Helicopter Seen Flying Low Over Bald Eagle Nesting Areas

A helicopter has reportedly been "buzzing" an area along the Delaware River were American bald eagles are thought to be nesting with fledgling birds, and local, state, and federal officials are asking for help from the public in getting the N-number from the aircraft.

The flights have been occurring over Burlington Island, which lies between Burlington, NJ, and Bristol, PA. Burlington Island's Board of Island Managers said they are concerned that flights are intended to scare the birds off their nests, and no one has come forward with any other explanation, according to a report in the Bucks Local News online.

Larry Hajna, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said he hopes someone from the public will see one of the flights and provide a description of the aircraft and a tail number, which the FAA says is the only way to positively identify the aircraft and the pilot. One FAA spokesman who requested anonymity said that it is possible that the pilot is taking photographs of the island, and may not be purposely trying to scare the eagles. He said the pilot may not be violating any laws unless the flights pose some danger to the surrounding area

But Burlington's director of public affairs said that the city has not been notified of any helicopter flights planned over the island.

Hajna said that anyone who has any information about the flights should call the DEP at 1-877-WARNED.

FMI: www.state.nj.us/dep