The bald eagle, America’s national emblem since 1782, continues to visit Warren County each year as the eagles migrate south from Canada and the Great Lakes.It’s majestic in flight with a wingspan of 5 to 8 feet. Eagles are often seen perched over the Missouri River bottomland and surrounding fields, their white head and chest shining in the winter sunshine.A nest has been sighted in Marthasville in southern Warren County, which is fairly unusual and an exciting find for bird watchers and anyone who loves the majestic bird.To protect the eagles and the landowner from trespassers, the specific location will not be detailed here.According to officials at the Missouri Conservation Department (MDC), people should not come within 330 feet of the nesting area. Disturbances around the nest can affect the success of the nest.The bald eagle is one of the most protected birds in the nation. Since 1940, when the species had almost disappeared, Congress enacted the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Bald Eagles also are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act.Penalties are steep for breaking protection laws, including killing, poaching, purchasing, bartering, transporting, importing or exporting eagles. It’s also illegal to molest or disturb the birds.In 2007, the bald eagle had returned in such numbers they were removed from the federal endangered species list. The banning of the pesticide DDT and the increased protection from landowners went a long way in protecting the species.Missouri is one of the leading states for wintering eagles with more than 3,000 visiting each year.The MDC reports there are approximately 400 nests in Missouri. Because of the recent increase in nesting sites in Missouri, the MDC needs help monitoring the sites and is enlisting volunteers to become involved in providing data to the organization.The Eagle Watch program uses “citizen science” to watch the nesting sites and catalog site activity, especially during incubation and hatching. Monitors are assigned by the MDC and are taught how to observe the eagles without disturbing the nesting territory.A monitor has been assigned to the Marthasville nest.“The number of bald eagles is increasing,” said Eagle Watch Program Coordinator Janet Haslerig. “We know there are more out there. We need more citizen scientists to help us monitor them.”Monitors are asked to volunteer at least 10 hours of their time per year. They document the type of activity happening inside the nest by particular behaviors shown by the adults.“We want to know if the population is successful,” said Haslerig. “Are they fledging? Are they surviving? Are there threats in that area?”Eagles tend to weigh around 14 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 feet. The females are larger than the males, but otherwise look identical. They are dark brown until they are 4 or 5 years old.In Missouri, eagles tend to build or repair their nests beginning in December. They lay and incubate their eggs beginning in mid-February. They tend to lay one to three eggs that hatch in about 35 days.Young eagles take up to three months before attempting their first flights, and another month to be on their own. The nest may be occupied four to five months.Bald eagles mate for life and tend to build their stick nests near water in a sycamore or cottonwood tree that is sturdy and healthy enough to hold a nest that might weigh a half of a ton. They can live up to 25 years in the wild, often returning to the same area to nest each year.Eagles will establish a territory, looking for sources of food and water, and they will defend it.The MDC said the territory tends to be circular around the nest and be approximately 1 mile in diameter. It is not as concerned about its safety as much as it is about its food.Eagles add to their nests each year, but may use a different nest on occasion, abandoning one for a while.The bald eagle nest in Warren County matches all of those criteria. It is located in a large sycamore with a water source directly below. It is high above the other trees and if you know where to look, it can be seen for a long way. It is located on private property.The MDC said eagles are good hunters, but they will take a free meal anytime, such as fresh deer kills and other carrion in the area. While they prefer fish and waterfowl, they are often seen claiming their prey in the fields, allowing a passerby to get a good look at the bird.Once the eagles begin incubating the eggs, one or both of them stay at the nest. They pluck the feathers from their chests leaving a bare spot (brood patch) according to the MDC, better to offer body heat to the eggs.Most of the time, the male delivers the food to the nest. Mama eagle tears it up and feeds it to the eaglets.If you spot the Marthasville nest or any other eagle nest, observe proper etiquette around the nesting site. If the birds are disturbed, it may have a negative impact on nest success.The MDC said that a disturbance is “activity that changes an eagle’s behavior.”In other words, if it stops what it is doing to look at you, you are disturbing it. If it resumes its activity, you are probably not bothering it. If it becomes agitated, begins vocalizing, raises its wings off the nest or leaves the nest, you are disturbing it.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends people not come any closer than 330 feet of the active nest. If you are monitoring the nest, a blind sometimes helps. If the site is near a road, your vehicle makes a great blind.If you find a nesting site and wish to be a part of the Missouri Eagle Watch Program, visit https://research.mdc.mo.gov/project/eagle-watch-program for more information or call the program coordinator at 573-522-4115, ext. 3198.

An active bald eagle nest has been spotted near Marthasville. Both mates have been seen on the nest. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, this is the second active nest reported in the county. The nest will be monitored by the Eagle Watch Program of the MDC. The nest is located on private property, not easily accessible, and should not be approached. It is recommended for the success of the nest, people should stay at least 330 feet away.

Record photo/Cindy Gladden

Bald Eagles prefer fish and waterfowl, but are happy to have a free meal. They will chase off hawks and other animals to keep the carrion to themselves. This eagle was seen on Highway O north of Marthasville. 

Record Photo/Cindy Gladden