both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied]| 1989: (23 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, | adult incubating in new recently built 'b' nest near ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (13 May) | adult incubating in new ‘b' nest, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) nest not seen because of deep shadows and sun, | adult perched at approximate location nest; (17 August) nest not seen because of deep shadows and sun, | adult perched at approximate location of nest. [Nesting Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nests not found due to poor visibility; (17 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, adult female incubating in ‘b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of eggs or chicks, grass growing in 'b' nest cup, no birds present (failed). [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-54: Discovered in 1987 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 and rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (old nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1987 that had been present for several years, based on size and condition) and ‘b' (mew nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). [Nests ‘a’ and 'b' were still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) no nests or birds noticed this location; (15 June) no nests or birds noticed this location; (17 June) no nests or birds noticed this location (however, | old weathered nest platform was discovered in the territory in 1987, but its condition indicated it almost certainly was not used during the 1986 nesting season—see below). [Probably Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) no nests or birds noticed this location; (21 April) old weathered nest 'a' discovered in tree, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 May) nest not found; (14 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) weathered nest empty, no birds present - the condition of the nest suggested it had not been used by eagles for several years and its location was such that if eagles had been present during any of the 1986 surveys, they almost certainly would have been seen. [Unoccupied] 137 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1988: (22 April) old ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) 'a' nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (10 July) 'a' nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched nearby; (17 August) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, | large young discovered in new ‘b' nest built sometime during spring on backside of tree, 2 adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in them, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) 'a' and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in them, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-SS5: New territory established by pair in spring 1988 about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) south of BAEA-54 and 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of BAEA-5S7 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); area first checked in 1986 rechecked in 1987- 1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (new_nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1988) and ‘b' (new nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1989). No nests present during the 1986-1987 breeding seasons. [Nests ‘a’ and 'b' were still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 9, 15, and 17 June. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: (22 April) no nests or birds noticed this location; (9 May) no nests or birds noticed this location; (24 June) no nests or birds noticed this location; (2 August) 2 large young discovered in new ‘a’ nest built sometime during spring on back side of tree, 1 adult perched on nest rim. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 1 adult discovered incubating in new recently built 'b' nest just south of 'a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (10 July) nests not seen because of deep shadows and sun; (17 August) 1 large young almost ready to fledge from new ‘b' nest, | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in them, no birds present; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in them, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-56: Reported in 1984 (J. Klein, unpubl. data); date of discovery uncertain, but probably in fall 1984; rechecked during 1986-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data) 1 historical nest reported in trees on spit; 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live spruce tree in fall 1984 that apparently fell down before spring 1986). No nests present during the 1986-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1984: At least 1 nest site observed this location in September (J. Klein, unpubl. data), but information not available on status (e.g., active, inactive). [Status Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) no nests found this location, probably fallen down, no birds present; (15 June) nest gone, no birds present; (17 June) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 138 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: (10 April) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (21 April) nest gone, no birds present; (29 April) nest gone, no birds present; (14 May) nest gone, no birds present; (6 July) nest gone, no birds present; (20 August) nest gone, no birds present. Historical Territory - Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (9 May) nest gone, no birds present; (24 June) nest gone, no birds present; (2 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (13 May) nest gone, no birds present; (10 July) nest gone, no birds present; (17 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (12 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) no nests found this location, apparently fallen down, no birds present; (17 May) nest gone, no birds present; (13 August) nest gone, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] BAEA-S7: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986) and 'b' (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986). [Nests ‘a’ and 'b' were old and in disrepair by 29 April 1991 (‘a’ was about one-third the size of ‘b’), but both platforms were still solid and useable on 13 August 1991 (they could easily be rebuilt.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, ‘a’ platform small and partially fallen down and only about half the size of the 'b' nest, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (15 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 June) nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (14 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) old ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) old ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) old ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) old ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, ‘a’ platform only about one-third the size of ‘b’, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-58: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live spruce tree in early summer 1986). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 139 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1986: (9 June) | adult incubating or brooding in nest, second adult perched nearby; (15 June) 1 adult crouching over | chick about 10-12 days old in nest; (17 June) 1 adult brooding in nest. [Nesting Pair - 1 Small Chick - Productivity Unknown] 1987: (10 April) not checked because of strong winds; (21 April) 1 adult incubating in nest, second adult perched nearby; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in nest; (1 May) 1 adult incubating in nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in nest, second adult flying nearby; (6 July) 1 adult attending 1 chick in nest, second adult perched nearby; (20 August) nest empty, | recently fledged eaglet and | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (22 April) nest empty and and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, | adult perched nearby; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1990: (10 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. | Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-59: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found on top of dead spruce tree in early summer 1986). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) | adult seen in tree probably on nest this location; (15 June) 1 adult attending | chick estimated to be about 8-10 days old in nest - adult standing by chick possibly feeding it, second adult perched nearby; (17 June) | adult brooding in nest. [Nesting Pair Present - | Small Chick - Productivity Unknown] 1987: (10 April) not checked because of strong winds; (21 April) not checked; (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (14 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied]| 1988: (22 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (9 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (24 June) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present; (2 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) not checked; (13 May) | adult incubating in rebuilt nest, second adult perched nearby, also about 12 sticks discovered in nearby tree where pair attempted to build new alternate nest; (10 July) 2 large chicks about 30-35 days old in nest, both adults perched nearby; (17 August) nest empty, 2 just-fledged eaglets and both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in it, no birds present. [Unoccupied] BAEA-60: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in early summer 1986), 'b' (old remnant nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1988 that was obviously built several years prior to 140 Appendix 3. (Continued) discovery), and 'c' (new nest built by pair in live poplar tree in spring 1990). [Nests ‘a’ and 'c' were still useable on 13 August 1991, but 'b' was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) nest ‘a’ empty and in good condition and obviously relined earlier during spring, no evidence of eggs or chicks, 1 adult perched nearby and | soaring overhead; (15 June) ‘a’ nest empty, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, pair of adults perched close by; (17 June) ‘a’ nest empty, no evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) not checked; (29 April) 'a' nest empty but recently relined, no birds present; (1 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (14 May) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (6 July) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in ‘a’ nest; (20 August) ‘a’ nest empty, 1 adult perched nearby and large amounts of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated the pair fledged at least 1 eaglet from it shortly before 20 August. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young (Probably 2 Young)] 1988: (22 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby, old remnant 'b' nest found about 250-300 ft (76-91 m) north of ‘a’ site; (9 May) | adult standing over 1 egg in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched beside nest - birds appeared to be in process of exchanging places, old remnant nest found inland about 200-300 ft (61-91 m) north of ‘a’ nest; (24 June) 1 adult attending 2 chicks in ‘a’ nest; (2 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in ‘a’ nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 2 subadults including a 1-year old and a 2-year old perched nearby, 1 adult and 1 subadult (2-year old) perched about 1,200-1,300 ft (366-396 m) south of site; (10 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby. [Single Adult] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, adult female discovered incubating in new recently built 'c' nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from new 'c' nest, | adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (29 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, remnant 'b' nest small and almost gone from tree, adult female incubating in ‘c' nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female incubating in 'c' nest, adult male lying down in nest beside her; (13 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from 'c' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-61: Discovered in 1986 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live poplar tree in early summer 1986) and 'b' (nest found in live poplar tree in spring 1986). [Nests ‘a’ and 'b' were still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: (9 June) 1 adult incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, nearby alternate 'b' nest weathered but in good condition; (15 June) 1 adult attending 1 chick about 5-6 days old in ‘a’ nest, 1 unhatched egg also visible in nest when bird stood up slightly during survey; (17 June) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby. [Nesting Pair - Productivity Unknown] 1987: (10 April) not checked; (21 April) not checked; (29 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, 'b' nest weathered but in good condition; (1 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (14 May) | adult incubating in ‘a’ nest, second adult perched nearby; (6 July) 1 large chick in ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (20 August) 'a' nest empty, no birds present but large amounts of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near it indicated the eaglet fledged successfully from it shortly before 20 August. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (22 April) ‘a’ nest empty and weathered, 'b' nest at least partly relined, pair of adults perched above empty ‘b' site in nest tree; (9 May) | adult incubating in 'b' nest; (24 June) | adult attending 2 chicks in 'b' nest, second adult perched nearby; (2 August) | large young about 60 days old in ‘b' nest, sibling missing and presumed dead, no adults present. [Successful Pair - | Young] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) 'b' nest empty and weathered, ‘a’ nest recently relined, pair of adults perched next to empty ‘a’ site; (10 July) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, 141 Appendix 3. (Continued) grass growing in weathered ‘a’ nest cup, no birds present; (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched next to ‘a’ site. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby; (12 August) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1991: (29 April) 'a' nest empty and weathered, adult female lying down in relined 'b' nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) adult female lying down in relined ‘b' nest, bird flushed and no eggs present; (13 August) 1 large young about 40-50 days old in 'b' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] BAEA-62: New territory established by pair in spring 1991 about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) southwest of BAEA-61 and 1.4 miles (2.2 km) north-northwest of BAEA-63 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (new_nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991). No nests present during the 1986-1990 breeding seasons. [The new nest built in 1991 was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: No nests or birds present this location on 9, 15, and 17 June. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1987: No nests or birds present this location on 10 April, 21 April, 29 April, 14 May, 6 July, and 20 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1988: No nests or birds present this location on 22 April, 9 May, 24 June, and 2 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1989: No nests or birds present this location on 23 April, 13 May, 10 July, and 17 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1990: No nests or birds present this location on 10 May and 12 August. [No Nesting Territory Present] 1991: (29 April) adult female discovered incubating in new recently built nest, adult male perched nearby; (17 May) new nest empty, nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (13 August) new nest empty and weathered, grass growing in cup and several new small fresh leafy twigs also lying in it - probably alder twigs, | adult perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] Natural Nesting Territories Augmented with Artificial Nests BAEA-34 [Also listed as "104-HALE 10" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).]| Discovered in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); marked on ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) showing distribution of bald eagle nests as reported by USACE (1982); reported 1985 (APA 1985); rechecked during 1985-1991 (Roseneau 1985, 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in dead poplar tree in spring or summer 1984 that fell into the Bradley River due to bank erosion during fall 1984) and ‘b' (new nest built by pair in partly fallen over live poplar tree supported by limb of dead poplar tree in spring 1986 that fell down due to combination of cutting by beavers, bank erosion, and snow and wind storm on about 21-22 March 1987). Also, | artificial nest (ATN-7) was installed about 400 ft (122 m) west of nest site 'b' on 26 September 1986 (Roseneau and Bente 1987; Roseneau ef al. 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). The artificial nest was built 34 ft (10 m) above ground in a 55- to 60-ft (17- to 18-m) tall, 24-in (61 cm) diameter-at-breast-height completely dead balsam poplar tree. It was used successfully by the pair each year during 1987- 1990. No nests of any type present during the 1985 breeding season and only 1 artificial nest present during the 1987- 1991 nesting seasons. [Note: In 1991, a pair that may have been the same pair that used ATN-7 in the BAEA-34 territory during 1987-1990 built a new nest and established a new nesting territory about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of the BAEA-34 location (at BAEA-35; see above).] [Artificial nest ATN-7 was still useable on 14 October 1991.] 1980: (1 May) at least | "active" nest found by R. King, USFWS, with 2 adults in it (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data; R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 1984: (Spring-Summer) nest present and used by pair of adults during breeding season (APA 1985); (Fall) nest tree fell into river due to bank erosion (APA 1985). [Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 142 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1985: (5 October) nest tree found fallen down and lying in river, part of old nest still visible in branches of submerged tree, pair of adults perched nearby. [Unsuccessful Pair Probably Present] 1986: (22 May) adult female incubating in new recently built 'b' nest; (14 June) adult female attending 1 chick in 'b' nest, adult male perched and flying nearby; (17 June) adult female attending 1 chick in 'b' nest; (7 August) | large male nestling about 40-50 days old in 'b' nest, | adult perched in nest tree above nest; (12 September) eaglet fledged from new ‘b' nest (D. Erikson, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. 25 September 1986); (26 September) 'b' nest empty, | recently fledged male eaglet perched and flying near it, no adults present, artificial nest ATN-7 installed about 400 ft (122 m) west of natural 'b' nest site. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1987: (27 January) 'b' nest temporarily decommissioned by lowering open-framed steel cone into it from hovering helicopter, 1 adult perched nearby; (3 April) ‘b' nest tree discovered fallen down (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 3 April 1987), nest tree probably fell down during snow and wind storm on about 20-21 March; (7 April) 2 adults standing in artificial nest ATN-7 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 April 1987); (10 April) nesting material in ATN-7 recently rearranged, pair of adults perched near recently fallen down 'b' nest tree; (21 April) pair of adults perched in territory and also visited ATN-7; (22 April) 1 adult observed in ATN-7; (24 April) pair of adults visited ATN-7; (27 April) pair of adults visited ATN-7; (29 April) adult female incubating in ATN-7; (14 May) adult female incubating in ATN-7, adult male perched nearby; (6 July) 2 large chicks and part of salmon carcass in ATN-7, 1 adult perched nearby; (20 August) 2 large eaglets almost ready to fledge from ATN-7; (24 August) 2 large eaglets still present in ATN-7 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 28 August 1987); (25 August) one eaglet perched on limbe several feet above ATN-7 and sibling perched in nearby tree (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 28 August 1987); (20 September) both adults and both eaglets still frequenting the nesting territory (D. Erikson, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. 10 October 1987). [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1988: (19 April) 1 adult lying down in artificial nest ATN-7 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 21 April 1988); (22 April) 1 adult lying down in ATN-7, bird flushed but returned immediately to nest site, no eggs present but nesting material recently rearranged and several dozen new sticks on eastern and southern rims; (23 April) 1 adult started incubating steadily in ATN-7 - first egg probably laid about 24-25 April); (24-28 April) 1 adult incubating in ATN-7, second adult perched nearby on several occasions; (9 May) adult female incubating in ATN-7, at least 1 egg visible when bird stood up slightly during survey, adult male perched nearby; (10-13 May) 1 adult incubating in ATN-7, second adult perched nearby on several occasions; (24 June) 2 large chicks about 20-25 days old in ATN-7, | adult perched in nest tree; (15 July) only 1 large chick in ATN-7 (M. Pearsall, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. 11 October 1988); (2 August) 1 large young about 60-65 days old in ATN-7, sibling missing, no adults present; (17-18 August) surviving eaglet fledged from ATN-7 and flew to nearby tree (M. Pearsall, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. 11 October 1988); (23 August) missing sibling found dead on tree stump near ATN-7 (M. Pearsall, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. September 1988); (30 August) ATN-7 empty, no birds present (M. Pearsall, Dames & Moore, pers. comm. September 1988); (23 September) ATN-7 empty, no birds present. [Note: The response of the adult female to the presence of the survey helicopter suggested that she was not the same female that occupied the territory in 1986 and 1987.] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1989: (20 March - 20 April) pair of adults perched near artificial nest ATN-7 on numerous occasions (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 24 April 1989); (22 April) 1 adult incubating in ATN-7, second adult often perched nearby; (23-25 April) 1 adult incubating in ATN-7, second adult often perched or flying nearby; (12-13 May) 1 adult incubating in ATN-7; (10 July) 2 chicks about 35-40 days old in ATN-7, | adult standing in nest beside them; (15 July) 2 large chicks in ATN-7 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) 1 large young ready to fledge from ATN-7, just-fledged sibling and both adults perched nearby; (20 August) both adults and both eaglets perched near ATN-7 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 25 August 1989). [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (early April) pair of adults perched near artificial nest ATN-7 on at least one occasion (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 April 1990); (10 May) adult female incubating in ATN-7; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ATN-7, both adults perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (27-28 April) pair of adults and 1 subadult perched near artificial nest ATN-7 on at least one occasion (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (29 April) ATN-7 empty and weathered, no fresh scrapes or lining, no birds present; (17 May) ATN-7 empty and weathered, no fresh scrapes or lining, no birds present; (13 August) ATN-7 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Note: A pair apparently visited the BAEA-34 territory at least once during 27-28 April, but the birds were probably the same birds that built the new nest in the new nearby BAEA-35 territory about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north of artificial nest ATN-7 (see BAEA-35 above).] [Unoccupied] 143 Appendix 3. (Continued) BAEA-37: Reported in 1980 (Rapport et al. 1981); marked on ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) showing distribution of bald eagle nests as reported by USACE (1982); rechecked during 1985-1991 (Roseneau 1985, 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 natural nest site known (nest probably found in dead poplar tree in spring 1980). The nest was temporarily decommissioned by blocking it with an open-frame steel nest cone on 1 January 1987 and recommissioned by removing the cone on 14 October 1991 (Roseneau and Bente 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). Also, 1 artificial nest (ATN-8) was installed in the territory about 250 ft (76 m) north of the natural nest on 13-14 October 1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). It was built about 80 ft (24 m) above ground in a 100-ft (30-m) tall, 33-in (84-cm) diameter-at-breast-height live balsam poplar tree to provide an alternate site in the event the natural nest falls down. [The recommissioned natural nest and ATN-8 were useable as of 15 October 1991.] 1980: (June) pair present at "Battle Creek" nest but birds absent later in summer and no young produced (Rapport et al. 1981). [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1981: (June) pair used "Battle Creek" nest and fledged young from it (Rapport et al. 1981). [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1985: (Spring-Summer) pair of adults occupied "Battle Creek" territory and nest was active (APA 1985; USFWS 1985; M. Fell, Maritime Helicopters, pers. comm. 5 October 1985), however, no information available on productivity; (5 October) nest empty, condition of nest cup indicated it was used during nesting season. [Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 1986: (22 May) | adult incubating in nest; (4-17 June) adult female incubating or brooding in nest, adult male perched nearby; (1 August) | male and | female nestling about 55 days old in nest, both adults perched nearby; (2 August) both nestlings moved from natural BAEA-37 nest to temporary artificial nest on top of tripod nesting structure TNS-1 about half way between BAEA-37 nest and artificial tree nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 at 1223 hrs; (5 August) both nestlings moved from TNS-1 to artificial nest ATN-6 in artificial nesting territory ATN-5/6 about 1,600 ft (488 m) southeast of natural nest at 2300 hrs—see ATN-S/6 below. [Pair Successfully Relocated to ATN-5/6 Territory] 1987: (27 January) natural BAEA-37 nest temporarily decommissioned by lowering open-framed steel cone into it from hovering helicopter - the cone prevented the pair from using the nest during the 1987 nesting season; (12 April) pair of adults perched near coned nest at least once; (10 April) 1 adult perched in territory; (24 April) pair of adults perched near coned nest for at least 1 hr; (27 April) adult male perched near coned nest at least once, adult female perched near coned nest for several hrs and also visited it and attempted to rearrange sticks on rim and investigated cone with bill. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked bird that occupied the BAEA-37 territory in 1986 and the artificial ATN-5/6 territory in 1987 (dark blemish on bill).] [Temporarily Decommissioned - Unusable] 1988: [Nest still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1988 nesting season.] (late March) pair of adults occasionally seen perched near coned nest site (D. Bishop, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1988). [Temporarily Decommissioned - Unusable] 1989: [Nest still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1989 nesting season.| (14 April) 2 adults first noticed perched near coned nest and also near artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 in experimental ATN-5/6 nesting territory (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 24 April 1989); (15-18 April) pair of adults perched near sewage treatment facility and coned nest on several occasions (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 24 April 1989); (23 April) coned nest found slumped down toward east at about 10-15° angle and top of nest tree also leaning to east, 1 dead limb partly supporting nest broken off and hanging from bottom of nest, white paint almost entirely gone from cone; (25 April) pair of adults perched in territory at least once for about 30 minutes, adult female landed on edge of coned nest then perched about 10 ft (3 m) from it for several minutes and also visited it and attempted to rearrange sticks on its rim and investigated cone with bill. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked bird that occupied the BAEA-37 territory in 1986 and the artificial ATN-5/6 territory in 1987, 1988, and 1989 (dark blemish on bill).] | [Temporarily Decommissioned - Unusable] 1990: [Nest still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1990 nesting season.| (mid-April) pair of adults seen perched in territory near Martin River road on several occasions (D. Bishop, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 5 May 1990). [Temporarily Decommissioned - Unusable] 1991: [Nest still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1991 nesting season.] (27-28 April) pair of adults perched near coned nest a few times both days (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (13-14 October) nest recommissioned by removing nest cone with grapple hook from hovering helicopter, also artificial nest ATN-8 installed 144 Appendix 3. (Continued) about 250 ft (76 m) north of recommissioned natural nest site, pair of adults observed perching and flying in territory and at favorite perch sites near sewage treatment facility and Martin River road on several occasions. [Temporarily Decommissioned - Unusable Until Late Fall] BAEA-40: [Possibly the "104-HALE 12" territory listed in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended), but exact location of 104-HALE 12 is uncertain; 104-HALE 12 is probably BAEA-39 (see above).| Reported in 1980 (Rapport ef al. 1981), but possibly located as early as 1976 (see below); rechecked during 1985-1991 (Roseneau 1985, 1986; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 4 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in partly dead poplar tree in fall 1985 that was temporarily decommissioned by blocking it with an open-frame steel nest cone on | January 1987 and recommissioned by removing the cone on 14 October 1991), 'b' (old remnant nest consisting of only a few sticks found in live poplar tree in fall 1985 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery), 'c' (somewhat larger remnant nest found in dead poplar tree in spring 1986 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that was temporarily decommissioned by blocking it with an open-frame steel nest cone on 1 January 1987 - pair built new nest on top of the cone in April 1991), and ‘d' (aew nest built by pair in live poplar tree near old remnant 'b' nest site during spring-summer 1987). Also, 1 artificial nest (ATN-2) was installed about 900 ft (274 m) southwest of the ‘a’ and ‘c’ nests on 6 and 10 June 1986 (Roseneau and Bente 1987; Roseneau et al. 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). [Note: ATN-2 is about 500 ft (152 m) northwest of the ‘d' nest site built by the pair in 1987.] The artificial nest was built 57 ft (17 m) above ground in a 70- to 75-ft (21- to 23-m) tall, 29-in (74-cm) diameter-at- breast-height live balsam poplar tree. [Note: The ADFG (1983) Regional Guides Draft Map (Seldovia) indicates that "several" nests were present in this area in the late 1970's - early 1980's.] [Nests ‘a’, 'c’, and ‘d' and artificial nest ATN-2 were still useable on 15 October 1991, but 'b' was gone by that date (however, birds might be able to build another nest in the same tree).] 1976: (Date Unknown) if BAEA~40 is equivalent to 104-HALE 12 territory, at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADKFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (June) pair occupied territory and successfully fledged 2 young from nest near proposed borrow sites (Rapport et al. 1981). [Note: Although descriptions in Rapport et al. (1981) are unclear, the pair probably used the ‘a’ nest site.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1981: (June) some information in Rapport et al. (1981) suggests territory was unoccupied, but other data in same report indicate pair present in early June but absent later during nesting season. [Unsuccessful Pair (Probably) - Failed Nesting Attempt (Probably )] 1985: (Spring-Summer) pair of adults nested in ‘a’ nest (R. Flemming, APA, pers. comm. 1 October 1985); (5 October) ‘a’ nest empty but condition of nest cup indicated it was used during nesting season, | recently fledged eaglet and pair of adults perched nearby, remnant 'b' almost gone from tree. [Successful Pair - 1+ Young] 1986: (22 May) remnant ‘b' nest almost gone from tree, ‘c' nest weathered and only about one-third to one-quarter normal size, 1 adult incubating in ‘a’ nest; (4-9 June) adult female incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest and adult male often perched or flying nearby; (10 June) artificial nest ATN-2 installed about 900 ft (274 m) southwest of ‘a’ and ‘c' nests, adult female incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest, adult male perched nearby; (11-17 June) adult female incubating or brooding in ‘a’ nest and adult male often perched or flying nearby; (1 August) 2 large young about 48-50 days old in ‘a’ nest, both adults perched nearby; (7 August) 2 large young about 54-56 days old in ‘a’ nest, pair of adults present in territory; (29 August) 2 large young about 76-78 days old almost ready to fledge from ‘a’ nest, adult delivered fish to nestlings; (4 September) ‘a’ nest empty, both eaglets perched and flying near it - the eaglets probably fledged about 1 September (J. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 25 September 1986); (25-27 September) ‘a’ nest empty, both eaglets and both adults often perched or flying nearby; (mid-October) both adults and both young still occasionally perching near ‘a‘ nest (J. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 25 October 1986). [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (27 January) ‘a’ and 'c' nests temporarily decommissioned by lowering open-framed steel cones into them from hovering helicopter, 2 adults perched nearby - the cones prevented the pair from using the nest sites during the 1987 nesting season; (20 February) pair of adults perched above coned ‘a’ nest in nest tree (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 20 February 1987); (1-15 March) pair of adults perched in ‘a’ and 'c' nest trees on several occasions (J. E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 3 April 1987; D. Wynn, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., pers. comm. 3 April 1987; D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 April 1987); (15-31 March) pair of adults frequently perched in territory at and near coned ‘a’ nest (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 3 April 1987; D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 April 1987); (1 April) 1 adult perched just above coned ‘a’ nest (D. Wynn, Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., pers. comm. 3 April 1987); (1-9 April) pair of adults perched in and near ‘a’ and 'c’ 145 Appendix 3. (Continued) nest trees (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 April 1987); (10-13 April) pair of adults perched and vocalizing in ‘a’ and ‘c' nest trees, remnant 'b' nest almost gone from tree; (11 April) adult male flew to ATN-2 and perched just above it; (21-28 April) pair of adults perched and copulated in territory at and near 'a' nest tree; (22 April) pair of adults perched in trees between ATN-2 and 'b' nest tree; (23 April) adult female visited ATN-2 and laid down in it; (26 April) pair of adults started building new ‘d' nest near remnant 'b' nest site; (5 May) pair of adults courted and broke sticks from trees between ATN-2 and new 'd' nest; (6-7 May) pair of adults present in territory; (15 May) pair of adults visited ATN-2 and added a few sticks to it; (16 May) adult male attempted to deliver nesting material to coned 'a' nest; (27 May) 1 adult perched on rim of coned ‘a’ nest, and several sticks observed hanging on cone in 'c' nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 29 May 1987); (late May - early July) pair of adults completed construction of new 'd' nest site—most activities apparently occurred during late May (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 June 1987); (4-6 July) pair of adults still present in territory, all nests empty - including ATN-2 and nest site ‘d', about one dozen sticks still present on cone in 'c' nest from earlier attempt to rebuild this nest sometime during late May; (20- 21 August) pair of adults perched in ‘a’ and 'c' nest trees; (17-19 September) pair of adults perched in ‘a’ and 'c’ nest trees. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with the nests and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986.] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1988: [Nests ‘a’ and ‘c' still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1988 nesting season and remnant ‘b' nest almost gone from tree.] (March) pair of adults perched near coned 'a' and 'c' nests and in ‘a' and 'c' nest trees on numerous occasions (D. Bishop, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1988); (20 April) 1 adult perched on rim of ‘d' nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 21 April 1988); (22 April) 1 adult lying down in 'd' nest, lining of alternate artificial nest site ATN-2 recently rearranged and 1 new stick in it; (23 April) adult female lying down in ‘d' nest, behavior of bird suggested she had recently laid 1 egg, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (24 April) adult female incubating in ‘d' nest, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (25 April) adult female incubating in 'd' nest, behavior of bird suggested she laid second egg during late morning, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (26-28 April) 1 adult incubating in ‘d' nest - usually the female but occasionally the male, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (9 May) adult female incubating 2 eggs in ‘d' nest, eggs seen when bird stood up slightly during survey; (24 June) | adult attending 2 chicks about 20 days old in ‘d' nest; (2-3 August) 1 male and 1 female nestling about 60 days old in 'd' nest, adult male and female often perched or flying nearby; (mid-August) both eaglets successfully fledged from 'd' nest (J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 September 1988); (23 September) ‘d' nest empty, pair of adults perched in and near ‘a’ tree. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with the nests and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986 and 1987.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: [Nests ‘a’ and ‘c’ still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1989 nesting season and remnant 'b' nest almost gone from tree.] (1 April) pair of adults first noticed perched in territory near coned ‘a’ and 'c' nests (D. Greer and J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (2-14 April) pair of adults perched above coned nest in 'a’ tree on numerous occasions (D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (15 April) pair of adults started investigating artificial nest ATN-2 and bringing new nesting material to 'd' nest (D. Greer and J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (18-20 April) pair of adults perched in ‘a’ nest tree at least once and by ‘d' nest at least once (J. Daly and D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (19 April) pair of adults perched in nest tree above ATN-2 or tree right next to it for several hours (J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1989); (23 April) both adults visited 'd' nest and finished relining it, adult female laid down in it at least once; (24 April) adult female incubating in ‘d' nest; (12-13 May) adult female incubating in 'd’ nest, adult male often perched in ‘a’ tree above coned nest and at other favorite perch sites in territory; (10 July) 2 young about 35 days old in 'd' nest, no adults present; (25 July) 2 large young in ‘d' nest (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘d' nest, both adults perched in ‘a’ nest tree above coned nest. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with the nests and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986,1987, and 1988.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: [Nests ‘a’ and ‘c’ still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1990 nesting season and remnant 'b' nest gone from tree.] (early April) pair of adults started to perch regularly in territory in and near 'a' nest tree and near coned 'c' nest and continued to do so until late April (D. Bishop and D. Greer, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 5 May 1990); (late April) pair of adults perched near 'd' nest and coned ‘a’ site and visited and worked on ‘d' nest; (10 May) adult female incubating in ‘d' nest, nearby alternate artificial nest ATN-2 empty and no evidence of recent activity; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘d' nest, 1 adult perched nearby. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with the nests and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986,1987, 1988, and 1989.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: [Nests ‘a’ and ‘c' still temporarily blocked by nest cone during 1991 nesting season and remnant ‘b' nest gone from tree.] (22-28 April) pair of adults perched near coned ‘a’ and 'c' nests on numerous occasions (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (29 April) adult female found incubating in new recently built nest on top of 'c' 146 Appendix 3. (Continued) nest cone, adult male perched nearby, alternate artificial nest ATN-2 empty and no evidence of recent activity; (17 May) adult female incubating in new 'c' nest, nearby alternate artificial nest ATN-2 empty and no evidence of recent activity; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from ‘c' nest, both adults perched nearby; (14 October) old ‘a’ nest site recommissioned by removing nest cone with grapple hook from hovering helicopter, nest cone left in old ‘c' nest under new nest built by pair in spring because any attempt to remove it would have seriously damaged or destroyed new '‘c' nest site, 1 adult perched in 'c' nest tree during removal of cone from ‘a’ nest site. [Note: The behavior of the adults, including obvious familiarity with the nests and specific perches, suggested they were the same birds that occupied the nesting location in 1986,1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990.] [Successful Pair - 2 Young] Artificial Territories ATN-1: Constructed on 14 June 1986 (Roseneau er al. 1987); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and PJ. Bente, unpubl. data); | artificial nest site (ATN-1) installed in tree; ATN-1 built 69 ft (21 m) above ground in a 85-ft (26-m) tall, 28-in (7 1-cm) diameter-at-breast-height live Sitka spruce (Roseneau and Bente 1987; Roseneau et al. 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). [Note: Artificial nest ATN-1 is located about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) west of the BAEA-34 nesting territory containing artificial nest ATN-7 and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southwest of the new BAEA-35 nesting territory.] 1986: (14 June) artificial nest ATN-1 installed in tree (too late to be used during the 1986 nesting season); (25 September) ATN-1 empty and starting to weather, 1 adult perched about 30 ft (9 m) from nest. 1987: (10 April) artificial nest ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (21 April) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (29 April) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (1 May) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched just above ATN-I in nest tree; (14 May) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1988: (22 April) artificial nest ATN-1 empty but lining in nest recently rearranged, 1 adult perched about 300 ft (91 m) west of nest site, second adult standing on mud flats about 1,000 ft (305 m) south of nest site; (23 April) pair of adults visited ATN-1 and worked on rearranging lining, 1 adult also brought at least 1 new small stick to it; (24 April) adult female started incubating in ATN-1; (25-26 April) series of relatively severe localized mixed snow and rain squalls accompanied by 20-35 mph winds struck ATN-1 almost continuously for 2 days but adult female appeared to remain incubating steadfastly in nest throughout stormy period; (27 April) storms abated and skies started clearing about 0830 hrs, adult female stopped incubating in ATN-1 and hopped to nest rim about 10 minutes later and then left it altogether at about 1115 hrs, both adults returned to territory and visited nest several times during remainder of day; (28 April) ATN-1 empty, pair absent from territory; (9 May) remains of 1 broken egg visible in ATN-1, no adults present; (10 May) 1 adult visited ATN-1 and laid down in it for about 20 minutes; (11 May) both adults visited ATN-1 several times and 1 bird rearranged nesting material in it several times; (12 May) | adult perched on rim of ATN-1; (24 June) remains of 1 broken egg still visible in ATN-1, no adults present; (2 August) remains of | broken egg still visible in ATN-1, no adults present; (3 August) no adults found in ATN-1 territory; (23 September) ATN-1 nest tree climbed and remains of broken egg collected from artificial nest, pair of adults flew in from bay and female circled and defended nest by calling loudly several times. [Note: Given the birds' behavior during 23-28 April, the single egg was probably laid in the man- made nest about 24-25 April and broken sometime during the stormy weather on 25-26 April.] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1989: (23 April) artificial nest ATN-1 not checked because of strong winds; (24-25 April) ATN-1 empty and damaged by winter winds, several inches of plywood exposed along southeast side of platform, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) ATN-1 empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (10 July) ATN-1 empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) ATN-1 empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) artificial nest ATN-1 empty and further damaged by strong winter winds, most sticks from southern rim blown onto back half of plywood platform and about half of platform bare, no evidence of recent use, but 1 bird perched nearby; (12 August) ATN-1 empty but some sticks on back half of platform obviously rearranged and several fresh contour feathers present, 1 adult perched just above nest in nest tree. [Single Adult] 1991: (29 April) artificial nest ATN-1 empty and further damaged by strong winter winds, about two-thirds of plywood platform bare but remaining nesting material freshly rearranged into nest cup at back of platform next to tree trunk, pair of adults perched just above it in nest tree; (17 May) ATN-1 empty and nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of eggs or recent activity, pair of adults perched about 250 ft (76 m) west of it; (13 August) ATN-1 empty and weathered, no 147 Appendix 3. (Continued) evidence of eggs or chicks or recent activity, no birds present; (14 October) ATN-1 nest tree climbed and artificial nest repaired, no evidence of eggs or chicks in weathered nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] ATN-3/4: Constructed on 15 and 16 June 1986, respectively (Roseneau et al. 1987); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 artificial nests (ATN-3 and ATN-4) installed about 80-100 ft (24-30 m) apart in trees; ATN-3 built 66 ft (20 m) above ground in a 75- to 80-ft (23- to 24-m) tall, 27-in (69-cm) diameter-at-breast- height live Sitka spruce, and ATN-4 built 55 ft (17 m) above ground in a 70- to 75-ft (21- to 23-m) tall, 30-in (76-cm) diameter-at-breast-height live balsam poplar (Roseneau and Bente 1987; Roseneau et al. 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). [Note: Artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 are located about 2,600 ft (792 m) and 2,600 ft (792 m) southwest of the BAEA-39 nesting territory, 2,900 ft (884 m) and 2,800 ft (853 m) west of the BAEA-40 nesting location, and 2,600 (792 m) and 2,500 ft (762 m) northwest of the BAEA-41 nesting territory, respectively.] 1986: (15-16 June) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 installed in trees (too late to be used during the 1986 nesting season). 1987: (29 April) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby—the bird was probably a member of the nearby BAEA-41 pair; (14 May) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (6 July) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (20 August) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1988: (22 April) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (28 April) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no evidence of recent use, 1 adult perched nearby - the bird was probably a member of the nearby failed BAEA-41 pair—see above; (9 May) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present during aerial survey but 1 adult perched about 300 ft (91 m) from nests during late evening - the bird was probably a member of the nearby failed BAEA-41 pair; (24 June) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (2 August) both artificial nests empty, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1989: (23 April) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 May) both artificial nests empty but fresh scrape in center of ATN-3, no birds present; (10 July) ATN-4 empty and weathered, scrape in center of ATN-3 starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (25 July) both artificial nests empty, no birds present (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present. [Note: The BAEA-41 pair probably investigated ATN-3 after they failed at the BAEA-41 territory (see above).] [Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) artificial nests ATN-3 and ATN-4 empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 May) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (13 August) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 and 15 October) both artificial nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] ATN-S/6: Constructed on 11 and 13 June 1986, respectively (Roseneau et al. 1987); rechecked during 1987-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 2 artificial nest sites (ATN-5 and ATN-6) installed about 250 ft (76 m) apart in trees; ATN-5 built 103 ft (31 m) above ground in a 120- to 125-ft (37- to 38-m) tall, 35-in (89-cm) diameter-at-breast- height live Sitka spruce, and ATN-6 built 81 ft (25 m) above ground in a 100-ft (30-m) tall, 24-in (61-cm) diameter-at- breast-height live Sitka spruce (Roseneau and Bente 1987; Roseneau ef al. 1987; D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data). [Note: Artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 are located about 1,350 ft (411 m) and 1,600 ft (488 m) south-southeast of the BAEA-37 territory, and 4,380 ft (1,335 m) and 4,170 ft (1,271 m) west of the BAEA-38 nesting location, respectively.] 1986: (5 August) Both BAEA-37 nestlings removed from temporary tripod nesting structure TNS-1 and placed in artificial nest ATN-6 at 2300 hrs—see BAEA-37 above; (6 August) BAEA-37 adults accepted relocated nestlings in ATN- 6 at 1508 hrs; (7-9 August) both adults attended nestlings in ATN-6; (27 August) male eaglet almost ready to fledge from ATN-4, recently fledged female eaglet and both adults perched nearby - the female eaglet probably fledged about 23-24 August; (28 August) male eaglet still in ATN-6, adult female brought whole salmon to nest and then almost immediately left with it, adult female's departure with fish excited and enticed male eaglet to fledge from nest at about 148 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1250 hrs, recently fledged sibling and adult male perched nearby; (29 August) both fledged eaglets and both adults perched and flying just south of ATN-6. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1987: (24 March) 1 adult perched near artificial nests ATN-S and ATN-6 (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 3 April 1987); (25 March) 2 adults perched near artificial nest ATN-6 (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 3 April 1987; D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 10 April 1987); (12 April) 2 adults perched and flying near nests; (13-21 April) both nests empty, no birds present in area; (22 April) pair of adults visited ATN-5 and perched just above nest and on rim for about 1 hr, 1 adult also perched near ATN-6 for a few minutes; (23 April) both nests empty, no birds present; (25 April) 1 adult perched near ATN-5 for several minutes; (28 April) pair of adults rearranged nesting material in ATN-S; (29 April) both artificial nests empty but ATN-S partly relined, no birds present; (30 April) 1 adult perched near ATN-6 and | adult also visited ATN-S; (1 May) pair of adults perched near artificial nests, 1 adult also visited ATN-5S; (2 May) pair of adults worked on ATN-6 for about 2 hrs; (4-6 May) pair of adults visited ATN-S several times; (14 May) pair of adults visited ATN-5, 1 adult worked steadily on nest rearranging lining and 1 adult laid down in it for a short time; (15 May) pair of adults visited ATN-5 and worked steadily on nest most of day, adult female settled down into nest during early evening hours and in it remained overnight; (16 May) adult female incubating in ATN-5; (27 May) adult female incubating in ATN-5 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 29 May 1987); (3-6 July) pair of adults attending 1 chick about 9-10 days old in ATN-5S; (20-21 August) pair of adults attending | male nestling about 55-56 days old in ATN-5; (17-19 September) recently fledged male eaglet and both adults perched and flying near ATN-5 and ATN-6 and coned BAEA-37 nest - the eaglet probably fledged about 13-15 September; (19 September) remains of 1 broken egg found in ATN-5 - broken egg indicated pair laid 2 eggs, but only hatched 1. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked BAEA-37 bird that was successfully relocated to the ATN-5/6 territory in in early August 1986 (dark blemish on bill).] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1988: (early April) pair of adults soared above artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 at least once for several minutes (D. Bishop, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 April 1988; D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 21 April 1988); (20 April) 1 adult lying down in ATN-6 (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 21 April 1988); (22 April) ATN-6 recently relined and 1 egg in it, adult female perched just above nest, female dropped down to nest and started incubating egg a few seconds later; (23-28 April) adult female incubating in ATN-6, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (9) adult female incubating in ATN-6; (10-13 May) BAEA-37 female incubating steadily in ATN-6, adult male often perched or flying nearby; (24 June) 2 large chicks about 25 days old in ATN-6, 1 adult perched nearby; (2-3 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in ATN-6, both adults occasionally perched or flying nearby; (mid-August) both eaglets fledged successfully from ATN-6 (J. Daly, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 22 September 1988). [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked BAEA-37 bird that was successfully relocated to the ATN-S/6 territory in in early August 1986 and occupied it in 1987 (dark blemish on bill).] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1989: (14 April) 2 adults first noticed perched near artificial nests ATN-5 and ATN-6 (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 24 April 1989); (15-18 April) 2 adults perched near artificial nests on numerous occasions - particularly ATN-5 (J.E. Smith, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 24 April 1989); (22 April) both artificial nests empty but ATN-5 recently relined; (23 April) both artificial nests empty, large amounts of fresh feces covering limbs under all favorite perching places at and near ATN-5, 1 adult perched on ridge above ATN-S5; (24 April) 1 adult perched near empty artificial nests for about 0.8 hrs, 1 adult perched next to ATN-6 for several minutes, both adults visited ATN-6 for at least 1.2 hrs and stood in nest and perched on the rim; (25 April) both artificial nests empty, pair of adults perched in trees on ridge just above them; (12 May) pair of adults perched close to ATN-6 for about 3 hrs during early evening, 1 adult - probably female - perched only a few feet away from ATN-S for at least 1 hr during late evening; (13 May) ATN-6 empty and weathered, ATN-S also empty and relined nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity in either nest, no birds present; (10 July) ATN-5 empty and weathered, ATN-6 also empty but relatively fresh scrape in center of nest, grass growing in both nest cups, no birds present; (25 July) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in both nest cups, no birds present (D. Trudgen, Alaska Energy Authority, pers. comm. 26 July 1989); (17 August) both nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in both nests, no birds present. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked BAEA-37 bird that was successfully relocated to the ATN-5/6 territory in in early August 1986 and occupied it in 1987 and 1988 (dark blemish on bill).] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1990: (late April) pair of adults flying near ATN-5 and ATN-6 on several occasions (D. Bishop, Bechtel Civil Inc., pers. comm. 5 May 1990); (10 May) adult female incubating in artificial nest ATN-5; (12 August) | large young almost ready to fledge from ATN-5, no adults present. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked BAEA-37 bird that was successfully relocated to the ATN-5/6 territory in in early August 1986 and occupied it in 1987, 1988, and 1989 (dark blemish on bill).] [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1991: (27-28 April) pair of adults observed in artificial nests ATN-S and ATN-6 on several occasions on both days - birds moved back and forth between nests and also perched near coned BAEA-37 nest—see above (J.E. Smith, Bechtel 149 Appendix 3. (Continued) Civil Inc., pers. comm. 29 April 1991); (29 April) both nests empty, but freshly scraped nest cups visible in both nests, no birds present; (17 May) adult female incubating in ATN-5; (13 August) both nests empty and weathered, grass growing in both nest cups, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present, the nesting attempt apparently failed soon after the 17 May survey; (13-14 October) both nests empty, pair of adults observed perching and flying in BAEA-37 territory and at favorite perch sites near sewage treatment facility and Martin River road on several occasions. [Note: The adult female was the same distinctively marked BAEA-37 bird that was successfully relocated to the ATN-5/6 territory in in early August 1986 and occupied it in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990 (dark blemish on bill).| [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] Nesting Territories Located Outside Study Area (5 Natural Locations) Natural Territories BAEA-63: Discovered in 1988 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1989-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); | nest site known (nest found on top of dead spruce tree in spring 1988 that was probably present for several years, based on size and condition). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown| 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: (22 April) adult female incubating in nest, adult male perched nearby; (9 May) | adult incubating in nest; (24 June) 1 adult attending 2 large chicks in nest; (2 August) 2 large young about 60 days old in nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, | adult perched nearby; (10 July) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (17 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Single Adult] 1990: (10 May) adult female incubating in nest, adult male perched nearby; (12 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1991: (29 April) adult female incubating in nest; (17 May) adult female incubating in nest; (13 August) 2 large young almost ready to fledge from nest, no adults present. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] BAEA-64: [Also listed as "104-HALE 16" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1988-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least 1 historical nest site known (nest probably found in live spruce tree in 1976 that was not present by spring 1988 and that probably fell down several years prior to the 1988 survey). No nests present during the 1988-1991 breeding seasons. [The nesting territory still did not contain any nests on 13 August 1991.] 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "active" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), 1 adult probably in it (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown| 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: (22 April) no nests found this location, 1 adult perched near historical territory; (9 May) no nests found, no birds present; (24 June) no nests found, no birds present; (2 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Possibly Occupied By Single Adult] 1989: (23 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (13 May) no nests found, no birds present; (10 July) not checked; (17 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Unoccupied] 150 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: (10 May) no nests found this location, 1 adult perched near historical territory; (12 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Possibly Occupied By Single Adult] 1991: (29 April) no nests found this location, no birds present; (17 May) no nests found, pair of adults perched near historical territory; (13 August) no nests found, no birds present. [Historical Territory - No Nests Present - Possibly Occupied By Prospecting Pair] BAEA-65: [Also listed as "104-HALE 17" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1989-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); at least nest site known (old remnant nest found in live spruce tree in summer 1989 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that may have been the nest located in 1976 and rechecked in 1980). [Part of the old remnant nest was still present on 13 August 1991 and birds might be able to rebuild it.] 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown] 1980: (1 May) at least 1 “active” nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), 1 adult probably in it (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown| 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) no nests noticed this location, no birds present; (10 July) 1 old remnant nest consisting of nest scar and a few weathered sticks discovered in tree, no birds present, remnant nest site indicated eagles occupied the location at least once sometime before the late 1980's; (17 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1990: (10 May) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (12 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (17 May) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present; (13 August) remnant nest empty and unused, no birds present. [Historical Territory - Remnant Nest - Unoccupied] BAEA-66: [Also listed as "104-HALE 18" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).] Discovered in 1976 (USFWS 1981, as amended); resurveyed in 1980 (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, USFWS, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1989-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 3 nest sites known, including ‘a’ (nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1989 that was probably present for several years, based on size and condition), 'b' (old remnant nest found in live spruce tree in spring 1989 that was obviously built several years prior to discovery and that may have been the nest located in 1976 and rechecked in 1980), and 'c' (aew nest built by pair in live spruce tree in spring 1991 that was found partly fallen out of the nest tree in late summer 1991). [Nests ‘a’ and 'c' were still useable on 13 August 1991, but 'b' was almost entirely gone by that date (birds might be able to rebuild it).| 1976: (Date Unknown) at least 1 nest found by P. Arneson, ADFG, but no information on presence of birds or productivity (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Nest Located - Presence of Birds and Productivity Unknown| 1980: (1 May) at least 1 "active" nest found by R. King, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended; R. King, unpubl. data), | adult probably in it (R. King, pers. comm. 21 April 1986). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1982: (Date Unknown) at least 1 "active" nest found by J. Hodges, USFWS (USFWS 1981, as amended). [Pair Probably Present - Productivity Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 151 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1989: (23 April) not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) | adult incubating in ‘a' nest; (10 July) 1 chick about 30 days old in ‘a’ nest, no adults present; (17 August) ‘a’ nest empty, 1 adult perched nearby, fledgling not found but large quantities of fresh down, feces, and prey remains in and near nest indicated the eaglet successfully fledged from it shortly before 17 August. [Successful Pair - 1 Young] 1990: (10 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, no birds present; (12 August) both nests empty and weathered, grass growing in them, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unoccupied] 1991: (29 April) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, but 1 adult perched by 'b' nest; (17 May) ‘a’ and 'b' nests empty and weathered, adult female discovered incubating in new recently built 'c' nest located just south of ‘a’ and ‘b' nests around point; (13 August) new 'c' nest empty and weathered and about half fallen down, grass growing in remain portion of nest cup, no birds present - based on the weathered nature of the nest, it apparently fell part way out of the tree several weeks before the 13 August survey. [Note: The female was still incubating steadily in the new 'c' nest when it was observed for several hours from a boat on 20 May.|] [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-67: Discovered in 1988 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); rechecked during 1989-1991 (D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente, unpubl. data); 1 nest site known (nest found in live spruce tree during boat trip on 23 June 1988). [The nest was still useable on 13 August 1991.] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: [Area not surveyed from air but visited by boat on 23 June.] (23 June) adult female brooding in nest, adult male brought fish to nest, female vocalized and appeared to start feeding nestlings. [Nesting Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 1989: (23 April) nest not checked because of strong winds; (13 May) | adult incubating in nest; (10 July) 2 large chicks about 35-40 days old in nest, adult female perched close by; (17 August) nest empty, 1 eaglet almost ready to fledge from nest and just-fledged sibling and 1 adult perched nearby. [Successful Pair - 2 Young] 1990: (10 May) nest empty but recently relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (12 August) nest empty and weathered, grass growing in nest cup, no evidence of recent use, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] 1991: (29 April) nest empty but recently relined, pair of adults perched nearby; (17 May) nest empty and nest cup starting to weather, no evidence of recent activity, no birds present; (13 August) nest empty and weathered, no evidence of recent use, grass growing in nest cup, no birds present. [Unsuccessful Pair - Failed Nesting Attempt] BAEA-68: [Also listed as "104-HALE 89" in the USFWS atlas of Alaskan raptor nest sites (USFWS 1981, as amended).| Discovered in 1984 (USFWS 1981, as amended; M. Nishimoto, USFWS, unpubl. data); not rechecked during 1985-1991; at least 1 nest site known (nest found in live spruce tree in summer 1984). [No information available on current condition of nest.] 1984: (Summer) | "active" nest found (USFWS 1981, as amended), pair of adults present (M. Nishimoto, USFWS, pers. comm. 13 March 1992). [Pair Present - Productivity Unknown] 1985: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1986: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1987: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1988: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 1989: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 152 Appendix 3. (Continued) 1990: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown| 1991: Area not surveyed. [Status Unknown] 153 Appendix 4. Nest sites and tree types documented at bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting territories in upper Kachemak Bay, Alaska north of Homer Spit and Peterson Bay!. [LSP = live Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree; DSP = dead Sitka Spruce tree; LBP = live balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) tree; DBP = dead balsam poplar tree; PDBP = partially dead balsam poplar tree; HS/TTU = historical territory, tree type unknown; HT/NNP = historical territory, no nest present; NA = not applicable, ND = no data; TNP = no territory present; UNKN = unknown; Art = artificial nest; Nat = natural nest; Rem = remnant nest]. Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Cumulative Cumulative Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Territory Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Inside Study Area Natural Territories BAEA-1 TNP TNP 1 LSP (New)2 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-2 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-3 TNP TNP TNP TNP TNP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP LSP BAEA-4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 2 LSP LSP (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) BAEA-5 TNP 1 DSP (New) 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP DSP BAEA-6 TNP TNP TNP TNP TNP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP LSP BAEA-7 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP (1 HS/LSP)3 HT/NNP 1 LSP (New) 2 LSP LSP (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) BAEA-8 TNP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-9 TNP TNP TNP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-10 TNP 1 LSP (New) HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 LSP LSP (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) BAEA-11 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 2 LSP (1 New) 2 LSP UNKN (LSP?)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)+ (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)+ (1 HS/TTU)4+ 1 HS/TTU+ BAEA- 12 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LSP (New) 2LSP LSP/LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 LBP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) 1 Rem LBP (1 HS/LSP) BAEA-13 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 2 LBP (1 New) 2 LBP LBP 154 Appendix 4. (Continued) Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Cumulative Cumulative Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Territory Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types BAEA-14 1 LBP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 LBP LBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) BAEA-15 1 DBP 1 DBP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 DBP DBP (1 HS/DBP) (1 HS/DBP) (1 HS/DBP) (1 HS/DBP) BAEA-16 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 1 LSP 2 LSP LSP/LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 2 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) BAEA-17 1 Rem LBPS 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 LBP LBP BAEA-18 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 HS/TTU4 UNKN (LBP?)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 BAEA-19 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 HS/TTU4 UNKN4+ (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 BAEA-20 1 LBP 1 LBP HT/NNP 1 LBP (New) 1 LBP 1 LBP 2 LBP LBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) BAEA-21 1 LBP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 LBP LBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) BAEA-22 TNP TNP TNP 1 LBP (New) 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP LBP BAEA-23 2 LBP 2 LBP 2 LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP 2 LBP (1 New) 3 LBP LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Rem LBP BAEA-24 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 HS/TTU)4 UNKN (LBP?)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 BAEA-25 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 LBP+ LBP4 (1 HS/LBP)+ (1 HS/LBP)+ (1 HS/LBP)4 (1 HS/LBP)4 (1 HS/LBP)4 (1 HS/LBP)4+ BAEA-26 2 LBP 2 LBP 1 LBP 2 LBP (1 New) 2 LBP 2 LBP 4 LBP LBP 1 Rem LBP© 1 Rem LBP6 1 Rem LBP6 1 Rem LBP6 1 Rem LBP© 1 Rem LBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/LBP) 155 Appendix 4. (Continued) BAEA-27 BAEA-28 BAEA-29 BAEA-30 BAEA-31 BAEA-32 BAEA-33 BAEA-34 BAEA-35 BAEA-36 BAEA-37 BAEA-38 BAEA-39 BAEA-40 BAEA-41 1986 Nest Site Tree Types 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 LBP (1 HS/DBP)4 TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)4 1 DBP 1 Rem LSP 4 LBPS 1 PDBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem LBP 1 LBP 1987 Nest Site Tree Types 1 PDBP 2LBP 1 DBP 1 Art DBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/DBP)+ TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)+ 1 DBP 1 LSP (New) 1 Rem LSP 4LBP 1 LBP (New) 1 PDBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Artificial LBP 1 LBP 1988 Nest Site Tree Types HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP® 1 LBP TNP 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 Art DBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/DBP)+ TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)4 1 DBP 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 4LBP 1 LBP 1 PDBP. 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Artificial LBP 1 LBP 1989 Nest Site Tree Types 2 LBP (1 New) 1 Rem LBP® 1 LBP TNP 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 Art DBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/DBP)4+ TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)4 1 DBP 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 4LBP 1 LBP 1 PDBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem LBP 1 Artificial LBP 1 LBP 156 1990 Nest Site Tree Types HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP6 1 LBP TNP 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 Art DBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/DBP)4 TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)4 1 DBP 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 4LBP 1 LBP 1 PDBP 1 Rem DBP (1 HS/LBP) 1 Artificial LBP 1 LBP 1991 Nest Site Tree Types 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP 1 LBP 1 LBP (New) 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 Art DBP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/DBP)4 1 LBP (New) HT/NNP (1 HS/LBP)+ 1 DBP? 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 4LBP 1 LBP 1 PDBP 1 DBP (New)? (1 HS/LBP) 1 Artificial LBP 1 LBP Cumulative Nest Site Tree Types 1 LBP 1 LBP 1 PDBP 2 LBP 1 DBP 1 DBP4 1 LBP 1 Art DBP 1 LBP 1 LBP+ 1 DBP8 2 LSP 4LBP 2 LBP 1 PDBP 1 DBP 1 Art LBP 1 LBP Cumulative Territory Tree Types UNKN (LBP?)4 LBP LBP LBP PDBP LBP DBP LBP/DBP+ LBP LBP DBP8 LSP LBP LBP/PDBP/DBP LBP Appendix 4. (Continued) BAEA-42 BAEA-43 BAEA-44 BAEA-45 BAEA-46 BAEA-47 BAEA-48 BAEA-49 BAEA-50 BAEA-S1 BAEA-52 BAEA-5S3 BAEA-54 BAEA-55 BAEA-5S6 BAEA-S7 1986 Nest Site Tree Types HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP! 2 LBP HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 TNP 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP5 TNP 1 LSPS TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)4 2LSP 1987 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LBP (New) (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP!9 2 LBP HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP 1 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 1 LSP (New) 1 LSP TNP HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)+ 2LSP 1988 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP 3 LBP (1 New) HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP (1 HS/LSP) 2 Rem LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP (New) HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)4 2 LSP 1989 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP (New) 1 LBP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 2 LSP (1 New) (1 HS/LSP) 2 Rem LSP 2 LSP (1 New) 2 LSP (1 New) 2 LSP (1 New) HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)4 2LSP 157 1990 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LBP (New) 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)+ 1 LSP 2 LSP (1 HS/LSP) 2 Rem LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP 2LSP HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)4 2LSP 1991 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP (New) 1 Rem LSP 1 LSP (1 HS/LBP) (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LBP 1 PDBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP HT/NNP (1 HS/TTU)4 1 LSP 2 LSP (1 HS/LSP) 2 Rem LSP 2LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP HT/NNP (1 HS/LSP)4 2 LSP Cumulative Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 LBP 1 HS/TTU4 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 2 LBP 1 PDBP 3 LBP 1 HS/TTU4 1 LSP 3 LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP 1 Lsp4 2 LSP Cumulative Territory Tree Types LSP/LBP LSP LSP LSP LBP/PDBP LBP UNKN (LSP?)4 LSP LSP LSP LSP LSP LSP LsP+ LSP Appendix 4. Territory BAEA-58 BAEA-59 BAEA-60 BAEA-61 BAEA-62 (Subtotals) (Continued) 1986 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP!9 2LBP 1 HS/LSP 25 LBP 8 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 3 DBP 1 Rem DBP 2 HS/LBP 1 HS/DBP THS/TTU (NA) (NA) 20 Spruce 43 Poplar 7 Unknown 0 Art Poplar 70 Nat Sites 0 Art Sites Artificial Territories ATN-1 (Unavailable)! ! 1987 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP!9 2 LBP 18 LSP 5 Rem LSP 2 DSP 1 HS/LSP 24 LBP 8 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 3 DBP 1 Rem DBP 5 HS/LBP 1 HS/DBP 7HS/TTU 1 Art LBP 1 Art DBP 26 Spruce 45 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar 78 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP 1988 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 18 LSP 4 Rem LSP 2 DSP 4 HS/LSP 22 LBP 9 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 2 DBP 1 Rem DBP 7 HS/LBP 2 HS/DBP 7 HS/TTU 1 Art LBP 1 Art DBP 28 Spruce 46 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar 81 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP 1989 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 1 LBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 24 LSP 4 Rem LSP 2 DSP 6 HS/LSP 24 LBP 10 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 2 DBP 1 Rem DBP 8 HS/LBP 2 HS/DBP 7HS/TTU 1 Art LBP 1 Art DBP 36 Spruce 50 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar 93 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP 158 1990 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 2 LBP (1 New) 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 2 DSP. 7 HS/LSP 25 LBP 9 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 2 DBP 1 Rem DBP 10 HS/LBP 2 HS/DBP THS/TTU 1 Art LBP 1 Art DBP 37 Spruce 52 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar 96 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP 1991 Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 2 LBP 1 Rem LBP 2 LBP 1 LSP (New) 2 DSP 7 HS/LSP 29 LBP 9 Rem LBP 3 PDBP 3 DBP 0 Rem DBP 10 HS/LBP 2 HS/DBP 7HS/TTU. 1 Art LBP7 1 Art DBP 44 Spruce 56 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar? 107 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP Cumulative Nest Site Tree Types 1 LSP 1 DSP 3 LBP 2 LBP 44 Spruce 56 Poplar 7 Unknown 2 Art Poplar’ 107 Nat Sites 2 Art Sites 1 Art LSP Cumulative Territory Tree Types LSP DSP LBP 1 LBP/PDBP 1 LBP/DBP 1 LBP/PDBP/DBP 3 LSP/LBP 6 UNKN 26 Spruce 27 Poplar 3 Spruce/Poplar 6 Unknown 62 Nat Territories LSP Appendix 4. (Continued) Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Cumulative Cumulative Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Territory Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types ATN-3/4 (Unavailable)! 1 1 Art LSP 1 Art LSP 1 Art LSP 1 Art LSP 1 Art LSP 1 Art LSP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP ATN-5/6 (Unavailable)! 1.12 2 Art LSP 2 Art LSP 2 Art LSP 2 Art LSP 2 Art LSP 2 Art LSP (Subtotals) (NA) 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 2 LSP (NA) 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 Art LBP 1 LSP/LBP (NA) 4 Art Spruce 4 Art Spruce 4 Art Spruce 4 Art Spruce 4 Art Spruce 4 Art Spruce 2 Spruce (NA) 1 Art Poplar 1 Art Poplar 1 Art Poplar 1 Art Poplar 1 Art Poplar 1 Art Poplar 1 Spruce/Poplar (NA) 5 Art Sites 5 Art Sites 5 Art Sites 5 Art Sites 5 Art Sites 5 Art Sites 3 Art Territories Outside Study Area Natural Territories BAEA-63 1 Dsp!3 1 DsP!3 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP DSP BAEA-64 HT/ND!4 HT/ND!4 HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP HT/NNP 1 HS/TTU4 UNKN (LSP?)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 (LHS/TTU)4 (1 HS/TTU)4 BAEA-65 1 Rem LspP!5 1 Rem LSP!5 1 Rem Lsp!5 1 Rem LSP 1 Rem LSP 1 Rem LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-66 1 Lspl5 1 Lspls 1 Lspls 1 LSP 1 LSP 2 LSP (1 New)!6 3 LSP LSP 1 Rem Lsp!5 1 Rem LSP!5 1 Rem Lsp!5 1Rem LSP 1Rem LSP 1Rem LSP BAEA-67 ND ND 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP 1 LSP LSP BAEA-68 HT/ND HT/ND HT/ND HT/ND HT/ND HT/ND 1 LSP4 Lsp4 (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (1 HS/LSP) (Subtotals) 1 LSP 1 LSP 2LSP 2 LSP 2 LSP 3 LSP 6 LSP 4 LSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 1 DSP 2 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 2 Rem LSP 1 HS/TTU 1 UNKN 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/LSP 1 HS/TTU 1 HS/TTU 1 HS/TTU 1 HS/TTU 1 HS/TTU 1 HS/TTU 5 Spruce 5 Spruce 6 Spruce 6 Spruce 6 Spruce 7 Spruce 7 Spruce 5 Spruce Appendix 4. (Continued) Territory 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 Cumulative Cumulative Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Nest Site Territory Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types Tree Types 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 1 Unknown 6 Nat Sites 6 Nat Sites 7 Nat Sites 7 Nat Sites 7 Nat Sites 8 Nat Sites 8 Nat Sites 6 Nat Territories Totals 14 LSP 19 LSP 20 LSP 26 LSP 26 LSP 34 LSP 48 LSP 28 LSP 7 Rem LSP 7 Rem LSP 6 Rem LSP 6 Rem LSP 6 Rem LSP 6 Rem LSP 3 DSP 3 DSP 2DSP 3 DSP 3 DSP 3 DSP 3 DSP 3 DSP 48 LBP 20 LBP 2 HS/LSP 2 HS/LSP 5 HS/LSP 7 HS/LSP 8 HS/LSP 8 HS/LSP 3 PDBP 1 PDBP 25 LBP 24 LBP 22 LBP 24 LBP 25 LBP 29 LBP 5 DBP 3 DBP 8 Rem LBP 8 Rem LBP 9 Rem LBP 10 Rem LBP 9 Rem LBP 9 Rem LBP 8 HS/TTU 1 LBP/PDBP 3 PDBP 3 PDBP 3 PDBP 3 PDBP 3 PDBP 3 PDBP 2 Art LBP8 1 LBP/DBP 3 DBP 3 DBP 2 DBP 2 DBP 2 DBP 3 DBP 1 Art DBP 1 LBP/PDBP/DBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem DBP 1 Rem DBP 0 Rem DBP 4 Art LSP 3 LSP/LBP 2 HS/LBP 5 HS/LBP 7 HS/LBP 8 HS/LBP 10 HS/LBP 10 HS/LBP 7UNKN 1 HS/DBP 1 HS/DBP 2 HS/DBP 2 HS/DBP 2 HS/DBP 2 HS/DBP 2 Art LSP 8 HS/TTU 8 HS/TTU 8 HS/TTU 8 HS/TTU 8 HS/TTU 8 HS/TTU 1 Art LSP/LBP 1 HT/ND 1 HT/ND 1 HT/ND 1 HT/ND 1 HT/ND 1 HT/ND (NA) 2 Art LBP 2 Art LBP 2 Art LBP 2 Art LBP 2 Art LBP7 (NA) 1 Art DBP 1 Art DBP 1 Art DBP 1 Art DBP 1 Art DBP (NA) 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 4 Art LSP 25 Spruce 31 Spruce 34 Spruce 42 Spruce 43 Spruce 51 Spruce 51 Spruce 31 Spruce 43 Poplar 45 Poplar 46 Poplar 50 Poplar 52 Poplar 56 Poplar 56 Poplar 27 Poplar 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 8 Unknown 3 Spruce/Poplar Art/NA 4 Art spruce 4 Art spruce 4 Art spruce 4 Art spruce 4 Art spruce 4 Art spruce 7 Unknown Art/NA 3 Art Poplar 3 Art Poplar 3 Art Poplar 3 Art Poplar 3 Art Poplar? 3 Art Poplar’ 2 Art Spruce 76 Nat Sites 0 Art Sites 84 Nat Sites 7 Art Sites 88 Nat Sites 7 Art Sites 100 Nat Sites 7 Att Sites 103 Nat Sites 7 Art Sites (See Pages 161-180 for Data Summaries) 160 115 Nat Sites 7 Art Sites7 115 Nat Sites 7 Art Sites8 1 Art Spruce/Poplar 68 Nat Territories 3 Art Territories Appendix 4. (Continued) DATA SUMMARIES (Combined Information) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 68. Inside study area: 62 (91%). Outside study area: 6 (9%). + Artificial territories: 3. Inside study area: 3 (100%). Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 61. Inside study area: 56 (92%). Outside study area: 5 (8%). + Artificial territories: 3. Inside study area: 3 (100%). Nesting territory tree t based on the 61 natural and 3 artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above + Natural territories (n = 61): 31 (51%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 27 (44%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Inside study area (n = 56): 26 (46%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 27 (48%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Outside study area (n= 5): 5 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). 161 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Combined Information) Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located in both Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Total nest sites + Natural nest sites: 115 at 68 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously). Inside study area: 107 (93%) at 62 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously). Outside study area: 8 (7%) at 6 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory, if all were present simultaneously). + Artificial nest sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory), and | each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories [the number of artificial sites increased to 8 (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory) after the 1991 nesting season was complete when | additional nest was built in the BAEA-37 territory; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7 below]. Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5S at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories [the number of artificial sites increased to 8 (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory) after the 1991 nesting season was complete when | additional nest was built in the BAEA-37 territory; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7 below]. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nest sites of known tree type + Natural nest sites: 107. Inside study area: 100 (93%). Outside study area: 7 (7%). + Artificial nest sites: 7 (the number of artificial sites increased to 8 after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7). Inside study area: 7 (100%) [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%) after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. Nest site tree type (based on the 107 natural and 7 artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural nest sites (n =107): 51 (48%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 56 (52%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 100): 44 (44%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 56 (56%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 7): 7 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. 162 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Combined Information) + Artificial nest sites (n= 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%), including 4 (50%) in Sitka spruce trees and 4 (50%) in balsam poplar trees, after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. Inside study area (n = 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%), including 4 (50%) in Sitka spruce trees and 4 (50%) in balsam poplar trees, after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. DATA SUMMARIES (Annual Information) (1986) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 53, including 41 (77%) with natural nest sites present, 11 (21%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 48, including 38 (79%) with natural nest sites present and 10 (21%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 3 (60%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (20%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 0 (however, 3 artificial locations were installed in the study area in June, after the start of the nesting season, and 1 was used by a pair in August, after the pair was experimentally translocated to it; see Appendix 3 and Footnote 11). Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 45, including 41 (91%) with natural nest sites present, 3 (7%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 41, including 38 (93%) with natural nest sites present and 3 (7%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 4, including 3 (75%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (25%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 0. Nesting territory tree type (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 45): 19 (42%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (53%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 2 (4%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Inside study area (n = 41): 15 (37%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (59%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). 163 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites present (n = 41): 17 (41%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 22 (54%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Inside study area (n = 38): 14 (37%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 22 (58%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, and 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species). Outside study area (n = 3): 3 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 0): 0 [however, 3 artificial locations were installed in the study area in June, after the start of the nesting season, and 2 consisted of nest sites located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees (ATN-1 and ATN-5/6) and 1 consisted of located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (ATN-3/4); see Appendix 3]. Total nest sites + Natural sites: 76 at 53 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 70 (92%) at 48 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 6 (8%) at 5 natural territories (an average of 1.2 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 63 at 41 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 59 (94%) at 38 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 4 (6%) at 3 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 0 (however, 7 artificial sites were installed in the study area in June and September in preparation for the 1987 nesting season; see Appendix 3). Nest sites of known tree type + Natural sites: 68. Inside study area: 63 (93%). Outside study area: 5 (7%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 63. Inside study area: 59 (93%). Outside study area: 4 (7%). 164 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) + Artificial nest sites: 0 (however, 7 artificial sites were installed in the study area in June and September in preparation for the 1987 nesting season; see Appendix 3). Nest site tree type (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural sites (n = 68): 25 (37%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 43 (63%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 63): 20 (32%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 43 (68%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n= 63): 23 (37%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (63%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 59): 19 (32%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (68%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial nest sites (n = 0): 0 [however, 7 artificial nests were installed in the study area in June and September, including 4 in Sitka spruce trees (ATN-1, ATN-3, ATN-5, and ATN-6) and 3 in balsam poplar trees (ATN-2, ATN-4, and ATN-7); see Appendix 3]. (1987) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 58, including 44 (76%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 12 (21%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 53, including 41 (77%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 11 (21%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 3 (60%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (20%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Outside study area: 0 (0%). 165 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 50, including 43 (86%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 5 (10%) without any nest sites present, and | (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 46, including 40 (87%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 5 (11%) without nest sites present. Outside study area: 4, including 3 (75%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (25%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Nesting territory tree type (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 50): 24 (48%) with natural nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 23 (46%) with natural nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (4%) with natural nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34), Inside study area (n = 46): 20 (43%) with natural nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 23 (50%) with natural nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (4%) with natural nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites physically present (n = 44): 22 (50%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (43%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 41): 19 (46%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (46%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 3): 3 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. 166 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Total nest sites + Natural sites: 84 at 57 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 78 (93%) at 52 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 6 (7%) at 5 natural territories (an average of 1.2 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). + Natural sites physically present (includes remnant sites): 68 at 44 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 64 (94%) at 41 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 4 (6%) at 3 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nest sites of known tree type + Natural sites: 76. Inside study area: 71 (93%). Outside study area: 5 (7%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 68. Inside study area: 64 (94%). Outside study area: 4 (6%). + Artificial nest sites: 7. Inside study area: 7 (100%). 167 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Nest site tree type (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural sites (n= 76): 31 (41%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 45 (59%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 71): 26 (37%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 45 (63%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n = 68): 29 (43%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 39 (57%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 64): 25 (39%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 39 (61%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial nest sites (n =7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n=7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. (1988) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 61, including 44 (72%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 15 (25%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 55, including 40 (73%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 14 (25%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 6, including 4 (67%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (17%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (17%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Outside study area: 0 (0%). 168 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 53, including 43 (81%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 8 (15%) without any nest sites present, and | (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 48, including 39 (81%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 8 (17%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 4 (80%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Nesting territory tree type (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 53): 26 (49%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (45%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (4%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 48): 21 (44%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (50%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (4%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n= 5): 5 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites physically present (n = 44): 23 (52%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 18 (41%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 40): 19 (48%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 18 (45%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 2 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. 169 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Total nest sites + Natural sites: 88 at 60 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 81 (92%) at 54 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 7 (8%) at 6 natural territories (an average of 1.2 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). + Natural sites physically present (includes remnant sites): 66 at 44 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 61 (92%) at 40 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 5 (8%) at 4 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nest sites of known tree type + Natural sites: 80. Inside study area: 74 (93%). Outside study area: 6 (7%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 66. Inside study area: 61 (92%). Outside study area: 5 (8%). + Artificial nest sites: 7. Inside study area: 7 (100%). 170 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above Nest site tree t + Natural sites (n = 80): 34 (43%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 46 (58%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 74): 28 (38%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 46 (62%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 6): 6 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n = 66): 29 (44%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 37 (56%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 61): 24 (39%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 37 (61%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial nest sites (n = 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n=7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. (1989) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 63, including 47 (75%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 14 (22%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 57, including 43 (75%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 13 (23%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 6, including 4 (67%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (17%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (17%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). * Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 56, including 46 (82%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 8 (14%) without any nest sites present, and | (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). 171 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Inside study area: 51, including 42 (82%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 8 (16%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 4 (80%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). * Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. e (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 56): 28 (50%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (43%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n= 51): 23 (45%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (47%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites physically present (n = 47): 24 (51%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (40%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 43): 20 (47%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (44%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (7%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Total nest sites + Natural sites: 100 at 62 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 93 (93%) at 56 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 7 (7%) at 6 natural territories (an average of 1.2 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). 172 Appendix 4, (Continued) (Annual Information) + Natural sites physically present (includes remnant sites): 75 at 47 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 70 (93%) at 43 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 5 (7%) at 4 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nest sites of known tree type * Natural sites: 92. Inside study area: 86 (93%). Outside study area: 6 (7%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 75. Inside study area: 70 (93%). Outside study area: 5 (7%). + Artificial nest sites: 7. Inside study area: 7 (100%). Nest site tree type (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural sites (n = 92): 42 (46%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 50 (54%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 86): 36 (42%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 50 (58%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 6): 6 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n= 75): 35 (47%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (53%) located in balsam poplar trees. 173 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Inside study area (n = 70): 30 (43%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (57%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial nest sites (n= 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. (1990) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 63, including 47 (75%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 14 (22%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 57 including 43 (75%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 13 (23%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 6, including 4 (67%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (17%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (17%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 56, including 46 (82%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 8 (14%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 51, including 42 (82%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 8 (16%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 4 (80%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. 174 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Nesting territory tree type (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 56): 28 (50%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (43%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n= 51): 23 (45%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 24 (47%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites physically present (n = 47): 24 (51%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (40%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 43): 20 (47%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 19 (44%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (7%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n = 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Total nest sites + Natural sites: 103 at 62 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 96 (93%) at 56 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 7 (7%) at 6 natural territories (an average of 1.2 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). + Natural sites physically present (includes remnant sites): 75 at 47 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 70 (93%) at 43 natural territories (an average of 1.6 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 5 (7%) at 4 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. 175 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory; range = 1-2), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nest sites of known tree type + Natural sites: 95. Inside study area: 89 (94%). Outside study area: 6 (6%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 75. Inside study area: 70 (93%). Outside study area: 5 (7%). + Artificial nest sites: 7. Inside study area: 7 (100%). Nest site tree type (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural sites (n = 95): 43 (45%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 52 (55%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 89): 37 (42%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 52 (58%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 6): 6 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n = 75): 35 (47%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (53%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 70): 30 (43%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 40 (57%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 5): 5 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial nest sites (n = 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n= 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. 176 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) (1991) Total nesting territories + Natural territories: 68, including 53 (78%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 13 (19%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (1%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 62, including 49 (79%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 12 (19%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 6, including 4 (67%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (17%) without any nest sites present, and 1 (17%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Outside study area: 0 (0%). Nesting territories with complete information on territory tree type + Natural territories: 61, including 52 (85%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), 7 (11%) without any nest sites present, and | (2%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). Inside study area: 56, including 48 (86%) with natural nest sites present, 1 (2%) with only an artificial nest site present (BAEA-34), and 7 (12%) without any nest sites present. Outside study area: 5, including 4 (80%) with natural nest sites present and 1 (20%) without information on presence/absence of nest sites (BAEA-68). + Artificial territories: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Inside study area: 3, including 3 (100%) with artificial nest sites present. Nesting territory tree type (based on the natural and artificial nesting locations with complete information on tree type tallied above) + Natural territories (n = 61): 31 (51%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 26 (43%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 56): 26 (46%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 26 (46%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (5%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). 177 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Outside study area (n= 5): 5 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural territories with nest sites physically present (n = 52): 27 (52%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 21 (40%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Inside study area (n = 48): 23 (48%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees, 21 (44%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees, 3 (6%) with nests located in a combination of Sitka spruce and balsam poplar trees (mixed tree species), and 1 (2%) with an artificial nest located in a balsam poplar tree (BAEA-34). Outside study area (n= 4): 4 (100%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees. + Artificial territories (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 3): 2 (67%) with nests located exclusively in Sitka spruce trees and 1 (33%) with nests located exclusively in balsam poplar trees. Total nest sites + Natural sites: 115 at 68 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 107 (93%) at 62 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 8 (7%) at 6 natural territories (an average of 1.3 per territory, if all were present simultaneously; range = 1-2). + Natural sites physically present (includes remnant sites): 87 at 52 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory; range = 1-4). Inside study area: 81 (93%) at 48 natural territories (an average of 1.7 per territory; range = 1-4). Outside study area: 6 (7%) at 4 natural territories (an average of 1.5 per territory; range = 1-2). + Artificial sites: 7, including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories [the number of artificial sites increased to 8 (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory) after the 1991 nesting season was complete when | additional nest was built in the BAEA-37 territory; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7 below]. Inside study area: 7 (100%), including 5 at the 3 completely artificial territories (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory), and 1 each at the natural BAEA-34 and BAEA-40 territories [the number of artificial sites increased to 8 (an average of 1.4 nest sites per completely artificial territory) after the 1991 nesting season was complete when | additional nest was built in the BAEA-37 territory; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7 below]. Outside study area: 0 (0%). 178 Appendix 4. (Continued) (Annual Information) Nest sites of known tree type + Natural sites: 107. Inside study area: 100 (93%). Outside study area: 7 (7%). + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites): 87. Inside study area: 81 (93%). Outside study area: 6 (7%). + Artificial nest sites: 7 (the number of artificial sites increased to 8 after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7). Inside study area: 7 (100%) [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%) after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. Nest site tree type (based on the natural and artificial nest sites of known tree type tallied above) + Natural sites (n = 107): 51 (48%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 56 (52%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 100): 44 (44%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 56 (56%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 7): 7 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. + Natural sites physically present (including remnant sites) (n = 87): 43 (49%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 44 (51%) located in balsam poplar trees. Inside study area (n = 81): 37 (46%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 44 (54%) with nests located in balsam poplar trees. Outside study area (n = 6): 6 (100%) located in Sitka spruce trees. * Artificial nest sites (n= 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%), including 4 (50%) in Sitka spruce trees and 4 (50%) in balsam poplar trees, after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. Inside study area (n= 7): 4 (57%) located in Sitka spruce trees and 3 (43%) located in balsam poplar trees [number of artificial sites increased to 8 (100%), including 4 (50%) in Sitka spruce trees and 4 (50%) in balsam poplar trees, after mid-October 1991; see Appendix 3 and Footnotes 6-7]. ! Data are from Roseneau (1985, 1986), and D.G. Roseneau and P.J. Bente (unpubl. data). 2 Indicates new nest built that year. 179 3 Nest still present, but no longer useable because nest tree was partially uprooted and leaning at 45° angle (see Appendix 3). 4 Based on historical records (see Appendix 3). 5 Not discovered until 1987, but almost certainly present for several years, based on size and condition (see Appendix 3). 6 Not discovered until 1991, but almost certainly present for many years, based on size and condition (see Appendix 3). 7 One artificial nest (ATN-8) was added to the BAEA-37 territory in mid-October 1991, several weeks after the nesting season was complete (it was installed in a live balsam poplar tree about 250 ft (76 m) from the dead balsam poplar tree nest site—see Appendix 3). 8 The cumulative nest site and nest tree types changed to DPB/LBP in mid-October 1991, after artificial nest ATN-8 was installed in the territory (see Footnote 6 above and Appendix 3). ° The new nest was built on top of the nest cone that was being used to temporarily block the remnant dead balsam poplar 'c' nest site (see Appendix 3). 10 Not discovered until 1988, but almost certainly present for many years, based on size and condition (see Appendix 3). 11 Not installed until June 1986 and therefore not available at start of nesting season (see Appendix 3). 12 Pair of adults and two nestlings successfully translocated from BAEA-37 to artificial nest ATN-6 in early August 1986 (see Appendix 3). 13 Not discovered until 1988, but almost certainly present for several years, based on size and condition (see Appendix 3). 14 Nest probably not present, based on 1988 observations in the area (see Appendix 3). 15 Not discovered until 1989, but almost certainly present for many years, based on size and condition (see Appendix 3). 16 The new nest built in 1991 was already partly fallen down by mid-August (see Appendix 3). 180