Eagle Sighting

 I had a message from Karen Morris (Old Homestead Rd.) yesterday saying that seeing Nancy Temple's pictures of the loons reminded her about the eagle she spotted last Wednesday. It was perched at the top of a dead tree near Frank Dolon's and Karen said it stayed there for quite some time. She said it was an adult, and impressive! 

We all know that the bald eagle is our national emblem, but did you know that it was chosen over the wild turkey and other animals on June 20, 1782? It was thought appropriate because of it's great strength and long life - and because it is unique to North America. A drawing was presented to the Congress and immediately approved; then the drawing was adapted to include an olive branch and arrows in the bird's talons to represent peace and war. The symbol was officially adopted in 1787. (Information from LiveScience.com)

This is a stock photo, not the bird Karen saw.

Eagles are big birds and it takes a lot of food for them to survive. The will feed on carrion, smaller birds and fish, and according to information I found on a Montana wildlife site, they can live to be 25 years old - if they are lucky. The eagle population has made a healthy comeback after being placed on the endangered list, and they are still protected. Although the adults are very large, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet, they are mostly feathers and weigh weigh between 9-12 pounds. From head to tail they are between 35-40 inches, and females are larger than males. Northern eagles are generally larger than those residing in the southern U.S. The white head and tail coloring doesn't develop until they are about 5 years old. Their favorite food is fish and they can fly at speeds up to 30 m.p.h. and dive at 100 m.p.h.! They have keen eyesight and are found in every state except Hawaii. Northern eagles migrate each winter to wherever there is open water and plenty of food, generally returning each year to their nesting habitat.

We are happy to have bald eagles around - as long as they don't prey on our baby loons. 

I nearly forgot to mention that we had a substantial rainfall during the night. I measured .75 in. this morning. I didn't hear it, but Fred told me it was a pretty steady rain with a little distant thunder. Hopefully it was enough to do the crops some good and help the water table.