Page 20 - Port of Baltimore - May/June 2019

PORT ENVIRONMENT
Masonville Cove Welcomes Bald Eagles, 2 Eaglets
The pair of bald eagles nesting at Masonville Cove became proud parents of two eaglets in late May.
When the adult eagles nested at Masonville Cove, a restored urban wildlife
habitat along the Patapsco River in Baltimore, in early spring, they caused quite a stir, as it is the first time eagles have nested there since before restoration of the area began in 2007.
Environmental officials took special precautions to monitor the birds and reduce distractions from the public until the eaglets hatched.
Partners at Masonville Cove — U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Maryland Environmental Service, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), the Living Classrooms Foundation and the National Aquarium — collaborated to
establish a protected area as specified in the National Bald Eagle Nest Protection Guidelines.
The protected area limited use in parts of
the property, but the public can still observe the eagle family from afar. “The restriction of 660 feet is still in place for general public/individual access, with limited guided access,” explained Katrina Jones, Outreach Coordinator for Harbor Development for MDOT MPA. “Probably in June sometime, the restriction may be reduced to 330 feet until the eaglets fledge sometime in July.”
The eagles are among at least 230 other species of birds observed there in recent years. The area is also home to other wildlife, waterfowl and dozens of plant species.
Masonville Cove is an urban wildlife area
that was transformed during mitigation for the construction of the adjacent Masonville Dredged Material Containment Facility, which began receiving dredged material in 2010. More than 60,000 tons of trash and debris were hauled from the cove during restoration. With walking trails, a fishing pier and an environmental education center, the cove is now an urban oasis celebrating its 10th anniversary. 􏰀
[18] The Port of Baltimore ■ May/June 2019