DOINews: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Community Partners Work Save Bald Eagle's Nest at Tualatin River NWR

A version of this story appears on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Pacific Region's Tumblr blog.

At Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge near Portland, Ore., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and community partners, including Portland General Electric, Halstead's Arboriculture, and Oregon Eagle Foundation, have saved the nest of a resident pair of bald eagles.

This past year marked the first time bald eagles nested in an area visible to refuge visitors. During the 2013 spring and summer nesting season, the pair successfully raised one eaglet to fledgling. The nest was established on top of a dying oak tree in danger of falling over. The Service reached out to the community for help to save the nest.

"This pair of nesting bald eagles represents an important educational opportunity for visitors to the refuge. Tualatin River NWR hosts over 132,000 visitors annually and the eagles and their nesting activities provide an opportunity for people to observe eagle nesting behavior close-up and connect with wildlife, especially one that symbolizes the recovery of a once-endangered species, as well as the symbol of our nation," said Kim Strassburg, refuge visitor services manager.

Portland General Electric provided the equipment, manpower and expertise to stabilize the tree and prevent it from falling over. Oregon Eagle Foundation provided guidance on the design for supporting the eagle nest, and Halstead's Arboriculture Consultants provided technical knowledge on the best way to stabilize the tree. Volunteers were also an important part of the process, providing community contacts and photographing the process.

"The successful stabilization of the nest and tree was accomplished through the hard work of refuge staff and community partners. Huge thanks and appreciation go out to these folks for working to keep this nest available for the eagles to hopefully raise more eaglets at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge," said Erin Holmes, refuge manager.

As migratory waterfowl return to the refuge this fall, so will the eagles. Only a few minutes from Portland, we invite you out to Tualatin River NWR to get to know your wild neighbors, up close.

To download and view images of the eagle's nest, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/sets/72157636873821924/

Learn more about the refuge:http://www.fws.gov/tualatinriver/

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Photo credits: A special thanks goes to Bjorn Fredrickson, who recorded the work with his camera and on video. You can see his pictures to the right.