2 American Bald Eagles Nesting In Shelby Township Park

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — Two American Bald Eagles were recently spotted nesting at Holland Ponds Park in the township, according to township officials.

Two local nature photographers spotted the two eagles and local officials believe, based on their activities and behaviors, that they are nesting and readying to rear juvenile eagles, also called eaglets.

"Wildlife photographer and bald eagle observer Joan Bonin reported that the eagles have been seen sitting low in the nest, appearing to roll egg(s) and change guard, a sign they are incubating eggs," Elizabeth "Lizzy" Shultz said.

Shultz said typically, one-to-three eggs can be laid as early as January, and can take about five weeks to hatch.

The chicks then learn to fly at about 3 months old and look nothing like adults. The juveniles are solid brown with mottled white areas underneath their wings. They do not gain their iconic white head and tail until they are about 5-years-old, Shultz said.

If the rearing is successful, officials said the eagles will remain monogamous to each other and come back to the same nest every year.

The nest, or eyrie, starts at about 5 feet wide, and as the pair adds to it each year, nests can reach 9 feet in width and weigh as much as a car.

"It’s imperative that we all work together to protect our new eagles," Schultz said. "This means following federal guidelines for viewing in a way that won’t disturb them. Visitors must stay more than 330 feet from the nest, and drones are prohibited within 1,000 feet of the nest."

If the eagles feel too stresses, they could abandon their nest and their young, Shultz said.

"Improper disposal of fishing lines and lead-based lures are also dangerous for wildlife, especially bald eagles who can get lead poisoning from the fish they eat or trapped in old fishing lines while hunting," Shultz said.

Shultz and Bonin are planning to lead a free guided hike so that residents and visitors can safely view the eagles on Saturday, April 8, from 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

"As a patriotic American, it is exciting to know we have a pair of bald eagles nesting in one of our parks," Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said. "First, however, I urge everyone to follow Ms. Schultz’s guidelines to ensure the eagles have every opportunity to thrive and raise a family in our beautiful community."

If you want to participate in the hike, you should meet at Holland Ponds at 50385 Ryan Road at 2 p.m. on April 8. Officials said to dress appropriately for the weather and wear proper footwear.

The park is open from dawn to dusk or 8 p.m., whichever comes first.

Staff from the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center will have a limited supply of binoculars to share, so it is advised you bring them if you have them.

"This is truly a success story considering both the park location and the species involved," Schultz said. "The area now known as Holland Ponds was deemed a superfund site by the EPA due to contamination by hazardous waste from the adjacent former G&H landfill company. Around this time, the bald eagle nearly went extinct because of human persecution and DDT poisoning. In 1961, Michigan had only 52 active bald eagle nests. All of that has changed thanks to federal, state, and local conservation and habitat restoration initiatives."

Any regarding the eagles, or how to best to view them, can be directed to the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center at 586-323-2478 during business hours, or by email at naturecenter@shelbytwp.org.