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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Fred Dobler, Wildlife Program Manager

March 27, 2006

Wildlife Diversity Division

Bald Eagle Management– Bald eagles are confirmed to have returned to the majority of their nesting territories in District 9. The recovery of eagles represents a tremendous wildlife management success, with the eagles now occupying large amounts of their historic range, especially in Western Washington. The occupation of shoreline areas by eagles puts them at odds with both residential and industrial development proposals. Biologist Holman is currently in the midst of four proposals immediately adjacent to bald eagle nesting territories that would potentially result in the construction of several dozen homes and new Port facilities.

Bald Eagle Survey– Wildlife Biologist Woodin assisted with a survey of Bald Eagle Territories along Washington's Lower Columbia River from the mouth to Vancouver. This annual survey is done by Frank Isaacs for the Army corps Of Engineers and it gives us an opportunity to monitor local conditions around some Washington nest sites. Observers were looking for adult bald eagles tending nests. See photo to the right for an example of what they hoped to find.

Bald Eagle on nest.

Of the 48 known territories surveyed 28 had birds present on the nest in "incubating" posture. An additional 8 territories had adults perched near their nests giving a high likelihood they will soon be incubating eggs, also. The remaining 12 territories had either unrepaired nests or no nest was found.

This year's survey saw had a bit higher number of missing nests, most likely due to the several high wind storms this winter. A second survey will be flown in June to determine nesting success of these territories.

Columbian white-tailed Deer Capture– Biologist Miller reports that WDFW, ODFW, USFWS and volunteers had a very successful relocation of Columbian white-tailed deer this weekend. There were no mortalities during this project and all the deer looked really good in comparison to the 2004 effort. Our hard work and planning really paid dividends.

Region 5 is very thankful for the assistance of Scott McCorquodale, Bryan Murphie and Greg Schirato in helping direct crews at the he capture site. We moved a total of 25 deer to 3 islands in the Columbia River near Longview. We will provide details in future weekly reports with pictures of the process.