Golden Eagle Monitoring and Nest Site Surveys Using Satellite Transmitters

Conducting work to accomplish two purposes. The first is to expand aerial searches for golden eagle nests in Region 2 and possibly in some adjoining states. A thorough nest inventory is needed to help protect breeding pairs from disturbance and prevent loss of breeding territories due to prolonged disturbance, direct nest destruction, illegal take of individual eagles or eagle eggs, or land use conversion. However, major gaps remain in knowledge of nesting distribution of golden eagles in the Southwest and some adjoining states. est site locations can be pooled to more accurately depict spatial distribution of breeding pairs and help delineate eagle breeding populations. Characteristics of nest sites can be fed into models to predict potential nesting habitat. Nests also must be pinpointed, and their status documented (current use for breeding, and stage of nesting), to support the second purpose of this work. The second purpose is to deploy satellite telemetry transmitters (also known as PTTs) on golden eagles in Region 2 to address the following information needs for managing the population: (1) age-specific survival rates; (2) relative importance of various causes of mortality; (3) natal dispersal distance and behavior; (4) seasonal movement and inter-population mixing; (5) seasonal resource selection; (6) identify areas of high importance to the species, e.g., winter concentrations; and (7) behavior and movement of unsuccessful territorial adults and floaters. This information is critical for demographic analyses to determine levels of take of golden eagles, through permit from the Service, that can be sustained by the population; determine population management unit boundaries; select most appropriate management actions to reduce unauthorized take; and prioritize geographic areas and habitat types for conservation actions.