HRA February Chapter Meeting

Event Description

"EagleWatch"

Based at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Audubon EagleWatch seeks information about Bald Eagles, active nest locations, and possible disturbances or threats to nesting activities. As one of the premier community science programs in Florida, EagleWatch works to protect approximately 40% of the state's nesting pairs.

Nearly brought to extinction by hunting in the late 1800s and later by the use of DDT in the 1950s, the Bald Eagle has made a comeback. Thanks to the Bald Eagle Act issued in 1940 and the banning of DDT in the mid 1970s, more people can enjoy this majestic bird. Florida has one of the highest density of breeding Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states, only surpassed by Minnesota and Alaska.

The EagleWatch program provides valuable information on nesting activity and current population trends of eagles in Florida. Volunteers spend time monitoring one or more eagle nests in a vicinity. These observations help eagle biologists determine the best conservation measures to ensure the success of the species. Additionally, the reports may be used by law enforcement agencies to prevent any harm to the birds and their nesting sites.

The Audubon EagleWatch Program has over 400 dedicated volunteers currently monitoring more than 700 eagle nests in Florida. Today the program reaches many communities statewide, providing awareness of eagle nesting activities and conservation efforts for this iconic species.

Shawnlei Breeding is the Audubon EagleWatch Program Manager and our presenter this month. Shawnlei began her career as an administrator before switching gears to pursue her dream of working with animals. She came to Audubon from Disney’s Animal Kingdom where she was a Bird Keeper at their Avian Research Center. She has a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma and a M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida.

Her background led to multiple experiences, including organizing wintering shorebird surveys, mapping sea turtle nest data and maintaining strategic partnerships with local, regional and national conservation organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, listening to live music and spending time with her husband, Steve, and their two rescue cats.

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