Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3) – Protecting and Rescuing Our Sacred National Bird, One Eagle at a Time

Have you ever seen a bald eagle in the wild? Perched at the top of a giant old-growth tree spying the river below. Silently waiting for the perfect opportunity to glide down close to the water’s edge to snag a fish out of an Osprey’s talons. The eagle returns to its nest or aeries high up in the trees to feed eaglets—just weeks from hatching. 

It’s a breathtaking sight to behold. A dream for many. Unattainable by most.

It is quite possible since many people have never seen an eagle, more specifically a bald eagle, their care or concern for this magnificent creature is non-existent. 

Although eagles have been our national symbol since 1782, they’ve suffered at the hands of humans for decades. Habitat destruction, poisoning of their food source, and illegal shooting are significant sources of their demise. 

After years of a declining population and on the verge of extinction, the federal government declared the bald eagle endangered. Placing them under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. 

The Mission of Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3)

Our mission is to protect bald eagles here in Point Roberts, one of the greatest eagle habitats in the United States. Because of Point Robert’s isolated location separate from the U.S. mainland, State and Federal wildlife agencies do not have the resources or ability to help our eagles in any way. 

To help our eagles, we have educational and monitoring programs to teach the residents when eagles are in trouble and effectively how to take action to ensure their transport to a Raptor Rehabilitation Center. We also provide this service for hawks and owls. Our educational videos seen worldwide offer a benefit to raptors everywhere. 

We are trained in capturing injured wild raptors who would not survive if we didn’t step in and help.

Education is KEY!

We strive at Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3), to educate people about bald eagles and their needs. Here are some basic eagle facts to get you started on your journey of learning about the majestic bald eagle. 

Are bald eagles endangered?

A common question people have is, are bald eagles endangered? There is not a simple answer to this question. The federal government removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list in 2007 as they saw an increase in mating pairs across the lower 48 states. But currently, with protections removed, eagles experience their nesting habitats destroyed, and people disturb them without any recourse to stop it. For instance, a considerable threat to their safety is firework shows. 

Most significantly, eagles have reached their carrying capacity. In other words, all good suitable nesting habitat is occupied, so eagles are now fighting over nests. Or they are nesting in risky trees, wrong locations, have poor access to food sources, and are exposed to humans. 

On top of that, climate change decreased 70% of their current nesting range, forcing the eagles to find new nesting locations.

Rarely is there an easy answer when it comes to the bald eagle’s plight.

What is a bald eagle’s size?

Hanging out at the top of the food chain, eagles are some of the largest birds on the planet. They are recognized by their strong and muscular legs, bright yellow hooked beaks, and mighty talons. Adult males are approximately 36 inches long with a 6.5-foot wingspan. And weighing in at 10 pounds. Females are notoriously bigger, weighing around 14 pounds and measuring 44 inches long with an 8-foot wingspan. 

Where do bald eagles live?

The bald eagle’s territory ranges from the Mexico border to the United States and Canada. The largest populations are in Alaska and Canada, and there are also sizable populations in the Great Lakes states, the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and the Greater Yellowstone area.

Bald eagles favor living near estuaries, large bodies of water, and coastlines. Residing in tall, isolated trees allows them to scan their surrounding terrain. In regions with no trees, they build their nests along cliffs or on the ground. 

Do bald eagles mate for life?

Eagles do take on mates, and they can last for their lifetime. But also, there can be territory challenges where a female or male challenges the resident eagle—defeating it in battle and taking over the nest. These challenges are a small percentage of nesting territories, but these disputes are now seen more often with no new nesting habitats.

The bald eagle’s pre-mating ritual is often lost in a popular myth on the internet and completely false. Eagles locking talons is a behavior of a territory fight, not a mating ritual. Juvenile eagles will play fight and engage in “taloning,” or sometimes adults will engage their fledglings to teach them how to talon. The bald eagles mating ritual involves high-speed dives and turns. The eagle pair shadows each other in battle and stays within 1 foot as they perform their aerial prowess. This pre-mating behavior is called “Roller Coaster,” as they appear on rails as they fly in unison.

What is a bald eagle’s lifespan?

Bald eagles in the wild usually live approximately 15 to 30 years. However, ones in captivity live quite a bit longer. 

How strong are bald eagle’s talons?

The eagle’s talon has approximately 400 pounds per square inch crushing capacity. With three claws in the front of the foot facing towards the back. And the hallux, or one large talon in the back facing the front and giving them the ability to kill prey much more significant than their size. 

What is a bald eagle’s diet?

Eagles primarily eat what is in the water or on the water, and their diet is about 70% fish and 30% waterfowl. They are also opportunistic feeders and might come across small mammals, chickens, cats, very small dogs, but those are rare. 

Eagles don’t eat garbage, as some might suggest. They sit at landfills and watch the seagulls and crows pick through the waste. When they find a big piece of protein, like chicken, beef, etc., which is too big for the gulls or crows to eat, the eagle will swoop in and take the morsel.

They need ½ pound to 1 pound of food a day on average. They can store food in a crop or pouch area, allowing them to survive without finding food daily. 

Habitat Awareness is Essential

Protecting eagle habitat is the primary goal of Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3), and other eagle organizations around the country. It is essential to educate the community not to disturb an eagle habitat or nesting area. People must learn to keep a safe distance from the eagle’s nest and roosting sites and give them the space they need to feel safe.

If you notice an eagle disturbance in your area, contact an eagle rescue organization ASAP. Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3), is fortunate to work with OWL (Orphaned Wildlife). Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured raptures in Canada and parts of the US. Like many other rescue organizations, they have a 24-hour hotline and encourage anyone who finds an injured raptor to call immediately. Be sure to research in your area for a raptor rehabilitation center, so you are prepared if you come across an injured rapture.

Your Donations Allow Us to Help More Eagles

We need your help to bring awareness to the plight of the eagle. To educate society on the eagle’s habitat and dietary needs. To create sanctuaries where they can retreat for peace and safety. And finally, rescue injured bald eagles and support recovery and release efforts. 

We depend totally on volunteers and fundraising efforts to do all the work and pay for all costs associated with our operations.

Eagle Skyenet, Non-Profit 501(c)(3), offers YOU an opportunity to work towards a sustainable future. Join us in caring about the future of the sovereign bald eagle. 

With increased awareness, dollars, and support, you can help us care for our nation’s bird – our national symbol of freedom.

Because It takes all of us banding together to effect change.

Not only is 100% of your donation tax-deductible, but it also goes DIRECTLY to creating awareness, fighting for their protection, and rehabilitating injured Bald Eagles to return to the wild. 

Follow along with us as we continue to share insight into the life of the Bald Eagle. With videos, pictures, and stories of these distinguished birds. 

Won’t you partner with us today? Donate now!

Be on the lookout for our newest project. Spirit Wing Studios, offering prints and digital downloads of bald eagles in the wild. Authentic and original works of art created by the founder of Eagle Skyenet, Jeffrey Butts.

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