For the past ten years, starting about the first of September I begin to look forward to my annual winter trip to the northern Mississippi River to observe and photograph wild Bald Eagles on their annual migration.
Winter is extremely hard on Bald Eagles that live in the far northern climates, because they are totally dependent upon a good supply small animals or fish as their primary diet. Winter temperatures at home dip so low that snow will completely blanket the land and rivers, lakes and ponds will freeze. There is nothing at all to eat. It is time to begin the long trip southward, in search of a deer kill or better yet, open water.
My trip this past February took me from my home in southwest Ohio to LeClaire, Iowa, a small town on the Mississippi River where it passes between Illinois and Iowa. Upon arriving at one of my favorite places to observe this annual event, I am immediately shocked, reminded once again of their severe hunger as they soar above me, then suddenly stop in in mid air before going into a steep dive that ends with talons outstretched, piercing the fish soon to become one of several meals that day.
In this video, I share the exact location of my favorite place to witness the annual gathering of dozens of Bald Eagles, and the answers to common questions:
“What do Bald Eagles eat?”
“Do some Bald Eagles have brown heads?”
“Do Bald Eagles ever fight?”
Thanks for visiting my blog. Please share my video with friends and family, and leave a comment to let me know if there are other questions you might have about Bald Eagles, or if there are other places for which you would like to see a future Virtual Field Trip video.
My best to one and all!