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Another fascinating and magnificent animal is the Bald Eagle. The term "bald" does not come from the eagle's distinctive white head but from the word "piebald" meaning covered with patches of two different colors...reflective of the black and white coloring of the mature Bald Eagle. In January of 1998, Phia and I drove up along the Mississippi to Clarksville, MO where the Eagles gather in winter. The lock and dam there keeps the water stirred up and free of ice all winter. Because of this, the fishing (for Eagles!) is awfully good. For years now, they have migrated to Clarksville and many other places along the Mississippi River in winter from Canada and Alaska just for that.
It was a cold, snowy day when we went. The viewing was fine though and there were several eagles out over the river or in the trees watching. We spent quite a while there and then went over to an area where the Missouri Conservation Department had some informational displays and spotting scopes, plus some live, captive raptors. All in all, a fine day for Eagles.
Luckily for Missouri, there has been a successful breeding program for many years. We now have several breeeding pairs permanently living in the state. In fact, in February, Phia and I went down to Mingo Wildlife Reserve, a wetlands area in Southeast Missouri and were fortunate enough to spot a lone eagle surveying the marshlands below, full of ducks and geese settling in for the night. It was near sunset, the sky an amazing composition of colors and clouds, the trees a stark outline against the sky. The setting was spectacular.
Here are some eagle images for you.
I wouldn't if I were you!
Gathering of the Clan
January 1999 Eagle Trip on the Mississippi.
Basic Information About Bald Eagles
