Bummer find on Lake Howard in Snohomish County

[bassquatch]

Found an entangled bald eagle floating dead under a tree on Lake Howard up by Goodwin today.  Could hear the other one calling the whole time I was there, messed me up enough to leave 90 minutes after I found this.   

I hate it anytime when it's man caused and not clean and humane.  Feel sorry for the thing.  Once the hooks pinned its beak to its wing it obviously struggled and became more tangled and fell to the water.  I pulled 20-30 feet of 6lb or less mono out of the tree, cut the hooks off and let it float back under the tree. 

I tried calling WDFW but no answer, I'm emailing them next.  Not much to do and not sure how they handle dead bald eagles?  It didn't smell too bad but I didn't want to handle it and didn't have a bag or anything, also very unsure of the legalities involved? 

[Timberstalker]

That sucks. Be curious to see what WDFW says.

[Tbar]

It's a USFWS issue.  The WDFW can collect it but they only hold them for USFWS. That said, they may want documentation of cause of death (unfortunate).

[dscubame]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

[jmscon]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Tell us how you really feel

[hollymaster]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Wow

[PlateauNDN]

 

[lokidog]

They are basically just a better looking vulture that occasionally hunts for its self....    

Still a shame it had to die that way.  We've "rescued" two here with broken wings that ended up just being put down.   

[huntingfool7]

Just had one here that "died of natural causes".  WDFW will likely come out and collect it.  Possession of eagle parts and feathers is illegal.

[Jake Dogfish]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Typical animal hugger.  Seagull and Crow lover. 🙄

[pianoman9701]

Call 911 or the state police when you need WDFW LE.

[dscubame]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Wow

Target shooting ground Chuck's, sport killing coyotes, no problem but a washed up bird better call a LEO or 911?   

Pointing out there is a hierarchy we have created in the world of animals.  It is actually a thought provoking and stimulating conversation, yet for some of this crowd.

[Katmai Guy]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Wow

   But it would go for pages and give the anti's more ammo.  To bad, would be fun.

Target shooting ground Chuck's, sport killing coyotes, no problem but a washed up bird better call a LEO or 911?   

Pointing out there is a hierarchy we have created in the world of animals.  It is actually a thought provoking and stimulating conversation, yet for some of this crowd.

[pianoman9701]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

Wow

Target shooting ground Chuck's, sport killing coyotes, no problem but a washed up bird better call a LEO or 911?   

Pointing out there is a hierarchy we have created in the world of animals.  It is actually a thought provoking and stimulating conversation, yet for some of this crowd.

It's not a hierarchy. The Bald eagle was given needed protection because of its near demise in the 70s to DDT and additionally, is our national symbol. Coyotes have never been threatened, nor do we want them as our national symbol.

[dscubame]

Agree with all except I see a hierarchy and don't see how it is any other way.  The wolves were once on the endangered species list too. 

I accept your opinion differs than mine and respect that.  I am not into confrontational discussions and I suspect continuing with you will be such so respectfully I am out.

[JohnD]

If it was a coyote stuck in a bunch of fishing line and hooks, that would be a shame too.

[dscubame]

Completely agree. 

[pianoman9701]

Of course, any animal suffering or dying an agonizing death is a shame.

[pianoman9701]

Agree with all except I see a hierarchy and don't see how it is any other way.  The wolves were once on the endangered species list too. 

I accept your opinion differs than mine and respect that.  I am not into confrontational discussions and I suspect continuing with you will be such so respectfully I am out.

OK, I wasn't being confrontational and really agree with most you have to say.

[Russ McDonald]

They are dirty birds and a dime a dozen.  Yes we in the US have made them symbolic like many other creatures.  Essentially a crow that we put a emotional value on.  May as well be a seagull.

It was our government that made it our national symbol selected June 20, 1782 not the people. 

[timberfaller]

If Ben Franklin had his way,  YOU wouldn't have a Turkey Season to enjoy!!

[pianoman9701]

 

[Russ McDonald]

If Ben Franklin had his way,  YOU wouldn't have a Turkey Season to enjoy!!

Yeah I know 

[Igottanewknee]

Against the law to even pick up a feather if I'm not mistaken.....

[Pegasus]

Prolly too far gone for roasting which is too bad since they are a very tasty delicacy. A stew might still work though if the water was cold enough to age it properly...

[lokidog]

Against the law to even pick up a feather if I'm not mistaken.....

As it is for all native song birds, raptors, etc. that do not have hunting seasons.  This includes even old nests.

[pianoman9701]

Someone's looking to amp up an otherwise mundane thread. Can't wait for hunting season. 

[h20hunter]

Wha???

It's not like anyone said flag burning is indeed ok as it is a proven form of free speech. Are we now wishing to supress the right to free speech!?!?!

Personally,  I would have left the bird, called it in, and good to go.

[boneaddict]

I wouldn't have touched the thing with a ten foot pole.   That's worse than carrying around a dead human body (trouble wise).   

[pianoman9701]

It's possible that people have different opinions about raptors if they affect their livestock, fish stocks, pets, etc. I've known a few sheep farmers who may or may not have protected their lambs in less-than-palatable ways against them. I certainly love our national symbol and I haven't lost any livestock to it. Nor would I do anything to harm one. I would absolutely report if I witnessed anything done to harm one. 

[White Pass Outfitters]

Bottom line it is our National Symbol !!! I agree I wouldn't have touched it either.

[2MANY]

Flossing for Eagles should be outlawed.

I don't understand the double #4 on a 5' leader thing.

[SteelheadTed]

If Ben Franklin had his way,  YOU wouldn't have a Turkey Season to enjoy!!

He mentioned it in writing but not did advocate for this in any meaningful way.  Not that it isn't a bad idea..

[bassquatch]

As an angler that tries my best to not litter or leave derelict gear in the field or lakes I was just bummed out that it was fishing gear that took him out.  Would it have affected me the same if it was a seagull or such, yes but honestly not as bad.  I really enjoy eagles and watching them snag trout while I fish on a lake.  I enjoy all the wildlife I see while I'm out and about.

The bummer was the cause of death as well as the type of death.  That's a crappy way to go for any critter which is why I never miss an opportunity to pick up derelict gear while I'm out fishing.  I have found other birds tangled and drowned and it just sucks, from the standpoint of I wish people were either more careful or extended the effort to try and retrieve what they snap off.

Again, this bird could have grabbed the trout mid-fight and stole it from an angler, who knows.  Just a crappy way to go...wouldn't want my hands tied and thrown in a lake and I wouldn't wish it on anyone or anything else. 

[Jake Dogfish]

As an angler that tries my best to not litter or leave derelict gear in the field or lakes I was just bummed out that it was fishing gear that took him out.  Would it have affected me the same if it was a seagull or such, yes but honestly not as bad.  I really enjoy eagles and watching them snag trout while I fish on a lake.  I enjoy all the wildlife I see while I'm out and about.

The bummer was the cause of death as well as the type of death.  That's a crappy way to go for any critter which is why I never miss an opportunity to pick up derelict gear while I'm out fishing.  I have found other birds tangled and drowned and it just sucks, from the standpoint of I wish people were either more careful or extended the effort to try and retrieve what they snap off.

Again, this bird could have grabbed the trout mid-fight and stole it from an angler, who knows.  Just a crappy way to go...wouldn't want my hands tied and thrown in a lake and I wouldn't wish it on anyone or anything else.

Well said Sir.
Looks like a sockeye plunking rig from the Skagit river was the culprit.

[Machias]

Bald Eagle-DDT Myth Still Flying High

published in 2006

Pennsylvania officials just announced success with their program to re-establish the state’s bald eagle population. But it’s a shame that such welcome news is being tainted by oft-repeated myths about the great bird’s near extinction.

In its July 4 article reporting that the number of bald eagle pairs in Pennsylvania had increased from 3 in 1983 to 100 for the first time in over a century, the Associated Press reached into its file of bald eagle folklore and reported, “DDT poisoned the birds, killing some adults and making the eggs of those that survived thin. The thin eggs dramatically reduced the chances of eaglets surviving to adulthood. DDT was banned in 1972. The next year, the Endangered Species Act passed and the bald eagles began their dramatic recovery.”

While the AP acknowledged the fact that bald eagle populations “were considered a nuisance and routinely shot by hunters, farmers and fishermen” – spurring a 1940 federal law protecting bald eagles – the AP underplayed the significance of hunting and human encroachment and erroneously blamed DDT for the eagles’ near demise.

As early as 1921, the journal Ecology reported that bald eagles were threatened with extinction – 22 years before DDT production even began. According to a report in the National Museum Bulletin, the bald eagle reportedly had vanished from New England by 1937 – 10 years before widespread use of the pesticide.

But by 1960 – 20 years after the Bald Eagle Protection Act and at the peak of DDT use – the Audubon Society reported counting 25 percent more eagles than in its pre-1941 census. U.S. Forest Service studies reported an increase in nesting bald eagle productivity from 51 in 1964 to 107 in 1970, according to the 1970 Annual Report on Bald Eagle Status.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service attributed bald eagle population reductions to a “widespread loss of suitable habitat,” but noted that “illegal shooting continues to be the leading cause of direct mortality in both adult and immature bald eagles,” according to a 1978 report in the Endangered Species Tech Bulletin.

A 1984 National Wildlife Federation publication listed hunting, power line electrocution, collisions in flight and poisoning from eating ducks containing lead shot as the leading causes of eagle deaths.

In addition to these reports, numerous scientific studies and experiments vindicate DDT.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists fed large doses of DDT to captive bald eagles for 112 days and concluded that “DDT residues encountered by eagles in the environment would not adversely affect eagles or their eggs,” according to a 1966 report published in the “Transcripts of 31st North America Wildlife Conference.”

The USFWS examined every bald eagle found dead in the U.S. between 1961-1977 (266 birds) and reported no adverse effects caused by DDT or its residues.

One of the most notorious DDT “factoids” is that it thinned bird egg shells. But a 1970 study published in Pesticides Monitoring Journal reported that DDT residues in bird egg shells were not correlated with thinning. Numerous other feeding studies on caged birds indicate that DDT isn’t associated with egg shell thinning.

In the few studies claiming to implicate DDT as the cause of thinning, the birds were fed diets that were either low in calcium, included other known egg shell-thinning substances, or that contained levels of DDT far in excess of levels that would be found in the environment – and even then, the massive doses produced much less thinning than what had been found in egg shells in the wild.

So what causes thin bird egg shells? The potential culprits are many. Some that have been reported in the scientific literature include: oil; lead; mercury; stress from noise, fear, excitement or disease; age; bird size (larger birds produce thicker shells); dehydration; temperature; decreased light; human and predator intrusion; restraint and nutrient deficiencies.

Most of this evidence was available to the Environmental Protection Agency administrative judge who presided over the 1971-1972 hearings about whether DDT should be banned. No doubt it’s why he ruled that, “The use of DDT under the regulations involved here does not have a deleterious effect on freshwater fish, estuarine organisms, wild birds or other wildlife.”

Yet it’s the myths, not the facts that endure. Why? The answer is endless repetition. The environmentalists who wanted DDT banned have constantly repeated the myths over the last 40 years, while most of DDT’s defenders lost interest after the miracle chemical was summarily banned in 1972 by EPA administrator William Ruckleshaus.

Why was banning DDT so important to environmentalists?

Charles Wurster, a senior scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund – the activist group that led the charge against DDT – told the Seattle Times (Oct. 5, 1969) that, “If the environmentalists win on DDT, they will achieve a level of authority they have never had before. In a sense, much more is at stake than DDT.”

Banning DDT wasn’t about birds. It was about power. The sooner the record on DDT is set straight, the sooner the environmentalists’ ill-gotten “authority” will be seen for what it is.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/07/06/bald-eagle-ddt-myth-still-flying-high.html

[pianoman9701]

Very interesting, Fred. I did not know that about DDT.

[Machias]

Very interesting, Fred. I did not know that about DDT.

Even more shocking:

http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1259

[Jake Dogfish]

DDT and PCBs.  Tasty! 

[Pegasus]

Very interesting, Fred. I did not know that about DDT.

Even more shocking:

http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1259

Yup. Amazing how twisted things can get. Heck it wasn't too long ago that everyone would shoot birds of prey on sight along with coyotes, wolves, foxes, bobcats, cougars to save our prey; the deer elk, grouse, ducks, etc.

[huntnut26]

Notify the WDFW, they will turn it over to the tribal members to use for ceremonial purposes. Hopefully you don't get too much flack from them for picking it up and trying to do what's right.  If you ever run into this again, leave it and call WDFW because it is a federal offense to even possess a feather of a hawk, eagle or any protected bird.

[Igottanewknee]

Against the law to even pick up a feather if I'm not mistaken.....

I only said this so no one gets in trouble... I work out at JBLM and found an eagle feather in a barracks room that someone had already cleared out of.... told the barracks manager and it disappeared the next day... and no one got in trouble...

[JohnD]

Very interesting, Fred. I did not know that about DDT.

Even more shocking:

http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1259

Very interesting, I always thought that DDT was the culprit for killing off eagles because of thin eggs and never imagined how it could have helped with malaria.
Fake news and bad politics has been around a long time I guess... so sad.