Myles Lamont, assisting the Hancock Wildlife Foundation) in a French Creek tree creating a new nest for eagles being displaced in the area.

By Spencer Sterritt

new home

French Creek eagles saved with first-of-its-kind artificial nest

Sep 8, 2020 | 5:27 AM

FRENCH CREEK — An artificial nest ensures eagles being displaced in French Creek still have a place to call home.

David Hancock and his team with the Hancock Wildlife Foundation, joined by the Save French Creek Estuary Land Society, on Sunday, Sept. 6 created a new artificial nest for eagles currently near the French Creek Marina.

Hancock said re-homing the eagles from their home in land being developed into the ecologically-rich estuary near Columbia Beach will ensure the birds have a healthy, happy life.

“We built the nest in the very tree these eagles used to nest in,” Hancock told NaniamoNewsNOW. “I’m very optimistic, to date we’ve had a 100 per cent success rate.”

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A nest in the new tree was blown away in recent years and wasn’t structurally sound. Hancock said the new nest could last up to 40 years.

“What we’re doing is creating a foundation layer of nice big cedar limbs we’re taking up the tree. On top of that we’ll take smaller and smaller cedar branches, then line the top with cottonwood and alder which will purposefully break down to hold the moisture.”

Research in the last year by the Society showed a pair of eaglets were being raised in the old nest. Their new home will offer more space to be cared for by their parents.

A camera is installed in the nest to provide an intimate view of the eagles for researchers and interested community members.

Hancock said the cameras give a rarely-seen glimpse of eagle life.

“It gives us an intimate view between the big and dominant female eagle and the smaller, subservient male and their relationship with their kids. These great predatory birds can be quite delicate when bringing into life these little chicks.”

Hancock said the efforts to create a new nest and provide a home for the eagles was a wonderful community event and should be a point of pride for those involved.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt