It is now the breeding season for both wedge-tailed eagles and sea eagles. It is important to stay well away from nests that are being used during this period (i.e. hundreds of metres away, out of sight and hearing of nesting eagles), in order not to impact on breeding success.
Eagles may not use the same nest each year; so where there is a strong need to enter this area during the breeding season, it may be possible to check whether the nest is occupied. In the past, these checks were sometimes done as early as September; however, the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) have found strong evidence that occupancy of eagle nest sites can be missed when checked in September. Consequently, the FPA now recommends only November checks.
For those needing to check earlier in the breeding season whether nests are occupied, it may be possible to carry out nest activity checks from a fixed-wing aircraft, depending on the features of the nest in question. To be effective, these (like the ground-based checks) must be carried out by someone with plenty of experience in this procedure. The Forest Practices Authority can provide advice on options for aerial surveys, other nest check surveys and on specific nests.
You can search for nests in your area on the Natural Values Atlas, and also request a Raptor Report for any recorded details of specific nests.
See the Species Management Profile for the wedge-tailed eagle for more information. This applies fairly well to both species, although the sea eagle typically starts its breeding season some weeks earlier.