Eagles land at Triton Bend

From a natural disaster to an accident, contractors and builders always prepare for scenarios that could delay the construction of a building or home.

Less likely on that list, though, is a bald eagle’s nest. But that's the reason for a delay that has occurred at the construction site of a home on Triton Bend.

The eagles nested in November on a Buttonwood Drive property directly behind the Triton Bend lot.

“The same pair nested at Bayport for 10 to 12 years,” said Walter Hackett, of Michael Saunders & Co., who is co-listing the property with William Van Artsdalen. “The tree they had nested on there was hit by lightning, so they had to move locations.”

Although the bald eagle is no longer an endangered species, the nests still have federal protection. No construction is allowed within a 330-foot radius, so construction had to be delayed on the home until May 1.

Federal regulations also state that construction must be monitored within 660 feet of a bald eagle’s nest

“The other home we’re building on Triton Bend is about 400 feet away,” Hackett said. “We had to hire a state monitor. If he is to see something to disturb the eagles, he’ll shut us down.”

The eaglets hatched last month, and both the male and female adults can often be found near the nest.

“These birds are domesticated pretty much,” Hackett said. “You just don’t spook them. They’ve been around humans too much.”

The site will be protected until May 1 or when the eaglets leave the nest, and construction will resume.