Problems Applying a Model for Red-Tailed Hawks and American Crows to Golden Eagles

Abstract

In the 13(1) issue of the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management , Dwyer and Mojica (2022) tested the usefulness of a 2014 model, based on Southern California Edison (SCE) data, for assessing avian electrocution risk of power poles to predict electrocution risk for golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos (Dwyer et al. 2014). They suggested that if the 2014 model is applicable to golden eagles, it could be used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) when determining appropriate compensatory mitigation for incidental take permits issued under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Power pole retrofits currently serve as mitigation for several types of golden eagle take permits including but not limited to wind energy facilities, mining construction and operators, electric utility operators, and nest disturbance.