A Nesting Pair Picks Digs In A Pine Tree Near Runway

Two golden eagles have chosen a pine tree near the Florida River adjacent the Durango-La Plata County Airport in Durango, CO. The large raptors (wingspans can exceed six feet) are normally a welcome site to us non-prey, ground-bound creatures, but in this case, the pair's choice of nesting sites has their human neighbors fretting.

The pine selected by the pair is near a runway that's part of an $18.6 million dollar expansion project. The work has come to a screeching (sorry, couldn't resist) halt until the duo moves on following nesting season -- that's expected sometime in June.

So what's the big deal? Under Federal law, the nesting eagles can't be moved or molested -- they are protected from human interference under the 1940 Bald Eagle Protection Act.

Airport director of aviation Ron Dent told the Associated Press, "We can't do anything until that eagle decides to up and move."

The pair's piney nest sits in the way of an extension to a parallel taxiway which now ends 1,200 feet from the end of the runway. Airport officials say the taxiway will allow more aircraft to operate from the runway by eliminating the need for a back taxi prior take off. Officials also say the finished taxiway will improve safety as taxiing increases the risk of a ground collision.

"We don't like aircraft back-taxiing down the runway," said Dent. "It's a pretty safe procedure, but there's always that potential."

What's most frustrating for officials and contractors caught waiting is that the winged pair isn't even home right now -- the nest sits empty while the eagles are out of town. It's believed they are likely farther south waiting for warmer springtime temperatures before returning to Durango... maybe.

According to assistant regional manager of the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Durango Tony Gurzick, the pair have been seen around the area since 2004, but nest site wasn't  discovered until last May.

"If they feel secure, if they feel safe from predators, if they feel like they can raise their young, they'll choose to make a nest in that location," says Gurzick.

When questioned about the relative rarity of golden eagles Gurzick said,"As far as we know, their populations are doing very well. You can find golden eagles throughout Colorado."

Now the question is will Durango residents see this pair near their airport in the spring? Those waiting contractors hope they're not doing so unnecessarily...

FMI: www.faa.org, www.fws.gov