Eagle Watch Program

The Missouri Eagle Watch Program allows volunteers to contribute to “real” science by collecting information necessary for the conservation of bald eagles in the state. The Program provides volunteers the opportunity for social interaction, enjoyment of the outdoors, and increasing biological knowledge of bald eagles. The Program reflects the Missouri Department of Conservation’s goals of engaging partners at all levels to enhance natural resources and providing opportunities for active citizen involvement in conservation activities.

Objectives

The Eagle Watch Program is a standardized and comprehensive eagle nest monitoring program using citizen science to monitor trends of the bald eagle population and productivity. Program objectives are:
1) increase public awareness and education to ensure the continued recovery of the bald eagle;
2) educate volunteer participants in general eagle nesting biology, applicable laws, identification of
nest threats, and monitoring techniques;
3) locate new nests and verify and update existing nests;
4) populate and update information in the Natural Heritage Database; and
5) compile data for publication and distribution to the general public.

Official Monitors

The Program Coordinator will assign each volunteer Eagle Nest Monitor one or more eagle nest(s) to observe and report on yearly. Monitors will record activity and number of young (if any) produced and fledged. During the breeding season, Monitors are required to make a minimum of 3 visits to the nest with binoculars and/or a spotting scope, and spend approximately 30 minutes watching the nest at each visit. Volunteers must commit to approximately ten hours annually, watch a 20 minute training video, and read, sign and return Program forms.
Complimentary to the Eagle Watch Program, is the opportunity to collect critical information on active Osprey nests. This component is easily incorporated into the Program without adding a significant amount of training or time constraints.

How to Sign up?

For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at 573-522-4115, ext. 3198 or EagleWatch@mdc.mo.gov

Project Start Date: Thu, 03/01/2018