In July of 1993, Nancy Yeatts discovered a nest that held the first American Bald Eagle chicks born in southeastern Massachusetts in 85 years. Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Ms. Yeatts keeps a vigilant watch over a nest where nine eaglets have been born in the last five years. Part of that effort includes banding the eagles on a regular basis.

Ms. Yeatts visits area schools with a program that teaches children about the eagles and the Massachusetts State Reintroduction Program. Eagles reintroduced in Western Massachusetts in the early 1980s are surviving and their population is growing. Ms. Yeatts' message to young and old alike is that -- equipped with knowledge of the eagles' needs -- we can work together to assure a bright future for the American Bald Eagle in Massachusetts.

Nancy Yeatts lives on Assawompsett Pond in Lakeville, Massachusetts.

The great inland water at the place of the white stones.

"Assawompsett Pond at Lakeville, Massachusetts is the largest inland fresh water pond in Massachusetts. This was the name given to the Wampanoag Tribute Tribe located in this area."

"These birds are a pretty good indicator of the health of the environment around here; [Assawompsett Pond is] what's been sustaining them."

Bill Davis, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Assawompsett Pond is home to a variety of wildlife, including American bald eagles, osprey (Pandion haliaetus), great blue herons (Ardea herodias - see right) and ducks.
Lake Assawompsett is protected as a public water supply for the cities of New Bedford and Taunton. Both the citizens of these cities and the wildlife at the Lake rely on its pristine water quality.