E is for Eagles {Blogging Through the Alphabet}
Welcome back to our Blogging Through the Alphabet journey through birding.
I think one of the most recognized birds across the North America is the Bald Eagle, especially in the United States, since it is, after all, our national emblem.
Image by steve felberg from Pixabay
Fish are the main staple of the Bald Eagle's diet, but they also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates (crabs), and small mammals. They will capture live animals, or dine on carrion. I've seen them hanging around the dumps in our vicinity, especially during the winter.
Image by skeeze from Pixabay
I used to think they were spotted only in the West, but I have learned
their range is much more widespread than that. No matter how frequently I may
spot one, it is still thrilling to see one soaring in the sky above.
"The Bald Eagle’s recovery is a
spectacular conservation success story, and numbers have increased
between 1966 and 2015, according to the North American Breeding Bird
Survey. Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population
at 250,000, with 88 percent spending some part of the year in the
U.S., 31 percent in Canada, and 8 percent in Mexico. The species
rates a 9 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score and are not on
the 2016 State of North America's Birds' Watch List, but are a
U.S.-Canada Stewardship Species. Once abundant in North America, the
species became rare in the mid-to-late 1900s—the victim of
trapping, shooting, and poisoning as well as pesticide-caused
reproductive failures. In 1978 the bird was listed for protection
under the Endangered Species Act. Since 1980, gentler treatment by
humans along with the banning of DDT (the bird’s main pesticide
threat) have led to a dramatic resurgence. By the late 1990s,
breeding populations of Bald Eagles could be found throughout most of
North America. In June 2007, the bird’s recovery prompted its
removal from the Endangered Species list. Continuing threats to Bald
Eagle populations include lead poisoning from ammunition in
hunter-shot prey, collisions with motor vehicles and stationary
structures, and development-related destruction of shoreline nesting,
perching, roosting and foraging habitats. They are still vulnerable
to environmental pollution, as evidenced by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil
spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska. An estimated 247 Bald Eagles
died from oil exposure. Population levels in the Sound decreased by
almost four percent the following year. The local population returned
to pre-spill levels by 1995." ~from AllAboutBirds.org
The Golden Eagle is smaller than the Bald Eagle. They may sometimes be confused with immature Bald Eagles. One way to distinguish a Golden Eagle
from an immature Bald Eagle is leg plumage. A Golden Eagle's legs are
entirely feather covered; an immature Bald Eagle's lower legs are
bare.
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay
Golden Eagles prey mainly on small to
medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, ground squirrels,
prairie dogs, and marmots. Black-tailed jackrabbits are a key prey
species throughout much of their range. These eagles are also capable
of taking larger bird and mammal prey, including cranes, swans, deer,
and domestic livestock. They have even been observed killing seals,
mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, and
bobcats. In addition to live prey, Golden Eagles often feed on
carrion, following crows and other scavengers to a meal. They also
catch fish, rob nests, and steal food from other birds.
Image by skeeze from Pixabay
I remember when we lived in Montana, we would often see Golden Eagles. I think their flight is equally as majestic as that of the Bald Eagle's.
This video compares the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle. It's nearly 40 minutes long, and I haven't viewed the full video.
Resources for more information about eagles:
National Eagle Center
Bald Eagle-National Geographic
Amazing Facts About Eagles-OneKindPlanet
Complete Eagle Species List-The Spruce
Live nest cameras
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Eagles are such majestic creatures. We had the pleasure of seeing one last week at the end of a nature hike. We even saw the nest.
ReplyDeleteMy stepson has seen Eagles near the Delaware River. Really cool. Someday I hope to see them somewhere other than a zoo.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning more about eagles, glad I stopped in. I watched a video this winter of a bald eagle with ice frozen to his tail and needed rescuing. It never would have occurred to me that might be a problem for them.
ReplyDeleteEagles are wonderful birds. Some new information in here for me and I enjoyed learning it. Thanks for sharing.
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