Lincoln The Bald Eagle Stole the Super Bowl: Now, Let’s Save His Central Texas Cousins

Everyone is talking about Lincoln, the Bald Eagle in the Anheuser Busch Superbowl commercial. But did you know we have Bald Eagles in central Texas, and YOU can help in a new study that works to protect them?

Bald Eagle Nesting Season

In a post on its Facebook page, Texas Parks and Wildlife announced the beginning of Bald Eagle nesting season. In an effort to learn more about the National Bird of America and its recovery and breeding success, central Texans are being asked to help monitor any nesting activity they may encounter.

Where Do Bald Eagles Hang Out?

I’ve lived in Texas for over twenty years, and I have only seen a Bald Eagle twice near my house. I live less than a mile from a lake that is surrounded by woods, so I assume these birds live near the lake. You can find these awesome birds in bayous, lakes, coastal areas...anywhere near water since these guys love fish and other animals that can be found in or near water.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Bald Eagle Tracker

Texas Parks and Wildlife is teaming up with Texas Nature Trackers (a Texas Parks and Wildlife program) to gather research on the location and status of Bald Eagle nests across Texas.

Eagles on the Rebound

My husband grew up in central Texas, and he often expresses amazement at the amount of hawks and eagles now living near our home. He said when he was young, he never saw these birds. The reason is DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), an insecticide widely used beginning the 1940s but banned in the US in 1972 due to environmental damage and health concerns. The insecticide led to thin eggshells in birds, decreasing the number of birds that survived into adulthood.

Remaining Danger

Many eagles (and other birds) are now dying due to lead poisoning. Because they are carnivores, Bald Eagles eat fish, ducks, roadkill, etc which can all contain lead via lead fishing tackle or shotgun pellets.

What Central Texans Can Do

Texas Parks and Wildlife would love it if you could watch a nest during breeding season and report what you have seen in a weekly check-in. If you have photos, send them to TPW as well.

Don’t Mess with the Nest

Now, if you decide to keep an eye on the Bald Eagles in your area, TPW officials say you should do so from a safe distance. Be careful not trespass on private property and don’t mess with the nest. Just take some pics and record the coordinates of where the birds are nesting. TPW will do the rest! All the information collected will be added to the Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD), which supports environmental reviews and conservation planning efforts in Texas. Submit your info HERE.