AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Behavioral Responses of Wintering Bald Eagles to Human Activity

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1978
Authors:Stalmaster, MV, NEWMAN, JAMESR
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:42
Issue:3
Date Published:1978
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Accipitridae, Haliaeetus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Abstract:The effects of human activity on wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were studied in Washington for 2 yr. Tolerance to disturbance was determined by analyzing eagle distribution in relation to human activity and by measuring flight distances of eagles from simulated human disturbances. Human activity was found to affect eagle distribution and behavior adversely. Distribution patterns were significantly (P < 0.001) changed, resulting in displacement of eagles to areas of lower human activity. Older birds were more sensitive (P < 0.001) to disturbances. Flight distances were highest for simulated disturbances in water and on gravel bars, intermediate on land, and shortest under a vegetation canopy. Habituation to normal activities seemed to occur. Reduced human interferences, creation of vegetation buffer zones, and establishment of activity restriction zones are recommended for wintering grounds.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3800811
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith