No, golden eagles are not native to Englewood, Florida, and are not known to inhabit the Cedar Point Environmental Park or any of the beaches in the area. However, there have been sightings of bald eagles in Englewood, including a pair that built a nest in a golf course in March 2024.
Habitat and Distribution of Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are found in western North America, including Alaska, Canada, and Mexico, and in the western United States, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Pacific Coast. They prefer open habitats such as mountains, deserts, and grasslands, and are known to soar at high altitudes.
Bald Eagles in Englewood
Image source: Golden Eagle by Atillak
In contrast, bald eagles are found throughout North America, including in Florida, and prefer habitats near water, such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are smaller than golden eagles, with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and a body length of up to 3 feet. Bald eagles feed mainly on fish, but also on birds, mammals, and carrion. They are known for their distinctive white heads and tails, which are visible only in adults.
Sightings of Bald Eagles in Englewood
According to reports, a pair of bald eagles built a nest in a golf course in Englewood, Florida, in March 2024. This is not the first time bald eagles have been spotted in the area. The Cedar Point Environmental Park, located in Englewood, is a popular destination for birdwatchers, and the park’s website mentions the possibility of seeing bald eagles.
Protection of Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Regulations suggest a quarter-mile barrier around nests where there is no human activity allowed to give the best possible chance to these eagles to reproduce.
Importance of Environmental Preservation
The presence of bald eagles in Englewood is an important indicator of the area’s environmental health. These majestic birds are sensitive to habitat degradation and pollution, and their presence suggests that the local ecosystem is thriving. Preserving and protecting the natural habitats of these birds is crucial for maintaining the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.
Conclusion
In summary, while golden eagles are not found in Englewood, Florida, bald eagles have been spotted in the area, including a pair that built a nest in a local golf course. Bald eagles are protected under federal law, and their presence is an important indicator of the area’s environmental health. Preserving and protecting the natural habitats of these birds is crucial for maintaining the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.
References:
– Cedar Point Environmental Park – All You Need to Know … – Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34206-d3825668-Reviews-Cedar_Point_Environmental_Park-Englewood_Florida.html
– Englewood Three Ways | Visit Sarasota County. (2020, March 27). Retrieved from https://www.visitsarasota.com/blog/englewood-three-ways
– Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: 5 Dream Beaches and Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.visittheusa.com/experience/punta-gorda-englewood-beaches-islands
– State Line Hawk Watch | Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.njpalisades.org/hawkwatch.html
– Pair of Bald Eagles Nesting in Englewood Golf Course | Westword. (2024, March 21). Retrieved from https://www.westword.com/news/pair-of-bald-eagles-nesting-in-englewood-golf-course-20058326
– Golden Eagle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/es/goldenEagle.php
– Bald Eagle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/northeast/bald-eagle/facts.html
