Page 10 - GreenMaster Winter 2024

u COVER STORY u SEAN BRILLINGER, AGS, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
Heron Point
Return of A million-dollar view from the eagle’s nest beside #17 green at Heron Point Golf Links. The giant nest can be seen from far away.
Located just outside of Hamilton, ON, Heron Point Golf Links is home
to a diverse range of wildlife. Mink, beavers, deer, foxes and of course herons, thrive on the 250 acres of rolling hills, marshes, and forests. However, in the fall of 2018, an unusual sight unfolded on the golf course: a pair of bald eagles chose this serene landscape to build their nest.
Situated just 30 feet from the 17th green, the nesting site created a unique blend of conservation and recreation. As we reflect on the eagles’ time at Heron Point, particularly after a dramatic incident this summer, we gain deeper insight into the challenges and successes of wildlife recovery.
WELCOMING OUR NEW FEATHERED NEIGHBOURS
Bald eagles, with their unmistakable white heads and powerful wing spans are apex predators known for their impressive hunting skills and large nests. Historically, they have faced severe decline due to
habitat destruction and the pesticide DDT, but thanks to rigorous conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded significantly. By 2007, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list, a testament to the recovery initiatives.
When the bald eagles first arrived at Heron Point, their choice of nesting location posed an intriguing challenge. The nest was constructed in 2018, through late fall into winter, so the eagles were unaware of the activities that would be under them in only a few short months. To ensure a safe coexistence, we worked with an avian ecologist to create a management plan to accommodate our new residents.
10 • CGSA • GreenMaster