Specifications

Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
2-28
the ESA, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 668 et seq.), and
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.). Bald eagles are the largest
raptor in the eastern United States and are known to breed throughout Florida.
Nest sites are usually located near large rivers, lakes, or estuaries where they
feed primarily on fish and water-dependent birds. Bald eagle distribution is
influenced by the availability of suitable nest and perch sites near large open
water bodies, typically with high amounts of water-to-land edge (USFWS, 1999).
Bald eagle nests have been documented within the EAA, around Lake
Okeechobee, and in conjunction with the SLE and CE. No known active or
inactive nest sites are located adjacent to the EAA Project footprint. The FWC
Bald Eagle Nest Locator Database was checked for the presence of eagle nests.
This data uses annual aircraft surveys to develop their information. Five eagle
nests are located in the Palm Beach County portion of the EAA.
2.11.5.5 Audubon’s Crested Caracara
The threatened Audubon’s crested caracara (Polyborus plancus audubonii) is a
large raptor that was once a common resident from northern Brevard County
south to Hendry County, although sporadic sightings throughout peninsular
Florida have occurred. The caracara is listed as threatened by the federal
government and by the State of Florida. The greatest abundance of breeding
and nesting activities is in a five county area north and west of Lake Okeechobee
(Glades, Desoto, Highlands, Okeechobee and Osceola Counties). This species
generally favors dry or wet prairies with scattered cabbage palms. The caracara
also now uses improved or semi-improved pasture with seasonal wetlands as
habitat. They prefer to nest in cabbage palms surrounded by low ground cover.
Caracaras are opportunistic feeders eating carrion or live prey. Prey items
include small mammals (rabbits, opossums, rats, mice squirrels), frogs, lizards,
fish, young birds, and insects (USFWS, 1999). Average home range is 1,552 HA,
although juvenile caracaras are nomadic and numerous sightings occur outside
the five-county core area.
Within the EAA, sparse sightings of the caracara are noted. One observation of
a caracara was documented by the FNAI along L-3 in 1978. Another observation
was made by the USFWS; however, the location within the EAA was noted only
as a roadside survey. There are no known nest sites located on or in close
proximity to the EAA project footprint.
2.11.5.6 Everglade Snail Kite
The endangered Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) is a
medium sized raptor and food specialist that feeds almost entirely on apple
snails (Pomacea paludosa) which are found in palustrine emergent, long
hydroperiod wetlands (USFWS, 1999). It is restricted to clear, calm waters of