BALD EAGLE INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM
We are lucky to have a pair of bald eagles that call our park their home. They have been
actively monitored since 2017, and FOLFAN has been part of that effort!
Given the popularity of the eagles, FOLFAN has broadened what started as a docent
program into an interpretive program so that we can offer educational outreach to the
public, teaching people about the eagles and helping people who want to see the eagles
make informed decisions about how best to do so in a safe and respectful manner. The
goal is to ensure the birds are not harmed or harassed, and that they continue to use
their nest and raise healthy young.
Our interpretive program includes:
Bald Eagle Guide which is an informative overview of eagle biology, behavior, and
development. The Guide can be downloaded here.
Bald Eagle Nest Camera which is operational from approximately mid-November
(during nest re-building) through July (until the fledglings leave the natal area). The
camera footage can be found on the FOLFAN YouTube Channel. Be sure to click
the “live” tab to see what’s happening in the nest in real time. Check out our saved
videos under the “video” tab to watch interesting clips that have been saved over time.
And on the “community” tab, you will find Q&As about the eagles. The nest cam has been an
invaluable tool for observation and learning!
Informational Kiosk in the general area of the nest tree. FOLFAN is working with an
interagency, inter-organization group to design to install an informational kiosk in the
parkway. This kiosk would have information about eagles and other wildlife, and about
the ecosystem of Lake Natoma and the surrounding bluffs.
Bald Eagle Docent Program which consists of two sub-components: monitoring the
eagles from the designated viewing area; and future educational programs. Docents can
be a part of the monitoring program, the education program, or both!
Monitoring
The Bureau of Reclamation, in compliance with their permit from US Fish and Wildlife
Service, has an official monitor who watches the eagles and their nest throughout the
nesting season – from nest reconstruction and courting beginning in November, to egg
laying in February, through fledglings leaving the area in July. The monitor observes the
behavior of the adults, as well as the developmental stages of the young and reports
back to the Bureau. In support of this requirement, FOLFAN has a group of Bald Eagle
Docents who provide support to the Bureau’s monitor from hatch (usually mid-March)
through the fledglings leaving the area (usually mid-July). Until the fledge, our docents
are stationed at the designated viewing area, approximately 400 feet from the nest. At
that location, spotting scopes are set up so that visitors can see the adults and young
“up close” without standing near the nest. Our docents answer questions about bald
eagles and assist with gathering observational information about the eagles throughout
the nesting season. Our docents have a brief training session before each season, with
continuing education throughout the season. But most knowledge comes from
volunteering at the viewing area and listening to our experienced docents answer
questions (and asking your own questions!). Two- to three-hour docent shifts are
typically offered three or four times a week, but there are no requirements for how
often a docent must volunteer. Docents are free to sign up for shifts as frequently as
their schedules allow. Once the fledge has occurred, and until the young leave the area,
our docents join the Bureau’s monitor in walking various trails to observe the eagles at
their favorite perches in and around the nest tree.
Education
FOLFAN plans to expand our docent program to include outreach and education,
particularly for children. With knowledgeable docents on-board, we will design coloring
books, informational booklets, and even a mobile exhibit to take to schools and
community events.
If you are interested in becoming a bald eagle docent – whether you come to the
program with existing knowledge about eagles, or you want to learn, please contact
karen@folfan.org
Visitor Center with Bald Eagle Display
FOLFAN is working with State Parks to imagine, create, and construct a Folsom Lake
State Recreation Area Welcome Center, and someday a Visitor Center, at Black Miners
Bar. The welcome center would have a significant bald eagle display with exhibits that
could include a full-size replica of an eagle nest!
If you would like to support our Bald Eagle Interpretive Program, you can do so here:
Thank you very much!!
