Young eaglet raised at Medicine Lake
Most years, the arrival of spring in Jasper is accompanied by the arrival of pairs of bald eagles intent on nesting at the north end of Medicine Lake, and near the shore of Lake Annette. In the past, eagles have nested at both of these locations then later abandoned their unsuccessful nests.
Because eagles can be very sensitive to human presence near the nest, Parks Canada implements annual area closures around both nests, to help the eagles to raising their young so that this annual event persists into the future. If the nest successfully produces an eaglet, the closures are lifted once young eaglets are able to fly.
Life for the young eaglets is not always easy, and most nests in most years are not successful. This year, that was the unfortunate outcome at Lake Annette, however the Medicine Lake pair did successfully produce an eaglet. The young eagle has begun to spread its wings so Parks Canada has now lifted the area closure.
What you can count on every year are good opportunities to observe the nest from a respectful distance, giving the eagles the space they need. The Medicine Lake nest is approximately 300 metres from the north viewpoint at Medicine Lake; bring your binoculars or your spotting scope and the view point is an excellent location for seeing how the eagles are doing.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
