By Journal Inquirer Staff
WINDSOR LOCKS — The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Ahlstrom Nonwovens LLC have announced that the southern end of the popular Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail will remain closed until July 1 to protect a pair of nesting bald eagles.
“Although bald eagle numbers are increasing in the state, the birds are still a state threatened species,” said DEP Commissioner Dan Esty. “Disturbance can cause the adult eagles to abandon their nest, causing the eggs or chicks to die.”
Once in decline due to the effects of pesticides, nesting bald eagles returned to Connecticut in 1993, after an absence of almost 50 years. Twenty-two bald eagle pairs were documented in the state in 2010, and 18 of those pairs made nests. Six of the 18 nests failed, and the 12 successful bald eagle pairs fledged 23 chicks.
The DEP Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail is formed from a historic towpath built to bypass the Enfield rapids in the Connecticut River. The rapids provide a shallow area that is perfect for bald eagles to find their preferred food of fish.
The DEP and Ahlstrom will keep the trail closed only until the young eagles have reached flying stage, which is expected to be July 1. If the nest fails or the young can fly before July 1, the trail will be opened earlier.
“Although bald eagle numbers are increasing in the state, the birds are still a state threatened species,” said DEP Commissioner Dan Esty. “Disturbance can cause the adult eagles to abandon their nest, causing the eggs or chicks to die.”
Once in decline due to the effects of pesticides, nesting bald eagles returned to Connecticut in 1993, after an absence of almost 50 years. Twenty-two bald eagle pairs were documented in the state in 2010, and 18 of those pairs made nests. Six of the 18 nests failed, and the 12 successful bald eagle pairs fledged 23 chicks.
The DEP Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail is formed from a historic towpath built to bypass the Enfield rapids in the Connecticut River. The rapids provide a shallow area that is perfect for bald eagles to find their preferred food of fish.
The DEP and Ahlstrom will keep the trail closed only until the young eagles have reached flying stage, which is expected to be July 1. If the nest fails or the young can fly before July 1, the trail will be opened earlier.
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