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Steller's eagles fitted with wing tags and colour rings
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Since 1991, Natural Research biologists, in cooperation with Russian and Japanese scientists, have studied Steller's Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) in the Far East. Since 1994, in close cooperation with the Magadan Zapovednik (Strict nature reserve) large-scale surveys and monitoring have been undertaken as well as satellite radio tracking and individual marking. These studies have helped conservation efforts on the breeding grounds and wintering areas where poisoning from ingestion of lead from firearms is a problem. In 2005 NR funded a pilot study during the early spring. It is thought that this time may be most important in determining whether Steller's eagles breed because it is when they return from wintering grounds to breeding areas that are still in the grip of the Russian winter and prey availability may be low.
Beginning in 2006 we have partnered with San Diego Zoo to conduct more research. We are currently tracking juvenile Steller's sea eagles via satellite. These satellite radio tags should provide data for up to 4 years, and will give us further insight into the ecology of long-lived delayed maturity raptors in the years prior to breeding. The young eagles started moving from their natal areas in early October. Click here to see an updated map and more details about this research.
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The team: (Left) Dr. Irina Utekhina, Magadan Zapovednik, (Right) Drs. Eugene Potapov and Mike McGrady, Natural Research. |
Copyright: Eagle photo M. McGrady, People photos E. Potapov
For further information please contact mike.mcgrady@natural-research.org
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