Thursday, February 21, 2013

Winter is Eagle Time

Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle in Flight
Winter is eagle time in south east Minnesota. Minnesota has the largest population of nesting eagles in the lower 48 states. During the winter eagles from around the state and eagles that have migrated south congregate at the few spots where they can find open water. Most of these locations are along the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. During the winter we also get a population of golden eagles that migrate down from northern Canada and spend the winter in southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. Since they are not fish eaters the golden eagles are usually not found right along the river but they do like the rolling hills that are in the area adjacent to the river. Often time it is possible to see both species in the same area. Since bald eagles do not get their white heads and tails until they are 5 to 6 years old, it can be a challenge to distinguish the golden eagle from the immature bald eagle. In this photo we have one of each. Can you tell which is which?

7 comments:

Laura said...

oh they are beautiful!!!

HansHB said...

Great photo! Eagles are great!
Well done!

Shady Gardener said...

Bald eagles truly are beautiful. 30 or so years ago, when our family moved to SE Iowa, it was very rare to spot them. We would drive south to Keokuk for their annual Bald Eagle days. Over the years, though, this situation is much changed. We see them often, usually near water, but also in the average landscape here. It is always a thrill.

vincibene said...

So beautiful! I've never seen an eagle in wilderness.

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Karl said...

They are beautiful, great photo!

Nisha said...

What is a sky without a life ! Lovely capture.