Bald eagles soaring in Dallas may make a home at White Rock Lake, says a Dallas biologist.
It’s been almost a year since two bald eagles were first spotted northeast of Dallas near Lake Highlands Park. Now, it seems they have come back with the return of cool temperatures.
Many people who reside around White Rock Lake say they are again seeing the big birds flying high and hunting in the area.
Brett Johnson, an urban biologist for the City of Dallas, says there is not much doubt in his mind that the eagles will make White Rock Lake their home again.
The return of the eagles to the reservoir warms the hearts of many, including residents and visitors to the lake.
Rajiv Roy, who has lived near the lake for over five years, consistently followed posts about the bald eagles since the neighborhood first saw the birds nesting last year.
It has been six months since they were last seen, and Roy said he is delighted to see the eagles flying around the lake again, describing the sight of the bald birds as “majestic and remarkable.”
When the birds first appeared late last year, people stormed parks near White Rock Lake to watch and photograph them and gape at the eagle’s egg-filled nest.
Barriers were mounted along the road to shield the birds and ensure their safety. The exciting tourism didn’t last long, however, as the bird’s nest, along with the eggs that were in it, fell.
While some may want to watch the birds up close, others are glad that the eagles are nesting safely away from the buzzing public.
Herb Bloomer, who grew up in the area, is glad the eagles seemed to have found a nesting location that is a safe distance away from public parks or busy roads.
The 75-year-old resident said he was cycling with his wife when he saw the bald eagles in late September. Bloomer is joyful to see more wildlife in the area.
Since the bald eagles have made a new nest nearby, it is speculated that they will forever remain at White Rock Lake.
Dallas has fenced the surroundings of Lake Highlands Park to protect the second nest. According to Johnson, “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is aware, and we’re just weighing our options.” He added that city officials have no plans to fence the birds away from the lake.
Even with the barriers along the intersection, bird lovers can still admire the eagles from a safe distance.
A private school, Dallas Academy, near the area where the birds nest, has started a live stream on which people can watch the birds from their homes.
