SottilePark.com is our creative effort;
it is our pleasure to offer it to you. Please feel free to use it... reference it... link to it... print pages
from it... and e-mail it to other people... Tweet it... add it to Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Plaxo and/or
all other social media sites. Wear it out!
Nonetheless, this site is our property and is copyrighted.
Obviously, our logos, unique slogans, trademarks and designs belong to us; therefore, their use without our permission equals
misuse. Not all information associated with this website has been created, or is owned by the us. If you wish to use
any other entity's material, you should seek permission directly from the owning / holding source. If you are not
certain of ownership, we may assist your efforts to learn about it.
We make every effort to maintain
this site for your use. Our content, as well as other valuable content coming from reputable sources, is
added if it is determined to be relevant. However, as we are dealing with ever-changing information, we can not assure
the specific accuracy or applicability of the content at the time you view this site.
Further, we are dealing with online web
servers / networks and per chance stealthy hackers; thus, we cannot warranty "up-time" or freedom from any computer virus.
Despite our dogged efforts, this means that the site may not be available to you just when you need it most. So, under
no circumstances can or will we be liable for any loss of use and for any consequences which arise from the same.
UNALTERED MATERIALS
Unlike other disclaimers, we are "stand-up" enough to shoulder responsibility for our creative materials
and our statements or commentary, if any, in this site.
Other than our own creative, third-party
material is presented without our edits that affect the meaning of the original. This unaltered state allows us
to disclaim any liability for misrepresentation of other entities' opinions, accuracy, context, negligence, misrepresentations,
infringements, plagiarisms, or warranties, expressed or implied, We are not responsible for materials provided directly to us by other individuals / entities. Ex. Press
Release
PROVIDED LINKS
We provide numerous weblinks that
allow you to visit the websites of third parties. Neither these websites nor the companies sponsoring these websites
are controlled by us unless otherwise noted. Therefore, we disclaims all liabilities associated
with these third party websites' content, or advertised products / services which may be static (always the
same ads) or may be dynamic -- such as Googles AdSense -- which pops-up as a result of the viewers previous browsing.
Additionally, we are not responsible for "nested" links,
which may exist within a site to which we directly link, or other nested links further removed. We caution
that
we do not
An entity's inclusion in this site does not necessarily
imply either our favorable opinion, or endorsement, or guarantee. We make inclusion decisions based on our goals for
this website, expected viewers' acceptance of them, and a reasonable expectation of any statement / linked-site's
integrity. Example: We assume Amtrak's Lakeshore schedule to reflect train arrivals and departures
as stated.
OVERALL DISCLAIMER
Therefore, SottilePark.com makes
no claims, promises, or guarantees about the overall accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this website including
but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. In fact, we expressly disclaim liability
for errors and omissions in the contents of this website. Your use of these websites or their reliance on the content,
products or services is at your own risk.
UNSOLICITED DISCLOSURE
We appreciate your feedback; however, we caution against
your unsolicited submission of ideas. Since we have no formal legal mechanism to shield us from your disclosure, we
can only accept your disclosure as freely given, thus requiring neither attribution, compensation, nor inclusion. Furthermore,
we will consider your idea to be our property with an unlimited right to use it for any purpose. Having stated the foregoing,
if you still have an insatiable itch to see your idea online in our site, FIRST, email us. If we are interested,
which we are under no obligation to be, we'll attempt to protect you and your disclosure under a separate legal agreement,
Should we seek your opinion/s by poll, survey, or letter input, we have the right as producer/publisher
to monitor and exclude responses which do not comply to our standards that are expressed in this website and are applied equally
to all respondents. Our goal is not to censor or bias results; it is too provided a modicum of dignity to the answers.
Responses which do not comply to our expressed standards will be discarded or sent back with a reason for non-inclusion; our
choice.
DATA COLLECTION
We do not collect data on you, or your computer... drop
"cookies" onto your computer... or collect your email address, if sent, for sale or third-party use unless you have specifically
requested that we do so. However, with your "opt-in" permission, we will keep your email address for further correspondence
which may include, but not be limited to notifications of website updates, opinion solicitations, polls, coupons, and
other valuable offers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we cannot assure the same for sites to which you link through
this site, nor the servers and networks on which your connection travels nor on the servers where our website is hosted which
is not our own.
INFRINGEMENT & CORRECTION
Finally, if you view material that you believe
is infringing upon your material which you can substantiate, upon your notification to us and our verification of the claim,
we will either 1) better attribute the work to you, if it is poorly or not attributed at all, 2) modify the content so that
it is no longer infringing, or 3) remove it entirely. Our goal is to brand SottileParkcom as a unique source of interesting
and valuable information, not add legal angst to our collective existences.
Hopefully, we have applied enough legal "Teflon" (R) to prevent any sticking situation. However, if you still have questions
or concerns, please direct all matters via time-stamped email to the email address below.
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile
