Hello and a question

Bart Hutchinson (2210E@extrusion.ih.navy.mil)
Thu, 8 Apr 1999 14:31:50 -0500


Hello Ospreyers,
   I've been reading this list for almost a year on the web, but this 
is my first post.  Thank you all for all the information that is 
spread around.  It would have taken me years to acquire the birding 
knowledge that I've picked up here in a few months, so thanks!

I've got a question about an Eagle's nest and some development 
close to it.  The nest is just across the Wilson Bridge near Oxon 
Hill, MD.  You can see it if you take the first exit in MD on 95N 
coming from Alexandria VA.  It's a massive nest in a grove of trees 
across the field that parallels the exit ramp.  

Recently (the last year or so) there has been some "construction" 
going on there.  I haven't seen any actual construction, but a dirt 
road has been cleared and the land near the water has been cleared 
and it looks like they're ready to start building.  I remember 
hearing something about developing that area with new homes or condos 
or something, and I wondered what that would do to the Eagle's 
nesting success.  

Does anyone know anything about the legality of building a 
development in close proximity to an active Eagle nest?  Should 
something be done about this?  Should some authority be notified?

By the way, I assume the nest is currently active since I saw an 
adult Bald Eagle fly up and land on it this morning.

Thanks,
Bart Hutchinson
Aleexandria, VA
2210E@extrusion.ih.navy.mil