On a global scale, the golden eagle is not considered to be a threatened species.
The Obama administration even gave its permission for alternative energy companies using wind turbines to kill the birds without penalty.
But in the Highlands Ranch Community Association backcountry wilderness area, it turns out no one is allowed to hike back there if a nest is discovered in a treetop.
There’s no law that says people can’t walk within a mile or so of a golden eagle nest that we are aware of, but Douglas County informs us that significant portions of the East-West Regional trail are now closed until further notice.
Honestly, if they hadn’t made such a big deal out of it, few people would even notice the nest let alone disturb it. But now, thanks to social media, the wind turbines know where to find the birds.