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The Maine Golden Eagle Study is spreading its wings thanks to community scientists like you!
Before the Maine Golden Eagle Study began in January 2024, not much was known about golden eagles in Maine. Golden eagles are rare, elusive birds and baited trail cameras are the best way to find them. With the help of community scientists and other conservation partners, the Maine Golden Eagle Study is gaining momentum. Together, we are now well on our way to finding out where golden eagles are and how we can help them thrive in Maine and across their range!
Photo by Dave Brandes
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In 2024, community scientists and other conservation partners submitted photos to the Maine Golden Eagle Study from 45 camera trap sites. Of those, 13 trail cameras documented golden eagle activity!
In the decade prior to the study, golden eagles had been documented in 31 Maine townships. Since the study got underway in January 2024, observations have been recorded in 20 townships. Golden eagles were observed for the very first time in 11 townships.
Proving just how effective baited camera cameras are compared to other methods of golden eagle detection, 95 of the 99 observations days in 2024 were captured via baited trail cameras.
Detecting golden eagles across Maine is an exciting first step in the Maine Golden Eagle Study but we aren't going to stop there! The most frequently visited site in 2024 recorded golden eagle presence for 26 days. Reliable sites like this could provide the unique opportunity equip golden eagles with tracking devices so we can learn not just where they are, but where they go using radio telemetry!
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Learning about Maine's wildlife often requires a great deal of patience and luck! Don't worry if you haven't observed any golden eagles yet. The first year of the study was a great success, and you could still be the next community scientist to add a golden to the map! With the winter camera trapping season fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. Here are a few ways you can increase your chances of documenting golden eagles:
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 If you'd like to participate but don't want to do it alone, now is a good time to build a team that can help coordinate the establishment and maintenance of a baited trail camera site this winter. Share the link to the Maine Golden Eagle Study webpage, print and post the study flier, or reach out to potential community partners such as fish and game clubs, local land trusts, or schools.
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 If you are interested in participating without committing to following the full study protocol, you can always submit individual photo observations through the Maine Birds Facebook group, Maine eBird, or directly to the MDIFW raptor biologist at [email protected]. Use our identification guide to hone your eagle identification skills.
Photo by Dave Brandes
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