We headed out to Sauk Prairie this morning to checkout the Bald Eagles on the Wisconsin River. The morning started out with a presentation by the DNR and International Crane Foundation about conservation efforts in the state to support the Bald Eagle population. The presentation started with an overview of the initial raptor decline from the use of DDT, then moved onto the success of conservation efforts and the booming eagle population, and then transitioned into a warning about the use of lead in fishing line sinkers and hunting ammo. Apparently the vast of majority of eagle deaths currently are lead related, and it was suggested that the hunters and fishers in attendance transition to non-lead based supplies.
The next presentation was from the Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota. They brought four raptors to demonstrate the differences between hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. The birds of choice for the presentation can all be found natively in Wisconsin.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon
Great Horned Owl
Bald Eagle
Our next stop was down by the river where the Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) released three rehabilitated eagles into the wild. It was also here where we got our first glimpse of the eagles in the wild on the river. Many were taking advantage of good fishing near the dam. In total we probably saw about a dozen eagles.
Some Eagles
Eagle over the dam
Another Eagle
What a wonderful story about the recovery of these majestic birds! Lead is becoming a serious problem for raptors as well as the struggling California Condor population. I'm glad to hear that hunters are working to find alternatives.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carole, your point about the California Condor is well taken, it makes me wonder if lead is having an impact on our Turkey Vultures. I'll do some digging to find out more.
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