Little eagles losing their home
THE little eagle is classed as an uncommon resident species in the Geelong region, but that may need to be revised as it comes under pressure from habitat loss.
It is a bird of open farmland and native woodland areas across the district, but a continued loss of big old trees in which to nest is a major cause for concern.
Now, following pressure from raptor expert David Whelan and other ornithologists, the little eagle has been classed officially as a “vulnerable” species.
Several years ago a pair nested in a huge pine tree in Queens Park, and although the outcome is not clear, this highlights two things. The first is that the little eagle will nest close to suburban areas, but more importantly perhaps is the extremely high value of all big, old trees.
In many places, pine trees planted perhaps 100 years ago remain the only site for these large birds, and many small birds, to nest. In some places, remnant native trees have survived but are at threat from deliberate removal or dying from neglect.
Little eagles are not alone — many other birds rely on them. Replanting is good, but it takes a long time for the plantings to mature enough to be of real value to wildlife.
In western Victoria, the significance of the big, old trees in the survival of the red-tailed black cockatoos is well recognised.
Some restrictions on their removal, particularly those known to be nest trees, are in place. Whether this form of protection can be extended to cover little eagle nest trees is unclear.