A Nesting Pair Picks Digs In A Pine Tree Near Runway
Two golden eagles have chosen a pine tree near the Florida River
adjacent the Durango-La Plata County Airport in Durango, CO. The
large raptors (wingspans can exceed six feet) are normally a
welcome site to us non-prey, ground-bound creatures, but in this
case, the pair's choice of nesting sites has their human neighbors
fretting.
The pine selected by the pair is near a runway that's part of an
$18.6 million dollar expansion project. The work has come to a
screeching (sorry, couldn't resist) halt until the duo moves on
following nesting season -- that's expected sometime in June.
So what's the big deal? Under Federal law, the nesting eagles
can't be moved or molested -- they are protected from human
interference under the 1940 Bald Eagle Protection Act.
Airport director of aviation Ron Dent told the Associated Press,
"We can't do anything until that eagle decides to up and move."
The pair's piney nest sits in the way of an extension to a
parallel taxiway which now ends 1,200 feet from the end of the
runway. Airport officials say the taxiway will allow more aircraft
to operate from the runway by eliminating the need for a back taxi
prior take off. Officials also say the finished taxiway will
improve safety as taxiing increases the risk of a ground
collision.
"We don't like aircraft back-taxiing down the runway," said
Dent. "It's a pretty safe procedure, but there's always that
potential."
What's most frustrating for officials and contractors caught
waiting is that the winged pair isn't even home right now -- the
nest sits empty while the eagles are out of town. It's believed
they are likely farther south waiting for warmer springtime
temperatures before returning to Durango... maybe.
According to assistant regional manager of the Colorado Division
of Wildlife in Durango Tony Gurzick, the pair have been seen around
the area since 2004, but nest site wasn't discovered
until last May.
"If they feel secure, if they feel safe from predators, if they
feel like they can raise their young, they'll choose to make a nest
in that location," says Gurzick.
When questioned about the relative rarity of golden eagles
Gurzick said,"As far as we know, their populations are doing very
well. You can find golden eagles throughout Colorado."
Now the question is will Durango residents see this pair near
their airport in the spring? Those waiting contractors hope they're
not doing so unnecessarily...