Adult facts
The pesticide era, and resulting crash in the overall eagle population, prevented natural recolonization of available habitat in Massachusetts. In 1982, 10 years after DDT and related pesticides were banned, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife began importing 4 - 6 week old eagle chicks from multiple chick nests in Michigan and Canada.

Chick facts
Each chick was placed in an artificial nest on a 30 foot-tower overlooking the 25,000 acre Quabbin Reservoir. There they would spend the next 6 weeks being remotely monitored and fed by human caretakers. During this period the eagles begin to develop a territorial association with their surroundings.

Chick's Growth

The young eagles develop quickly with wingspans approaching 7 feet and weights between 9 and 11 pounds. They gain strength and coordination through stretching and exercising. Each eagle is marked with identifying leg bands or wing tags once their development is complete.

Banding Facts
The eagles are released in late summer and spend time around and on the eagle tower. Food is still provided to help the birds develop their hunting and foraging skills. Their territorial bond to the region is strengthened as they take longer exploratory flights.

First Flight Facts
The eagles master the art of flight and gradually disperse from the area around the tower, beginning a 4 year adolescence that will likely cover thousands of miles over much of eastern North America. From 1982 through 1988, 41 eagles were released in Massachusetts by this method. Roughly half will survive to reach adulthood.

Leaving The Nest Facts

When the eagles reach maturity, usually at 4 or 5 years of age, their instincts draw them back to the region where they first took wing. They pair with another eagle, set up a nesting territory, build a substantial nest and set about the task of feeding and raising chicks of their own.

Youth To Adult Facts
Nine pairs of bald eagles are now nesting in Massachusetts and other eagles with their roots in the Bay State are nesting in Connecticut and New York. The Massachusetts pairs have produced 75 chicks since the first successful wild nesting in 1989. Thirteen of the young eagles have come from the Barton Cove nest at Turners Falls. The future is indeed bright for our National bird, both in Massachusetts and across the continent, thanks to the cooperative efforts of public agencies and private companies to benefit the bald eagle.

All photos courtesy Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Photography by Bill Byrne, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.