Sea-EagleCAM Intervention Policy
- The primary function of the project is scientific research, to provide information for
the understanding and conservation of the WBSE. - They are wild, free-flying birds and it is our privilege to observe their breeding
behaviour as we do. - Our approved research protocol states that the cameras will be placed before egg-
laying. Then the nest area and a buffer zone of 60 metres will be determined to
protect the birds from any disturbance until several weeks after hatching. In other
words, no visits at all during incubation and in the early time after hatching. From
then on, there will still be minimal disturbance. - The approved research protocol does not allow any access to the nest itself or any
handling of the birds. - Advice is sought where necessary from experienced wildlife managers at the
Office of Environment and Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife Service), BirdLife
Australia and/or SOPA Ecology staff. - The main threats to the chicks are natural – such as extreme weather, lack of food
or sibling rivalry. Nature will take its course, with no human intervention. Mostly this
will bring joy and wonder and at times, sadness. - In the event of a chick falling from the nest, the Office of Environment and Heritage
(National Parks and Wildlife Service) has agreed that the chick could be retrieved
from below the nest. It would be cared for by the approved NSW Wildlife Information
Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) raptor carer. The approved release
strategy would be to release the bird, after recovery, close to the Newington site for
natural dispersal.
EagleCAM is operated under a BirdLife Australia Research Agreement, working
in partnership with the NSW Office of Environment and Sydney Olympic Park
Authority (SOPA). Our objective is to observe and learn about White-bellied Sea-
Eagle (WBSE) biology without interfering in their behaviour or the processes
that they undergo in the natural environment. These are wild birds and it is our
privilege to observe their breeding behaviour.
The nest is in the Newington Nature Reserve Woodland that contains the threatened
Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark community. The area has restricted access; there is no
vehicle access. The only possible predators at the nest would be other large raptors
Though there are foxes in the area, the nest is high in the tree and inaccessible to
foxes, cats or dogs.
Notes on intervention at the Sydney Olympic Park WBSE nest and EagleCAM
