Golden Eagles Are Protected At Los Vaqueros
Second Set of Trails Closed to Protect Nests
Golden eagles are commonly found within the 20,000-acre watershed. During the spring and early summer months, CCWD will close trails and other public areas near active nesting sites.
Updated March 11, 2008
Mariposa & Eagle Ridge Trail Closures
The entire Mariposa Trail and a portion of the Eagle Ridge Trail were closed on March 11 due to a new golden eagle nest. Hikers can detour around these closures on the existing trail system . Please look at the map below.
Kellogg Creek Area Trail Closure/Detour
The Walnut and Kellogg Creek trails near the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area are now closed to hikers and runners as of March 6. A detour is set up for runners and hikers on the Salamander, Vasco &Greasewood Trails. See the map below. The detour only adds 1/10th of a mile to the route compared to the Walnut Trail, but it is hilly with some nice views.
Vehicles, bicyclists and equestrians on Walnut Blvd. can continue to drive along the road, but must not stop. The Kellogg Creek Picnic Area remains open.
Photographer Steve Thuman captured these images of Golden Eagles at Los Vaqueros. To see his other images, click here.
Golden eagles are protected by state and federal law. Disturbing them can result in fines.
Golden Eagle Facts:
· Nesting Golden Eagles are extremely sensitive to the presence of people. They will leave their nest if they see people nearby. (Their eyesight is much better than human eyesight!)
· People must stay at least ½ mile from the eagles to ensure a successful nest.
· Eagles who are disturbed are likely to leave the nest. This could cause eggs or chicks to die.
· Nesting usually occurs from mid-February to late-June. In 2007, four eagles were fledged in the watershed.
· The coastal range in the greater Bay Area has the largest Golden Eagle population in the world.
Some golden eagles live at Los Vaqueros year-round, while others just pass through the area.
