Sustainable Choices to Protect the Steppe Eagle
Section 1. The Steppe Eagle
Here is a photo of a Steppe Eagle
I chose to research the steppe eagle. The steppe eagle is usually a dark brown color that matches their habitat. They are usually found in grasslands specifically steppes and semi-desert areas. They are typically found in europe, the middle east, and some parts of asia. I found it interesting that these birds used to build their nest on platforms of rock just off the ground but due to habitat alterations in the last two decades they have started to build their nest several yards off the ground in trees and bushes. This made me wonder if that affects the probability of chicks living to adulthood because they are more likely to die if they fall out of the nest from higher up. The climate that these birds live in is considered subarctic because of the location of the region. However the temperature ranges from 86⁰ F to 32⁰ F and they prefer open dry habitats. Their diet consists mainly of carrion, but they also will eat small rodents and some small birds. In researching about steppe eagles I could only find information about the human threats to these birds. Since they are birds of prey they are naturally the predator not the prey. The one reason I did find was related to their environment but was caused by humans. Since in the past 20 years these birds have had to build their nests in trees instead of just off the ground their chicks have been dying due to wildfires. This wasn’t found to be a problem when they were building their nests on platforms.
The critical threat to these birds is that their land is being converted for agricultural use as well as to put up windmills, power lines, and electrical towers. The birds have been found dead due to flying into towers and windmills. They have also been found electrocuted by the power lines. The cause of the threat is human intervention. There are ways to put up power lines and windmills in places that won’t harm these birds or any other birds. For example tracking where the birds generally live nad avoiding those areas when building structures.
The critical threat to these birds is that their land is being converted for agricultural use as well as to put up windmills, power lines, and electrical towers. The birds have been found dead due to flying into towers and windmills. They have also been found electrocuted by the power lines. The cause of the threat is human intervention. There are ways to put up power lines and windmills in places that won’t harm these birds or any other birds. For example tracking where the birds generally live nad avoiding those areas when building structures.
This quick video is not about the steppe eagle specifically but it explains the reasons why eagles fly into windmills on accident and the issues with policies that aren't protecting these birds.
Section 2. Keene, NH
To reduce electricity use we could try and limit unnecessary uses of electricity. Someone could do this by air drying their clothes instead of using the drier, turn off lights when leaving a room, unplug things you aren't using. If you just turn off the lights every time you leave a room that doesn’t affect you daily life enough to not do it. Unplugging things that aren't in use can also be quick, you can just unplug it when your done using it. If we are all just a little more conscious of this, then we wouldn’t have the need for as much power as we currently consume. A second thing that someone could do to reduce energy use is to pick the right appliances to buy. Especially your refrigerator/ freezer since it is working all day, every day. For homeowners they could invest in insulating their roofs or ceilings. You could also do an energy audit. This can help you figure out where most of your electricity use os going.
This is a fun short video that illustrates simple things we can all do in out everyday lives to help conserve energy.
