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:
- increase public awareness and education to ensure the continued recovery of the bald eagle;
- educate volunteer participants in general eagle nesting biology, applicable laws, identification of
nest threats, and monitoring techniques; - locate new nests and verify and update existing nests;
- populate and update information in the Natural Heritage Database; and
- 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
Eagle Nest Reporting Form (PDF, 374 KB)
Form to record new bald eagle nest locations.
Published on Mar 02, 2018Eagle Watch Program Registration Form (PDF, 363 KB)
Registration form to be filled out by those wanting to participate in the Eagle Watch Program.
Published on Mar 02, 2018 -Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Data Sheet (PDF, 913 KB)
Data form to be used by volunteers working on the Missouri Eagle Watch program.
Published on Mar 02, 2018 -Federal Laws that Protect Bald Eagles (PDF, 671 KB)
An overview of the laws that grant protection to Bald Eagles.
Published on Mar 02, 2018Binocular and Spotting Scope Basics (PDF, 717 KB)
An overview of the proper calibration and use of binoculars and spotting scopes for doing bird monitoring.
Published on Mar 02, 2018Bald Eagle Nesting Ecology and Phenology (PDF, 365 KB)
A guide to the general habitat of where Bald Eagle nests are commonly found, the physical characteristics of the nests and a timing of nest activity.
Published on Mar 02, 2018Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Etiquette (PDF, 148 KB)
An overview of the current status of Bald Eagle protection and things to be aware of when observing and approaching eagles to reduce disturbance.
Published on Mar 02, 2018