Page 13 - Waterways - January '20

Waterways, Page 13
Northern Notes

Bald Eagles in 2017 and a little over 30 will harass a hunting osprey until the smaller raptor drops
nests in all of Palm Beach its prey in midair, where the eagle swoops it up. A bald
By Katie Roundtree, County. (Source: FWC Bald eagle may even snatch a fish directly out of an osprey’s
Finance Director, Northern Eagle Nest Locator) One talons. Fishing mammals (even people sometimes) can also
Palm Beach County of the nests is located in a lose prey to bald eagle piracy. Due to this nature, Benjamin
Improvement District preserve area within Abacoa. Franklin was not in favor of the bald eagle as our national
The bald eagle has been It was documented by our emblem. In 1784, Franklin disparaged the national bird’s
the national emblem of the staff biologist and in use up thieving tendencies and its vulnerability to harassment by
United States since 1782 until a few years ago. It is small birds. “For my own part,” he wrote, “I wish the bald
and a spiritual symbol for amazing to see one of these Bald eagle nest in Abacoa eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country.
native people for far longer large nests up close. Nests preserve – 2011 He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living
than that. These regal birds can range from about 4 feet honestly … besides he is a rank coward: The little king bird
aren’t really bald, but their in diameter and 3 feet deep to over 9 feet in diameter and 20 not bigger than a sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him
white-feathered heads gleam feet deep. Eagles have strong nest site fidelity, meaning they out of the district.” If Franklin had his way, the wild turkey
in contrast to their chocolate- return to the same nest and nesting territory each year. If they would have been our national emblem instead. He believed
brown body and wings. Look for them soaring in solitude, successfully produce young at a nest, they are likely to return that the turkey was a true native bird with lots of courage
chasing other birds for their food, or even nesting in our area. to that nest year after year. A pair might choose to build a new who would not hesitate to attack if provoked. He never
The bald eagle is a conservation success story. Today, nest in a different area if their previous nest was unproductive publicly suggested the turkey as our national emblem, but
Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald (failed to fledge eaglets) or otherwise proved unsuitable. The wrote about the choice of the bald eagle in a private letter.
eagles in the lower 48 states. While no longer listed under the FWC has not updated their map since 2017 when the eagles The story however, makes for a good conversation starter.
U.S. Endangered Species Act or the Florida Endangered and were no longer listed as endangered, so there could be newer NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
Threatened Species rules, bald eagles remain protected by both nests within our area that have not yet been documented. somewhere around your home helps lock rainwater in the
the state eagle rule and federal law. Once endangered by hunting Bald eagles are found in areas with large water bodies due ground, reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the
and pesticides, bald eagles have flourished under protection. to their diet of fish and their hunting techniques. According drains. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your garden
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the Cornell Lab, rather than do their own fishing, bald further protects and brings health to your yard and all the
(FWC) documented four nests in northern Palm Beach County eagles often go after other creatures’ catches. A bald eagle species living there.

White Truffle Dinner from page 12 C. Vecellio, Jill Wachter, and Jeffrey A. Stoops, ex officio. County home for local and regional arts organizations to
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst
The Palm Beach Wine Auction Committee members center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., in West Palm Beach. and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting
are Chairman Ted Mandes, Cochairmen Milly and Patrick To enhance the customer experience, the center is currently efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County.
Park, Vice-Chairman Lois Pope, Michael J. Bracci, Tamara undergoing a $50 million expansion project, titled Kravis The Palm Beach Wine Auction will take place on Jan. 20
Broadrick, Amos Dare, Ed Dudnyk, Susan Hurley Esson, 2020: The Future is Now. The center’s mission is to enhance at the exclusive waterfront club, 1000 NORTH in Jupiter.
Roderic R. Fink, Barbara Evans Golden, Cynthia Jean, John the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a Guests will gather to bid on amazingly rare vintages, exquisite
H. Kessler, Peter Lamelas, Cory Lipoff, Shelley Menin, diverse schedule of national and international artists and experiences and unique treasures while sampling the finest
Tommy Morrison, I. Jeffrey Pheterson, Michael Rendina, companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive cuisine and wine pairings. For additional information,
Martin Rivard, Jeffrey Sabean, Laurie S. Silvers, Jill Sloane, arts education programs – serving approximately 2.6 million please call (561) 651-4320, email pbwa@kravis.org or visit
Richard Sloane, Michael Troise, Cory Valentine , Kathryn students since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach palmbeachwineauction.org. Online bidding is available at www.
pbwa.online. For more information on the Kravis Center’s arts
education programs, please visit kravis.org/education.

Craig and Shelley Menin Jill and Mickey Silverman Laura and David Wrightson John and Dorothy DeMarco

Henni and John Kessler Madeline and Rod Fink
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Photos by CAPEHART