tanya
02-07-2008, 09:17 AM
The American bald eagle is a magnificent raptor and a fitting national symbol. Bald eagles are found only in North America, living near lakes, rivers and reservoirs, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
On June 28, the Interior Department took the American bald eagle off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The bald eagle still will be protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Utah hosts one of the largest state populations of wintering bald eagles. More than 1,200 bald eagles have been counted in Utah during recent years. They begin to arrive in mid-October and are gone by mid-March. February is a peak month for bald eagle activity throughout the state.
Studies of marked and transmitter-equipped eagles have revealed that some of Utah's wintering bald eagles nest in areas as far away as the Northwest Territories of Canada. The dependency of migratory species like the bald eagle on both breeding and wintering habitats creates critical ecological links between even very distant locations like Utah and the Northwest Territories.
Although Utah is on the southern edge of the bald eagles' breeding range, there are about 10 active nests in the state. One of the most prolific is in northern Utah near the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake. It has been used every year since 1996; 30 eaglets have been raised from this nest in this period.
Farmington Bay and Salt Creek waterfowl management areas are some of the best locations to view bald eagles in northern Utah.
Adult bald eagles are unmistakable with the dark brown body and white head and tail. The bill is large and hooked. The birds soar with wings held flat.
---
* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center. Join the Wild Bird Center's free bird walk to see bald eagles on Eagle Day, Saturday at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, leaving from the store at 9:30 a.m. Call 801-525-8400 or visit www.wildbird.com/layton for more information.
* Join the Wild Bird Center's free bird walk to Farmington Bay to see Bald Eagles, Saturday, leaving at 9:30 a.m. Call 801-525-8400 for more information.
http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors/ci_8187593
On June 28, the Interior Department took the American bald eagle off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The bald eagle still will be protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Utah hosts one of the largest state populations of wintering bald eagles. More than 1,200 bald eagles have been counted in Utah during recent years. They begin to arrive in mid-October and are gone by mid-March. February is a peak month for bald eagle activity throughout the state.
Studies of marked and transmitter-equipped eagles have revealed that some of Utah's wintering bald eagles nest in areas as far away as the Northwest Territories of Canada. The dependency of migratory species like the bald eagle on both breeding and wintering habitats creates critical ecological links between even very distant locations like Utah and the Northwest Territories.
Although Utah is on the southern edge of the bald eagles' breeding range, there are about 10 active nests in the state. One of the most prolific is in northern Utah near the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake. It has been used every year since 1996; 30 eaglets have been raised from this nest in this period.
Farmington Bay and Salt Creek waterfowl management areas are some of the best locations to view bald eagles in northern Utah.
Adult bald eagles are unmistakable with the dark brown body and white head and tail. The bill is large and hooked. The birds soar with wings held flat.
---
* BILL FENIMORE is owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center. Join the Wild Bird Center's free bird walk to see bald eagles on Eagle Day, Saturday at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, leaving from the store at 9:30 a.m. Call 801-525-8400 or visit www.wildbird.com/layton for more information.
* Join the Wild Bird Center's free bird walk to Farmington Bay to see Bald Eagles, Saturday, leaving at 9:30 a.m. Call 801-525-8400 for more information.
http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors/ci_8187593