2012

Lesser-spotted eagle’s family life

JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” expert on wild birds, Uģis Bergmanis, invites everyone to watch a lesser-spotted eagle’s nest online.

According to the camera’s data, the bird’s mother could be observed near the nest already on April 15, whereas the father arrived sometime between April 19 and April 20, and an egg was laid in the nest on May 1.

Observation of eagles’ private life helps gather detailed and full information about their food spectrum during the nesting period as well as develop a database for the protection of biotopes that are part of the lesser-spotted eagle’s food chain. Extensive community involvement in monitoring the nest also contributes to the development of a positive attitude toward environmental protection and the relevant biological research studies.

Uģis Bergmanis: “The camera installed at the nest has a good sound recorder – you can hear bird voices, especially in the morning, when black grouse songs, goose and crane calls can be heard distinctively.”

95% of all lesser-spotted eagles in the world nest in Europe, of which about 20 percent – in Latvia! The lesser-spotted eagle needs a fully-grown mixed forest for nesting, not just a dry pine forest, and apparently Latvia suits the bird’s requirements the best.

JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” invites nature friends to report large bird nests they happen to find in state-run forests. Already now, rare bird and animal species, their nests and lairs, as well as biotopes important for their existence are being protected in state-owned forests managed by the company pursuant to the laws and regulations of Latvia and the European Union. In areas where protected bird species – black storks and all eagles that nest in Latvia – make their nests, felling and de-limbing activity is scaled down and restricted areas are designated.