Article-Thriving Bald Eagles Putting Other Wildlife at Risk

Interesting article. What do you think about this? To read the whole thing just click on the link below the paragraph.


http://wildnewjersey.tv/2010/05/18/audubonmagazineorg-thriving-bald-eagles-may-be-putting-other-wildlife-at-risk.aspx

I suppose that there can be isolated issues of concern but from a macro perspective I see it as a non-issue. Actually, I didn't know that there was a shortage of fish (for the Bald Eagle's consumption) ---- except when the lakes and rivers are frozen over.

Nature has always been a delicate balance and will continue to be. I constantly observe Bald Eagles sitting within striking distance of thousands of unsuspecting prey but they still opt for their favorite food, the fish. The Bald Eagle is no different than any other raptor in their search for food.

That's like saying that there is a shortage of fish because the Osprey population is increasing and they only feed on live fish. I find the article without merit except in a very isolated sense. I welcome the continuing growth in the Bald Eagle population.

We need to solve the issues of pollution and invasive species such as the Zebra Mussels that are effecting our water ways and fish population. Not reduce the Bald Eagle population.

Nature is all checks & balances....unfortunately we humans screw it up a lot by interferring in it.

Doesn't seem well-researched to me either. If a Bald Eagle wants to take birds for food, it'll go for abundant ones, as they're easier to find than rare ones. Can't see anything to worry about if Bald Eagles start knocking off a few Canada Geese or Snow Geese, those both have overpopulation issues of their own.

Resin

From watching the eagle nest cams in OK it appears coots make up a large portion of their diet. I was fortunate to watch one unsuccessfully try to take a coot out of a flock last fall. The coots didn't fly, they dived. The eagle hovered, waiting for them to surface. But, before they surfaced 3 crows came along and chased the eagle away. Predator/prey balances seldom cause population crashes. Those are usually caused by man-made phenomenon that wildlife can't cope with.