Animal News
Bald eagle couple near Dallas' White Rock Lake has spawned 2 baby eaglets
Bald eagles have returned to Dallas.
The famous bald eagles of White Rock Lake are in a family way: According to a release, two new baby eaglets have been confirmed in the nest at Lake Highlands Park by Brett Johnson, conservation manager with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department
“We are excited the bald eagles have two new members,” says Johnson, who's been keeping an eye on the eagles’ nesting behaviors since early March.
Bald eagles have been spotted near the lake since at least 2019, and returned to make a nest in the area in 2022 in a busy and highly visible area off Buckner Boulevard, which is relatively rare.
It provoked such a hubbub, with onlookers and cellphone-wielding intruders gathering in the location, that city and wildlife officials were forced to intervene to protect the birds and their nest.
Another intervention is now underway thanks to Dallas Park and Recreation — together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – who are coordinating a similar effort.
“The USFWS is glad to see the eagles have returned and have at least one eaglet observed in the nest,” says Omar Bocanegro with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We continue to coordinate with the City of Dallas to assist to ensure the nest is undisturbed.”
To help prevent unintentional disturbance of the eagle family, Dallas Park and Recreation urges park visitors to adhere to all park regulations and restrictions, staying at least 300 feet away from the eagles.
An orange fence has been installed around the nesting area, and park officials urge eagle watchers not to cross the fence. Dogs have been observed to disturb the eagle family, so owners are asked to keep them on a leash. Spectators are urged to keep noise levels low near the nesting area.
In addition, the department has limited certain recreational activities near the nesting area at Lake Highlands Park. These limitations include
- erecting a fence near the nesting area
- monitoring restricted park areas
- postponing construction activities and athletic tournaments.
After nearly disappearing decades ago from most of the United States, the bald eagle population is now flourishing across the nation.
Disruption of their natural activities is prohibited and a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. A violation can result in a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both.
