Why Use Wing Tags? Do They Bother The Eagles?

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

I just want to address some common points that have come up in the comments. 1. These wing tags were used as a part of a project to restore bald eagles to the channel islands. There were no eagles without the work of these researchers. 2. No new wing tags are being put on chicks, as the population is stable. 3. There is no evidence to suggest the tags bother the birds, or are harmful to them.

[@Whatnok]

Should only band them, not wing tag them. I’m sure they’re annoying. Just because they cannot use words to tell us doesn’t mean it doesn’t annoy them. 😠☹️

[@rrhondarrenee]

They don't Wing tag them anymore they haven't for probably I know over 5 years was a way to keep track of the eagles from the channel Islands in California because the population had almost gone totally because of DDT and other pesticides they were using now they're stable so they don't use them anymore

[@rdcs1959]

AWESOME!!!!

[@MenifeesMost]

Leave them alone all together. If we stop hunting them and leave them alone they will be just fine.

[@tomr9661]

Ten percent of penguins that are tagged in the southern oceans do not come back after feeding. This guy is not going to tell you about the negative effects, he wouldn't have a job to do. "it is hard to get a man to understand something if his salary depends on him not understanding it" - Upton Sinclair

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

Different birds have different tolerances. Eagles are not penguins.

[@cbass2755]

I don’t like those large tags on the Eagles. That’s horrible! We need to identify them by their natural markings, not place huge numbers on them. Each is an individual and I would think we should do better. I’m not an expert, I’m just an animal lover….

[@Luceforall]

@Cbass Nobody likes to see those tags and they are no longer in use. They were designed to fall off after 10-15 years. Please understand that, without the organisations involved in the process of restoration, we would have no eagles to watch, on the Channel Islands. Individual features could hardly be determined while the birds fly up in the sky, between California and Alaska. There is no hostility in my comment, I am just trying to explain :)

[@ninanord5256]

I agree of course!!!

[@li-ma-mu]

in germany we use rings on their legs ...

[@Luceforall]

Gosh, it is hard to read how strong minded some people are. Although I consider them unsightly too, I fully understand and appreciate the reasons behind the decision to visibly tag the eagles. After all, just a federal band can only be spotted if an animal is found dead or injured. People seem to forget these birds were virtually exterminated by DDT. Ah well, it takes all sorts :) All this reminds me of a scene I found quite funny at the time. It was in the early days of courtship, at the beginning of 2020. Thunder gave Akecheta's wing tag a tug with her beak and looked at him as if to say, "What do you think you are doing, wearing fancy trinkets?". She had already lost hers. Much to my regret, I lost the recording of the scene. Cheers and thank you for affording us the pleasure of watching these raptors.

[@Whatnok]

Thank you for the beautiful description of Thunder and Akecheta tag. Cute story… 🥰✨🦅🦅❤️😁

[@richardcoreno]

Important to share the info -- since some folks see 'em and get concerned.

[@ninanord5256]

Richard C . But this information does not convince me at all!

[@MYSONMYBUDDY]

Well, I asked about this (ridiculous tag on both sides) about 2 weeks ago? His explanation was clearly not good. It makes no sense in today’s technology these ugly tags should be used. I was told in chat room this was done awhile ago, meaning how long ago? I was told they fall off, but when? This guy explained nothing so I think it’s horrible & not cool to do these big stupid tags, your already banning their ankles so knock it off with stupid tags! I understand getting info on eagles but when one of the babies is in trouble for lack of food, knowing a 3rd eagle might not survive cause of bullying or other you experts don’t help then, but only convenient for you to interfere when you want research!?!? 🤨 Yeah, I know all about Mother Nature, but you guys make the rules or decisions when you want!

[@ninanord5256]

I agree of course!!!

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

A few points 1. This project was started in the 90s, when there were no eagles left on the channel islands and technology is not what it is today. Without the work of these researchers there would be no eagles for you to enjoy at all. 2. They do not put on new wing tags anymore. 3. We have never seen a 3rd eagle killed on our cameras, though we know it can happen. Unfortunately researchers are only allowed at the nest for a limited time after the eagles are mostly grown. Well after the danger to the 3rd eaglet has come and gone. They could not interfere even if they wanted to.

[@YvonneWilson312]

@@ExploreLiveNatureCams Nor should they. Observing these beautiful creatures is a privilege but nobody has the right to interfere with eagle life, however tempting intervention might seem. An injured bird is one thing. Sibling rivalry and prey shortages are quite different. The tags do not seem to bother the eagles so I fail to see why they should bother anyone else.

[@MYSONMYBUDDY]

@@ExploreLiveNatureCams Yes, I agree & already knew these answers & thanx for answering them. The problem I had was the guy who was being interviewed not answering them the way you did to educate the public. Like I said he did a very poor job explaining, perhaps he’s the wrong person to be interviewed or answering such questions! 🙂

[@Whatnok]

@@YvonneWilson312 yo do not know if the tags bother the eagles because they cannot speak and they’ve learned to live with them. That does not mean that they aren’t bothered or annoyed by them!

[@ninanord5256]

I can only absolutely agree with the opponents of these barbaric plastic numbers! How can you disfigure these beautiful and majestic animals with these degrading plastic parts?! just typical human I think! it also poses a great risk of accidents, e.g. if they get caught in branches etc.

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

We appreciate your concern but there is no evidence to suggest that they pose a danger to eagles. Additionally these wing tags are no longer actively being put on new birds. It's important to remember that without the hard work of researchers restoring these eagles to the channel islands there would be no eagles for any of us to enjoy.

[@ninanord5256]

@@ExploreLiveNatureCams thank you for the information. it's just that it hurts to see those big pieces of plastic attached to what i think are sensitive parts of the body, i.e. the wings. thanks of course to the researchers for bringing these beautiful animals back to the islands. but i still ask myself, why don't you use the method with these numberings anymore? have there been any injuries? sorry if i ask such stubborn questions.

[@Mel-jh3sz]

It's absolutely disgusting and I don't care what excuses people make for this barbaric act. You have no right to touch these animals what so ever! How would they like it if we stuck a tag on them that couldn't be removed. Who the hell do you people think you are!? Enjoy your Karma!

[@markbui543]

They are a group of people keeping the birds from going extinct. There other group of people who might like title of killing the last bird of a species.

[@Snowkitty1424]

I hate them and would love to see them come off 😡

[@ninanord5256]

I agree of course!!!

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

The tags do fall off naturally over time.