US EPA

3184649 

Journal Article 

Bald eagle nest site selection and nesting habitat in Maryland 

Andrew, JM; Mosher, JA 

1982 

1 

Journal of Wildlife Management
ISSN: 0022-541X
EISSN: 1937-2817 

46 

2 

382 

English 

10.2307/3808650 

http://www.jstor.org/stable/3808650?origin=crossref
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Habitat at 70 bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest sites was sampled and compared with 139 random habitat plots in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland. Bald eagles selected habitats with more open vegetation near water and further from human activities relative to random habitat plots. Successful nest sites were in denser forest stands farther from water and unoccupied human structures than unsuccessful nest sites. Nesting bald eagles used a wide range of nest sites relative to human activity. Management of bald eagle nesting habitat should include an evaluation of existing habitat and a designation of critical areas. Vegetational buffer strips may be useful for reducing potentially negative effects of human activity on nesting bald eagles.