The last time I updated you on the rebuilding of Ed Smith Stadium, the new spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Florida State Supreme Court was preparing to hear a case about whether back room deals were brokered between local government and the ball club, without the public's knowledge. The high court ruled favorably for the local government. Construction continued --- and the stadium really started looking incredible. Then, a couple of weeks ago, news broke that two bald eagles, which are a protected species, suddenly took up residency in the right field lights. There was talk about what would happen to the construction site. The birds didn't mind the construction -- they showed up during the drilling, pounding, beeping and other loud building noises. A Florida Fish & Wildlife official said they would monitor the situation, but they weren't too concerned because the birds were a good distance from the actual construction. It was speculated if the eagles had chicks, there just wouldn't be any night games at the stadium. So, when I snapped this shot of one watching over the construction workers at sunset, I thought he looked like he was having the last laugh. Not so fast. Within two weeks, Florida Fish & Wildlife suddenly moved the eagles' two eggs to Tennessee for incubation --- and, destroyed the nest. A wildlife official was quoted as saying the birds are upset, of course, but it's in their best interest not to nest in such an urban area.
7 comments:
News items like this make me so angry.
What? I've never heard of such a thing! Grrrrr....
That is a great shot of the eagle. I don't like the circumstances though and I'm sure those poor birds are quite upset!
Trust humans to do just what they want, when they want to, especially when there's a lot of money involved. And they'll get absolution.
The photo is great though.
Nice picture but sad story. It seems early for them to have eggs already. I wonder if they'll build another nest in the same place and start all over again.
They wouldn't do that if the eagles were Orioles.
Always bet where the money points.
Wow! I've never seen an eagle. That's so cool!
Sad story about the eggs though. My mom worked at an historical restoration in NY where they got an influx of Canadian geese every year. They pooped all over the grounds. To discourage future offspring from returning, the workers didn't take the eggs, they just shook them so they'd never hatch. At least the baby eagles will have a chance. Sucks for mama and papa eagle though. :(
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