BIRDS Eagles

. In the 1960s the bald eagle population in the forest was only 12 nesting pairs of eagles. Since then the population has rebounded and the bald eagle population of the Chippewa National Forest is one of the highest density in the lower forty eight states at 150 nesting pairs.

The forest contains an area known as the "Lost Forty"; this area (actually 144 acres) was accidentally mapped as part of Coddington lake when the original maps of the region were laid out in 1882. As a result of this mapping error, the Lost Forty was never logged. This area has become some of the oldest forest in the state, with some trees over 350 years old. Less than two percent of Minnesota's forested land today is old growth, never logged forest.

It is exciting for Old Trunks to get close enough to photograph them in the natural and to see their nests high in the forks of tall trees. One can hear the scream of the eagles between the parents and the rapid chirps from the nest.

Although eagles do eat mostly fish, they do eat rabbits and carrion, as well. Often, we have seen them swoop down on the lake and pick up a fish that has been gut hooked and tossed back by a fisherman. The food is called, "EAGLE FOOD" by fisherman.

In Lawrence, KS, a outlet mall was built next to the Bowersock Dam with a wall of windows to the north. The eagles rested in trees and dried their wings after fishing in the Kaw (Kansas River) below. Shoppers stood by the glass and watched the birds. The mall became city hall, what happened to the eagles?

From the archives of the Lawrence Journal World:

Kansas River and eagles
It has been an incredible experience to observe two adult eagles building a nest and raising their young
It has been an incredible experience to observe two adult eagles building a nest and raising their young.

By Joanne Bergman
May 22, 2007

BALD EAGLES RETURN TO ROOST ON KANSAS RIVER THIS WINTER
Sightings from city hall and the Lawrence Riverfront Plaza confirm the return of bald eagles to the banks of the Kaw. Fred DeVictor, director of the city's parks and recreation department, said he spotted his first bald eagle of the season a week ago in trees on the north side of the river, about a quarter-mile below the Bowersock Dam. December 4, 1990.

And our mini continuing lesson?

V=Vulture

M=Osprey

---= Eagles

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