By Bernheim
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum Golden Eagle Migration Update
Athena soars over Illinois, while Hermes remains in Nunavik
Clermont, Kentucky – December 4, 2024– After a long summer in the Canadian north, two golden eagles tracked from Bernheim are on fall migration and heading south. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont, Ky., has been tracking golden eagles since 2015, with partners Cellular Tracking Technologies and Conservation Science Global. This summer two eagles, named Athena and Hermes by popular vote, traveled to opposite sides of Hudson Bay nearly 800 miles apart. They each had unique strategies for the summer and continued to follow their own paths during fall migration.
Athena, a golden eagle tracked since 2019, continues to contribute valuable data for research and conservation efforts. Last winter she spent much time with her presumed ‘partner’ at Bernheim. She departed in March for a month long 1750-mile migration to Wapusk National Park in Manitoba, Canada.
“Working with Parks Canada, we have been able to learn more about her nesting behavior and summer range. Athena remained in a region of large lakes and wetlands on the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Her behavior suggests she did not fledge any chicks this year, and most of her time was spent moving throughout her territory,” explained Andrew Berry, Director of Conservation at Bernheim.
On October 13, 2024, Athena began fall migration, moving south into Ontario and west of Lake Superior at Duluth, MN. Her spring migration route was east of Lake Superior at Straits of Mackinac, MI. The alternating of migratory routes is interesting, possibly weather related or something more. She again spent time in the Wisconsin Driftless Area from November 8-15, near the Kickapoo River.
“We have seen this in several years past and could be a combination of social and predatory behavior or and simply needing to rest and recover during migration. Tracks seem to indicate hunting may have occurred as she moved throughout a matrix of streams, wetlands, and forested bluffs,” added Berry.
Beginning south again she entered Iowa while navigating down the Mississippi River corridor. In Illinois, she picked up the Illinois River and roosted overnight in forested uplands near Fon Du Lac Park in East Peoria.
Hermes has taken a different path for 2024, leaving Bernheim after being fitted with a transmitter in late February. He took his time migrating north, ending up in the North Channel region of Lake Huron, east of Sault Ste. Marie. From there he traveled up to James Bay, flying back and forth over Hannah Bay Bird Sanctuary. This is the southernmost point of the Arctic Ocean in Hudson Bay, and a major stopover for shorebirds and other wildlife. Hermes continued northeast, and spent summer months in Nunavik, the northern section of Quebec.
Nunavik is the interface between boreal forest and tundra, with wildlife such as migratory caribou, wolves, and migratory birds. He spent time along the Leaf River, an area known as a destination for golden eagle nesting in eastern Canada. Only recently has he begun to move south. As of November 14, he was still in Nunavik despite sustained temperatures well below freezing. It is uncertain if he will return to Bernheim, as he may have been migrating when he was first tracked. It will be interesting to learn more about his migration and winter behavior.
Bernheim will continue to provide updates on the migratory patterns of these two protected golden eagles over the next few months.
Special thanks to supporters of Birds of Bernheim, including Beckham Bird Club, Kentucky Audubon Council, Cellular Tracking Technologies, Conservation Science Global Inc., Parks Canada, and other partners that make the golden eagle research possible.
