Uncategorized
Fall is the best time for spotting bald eagles
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Derek Lennon EBS Contributor
In 1782, the Second Continental Congress declared the bald eagle a national emblem of the United States. As the national bird and U.S. mascot, the bald eagle is easily the most iconic and identifiable bird for Americans.
Bald eagles live in Montana all year long, but the best time to spot one is during the fall. As bald eagles migrate south from Alaska and Canada in search of food and warmer temperatures, the Montana population increases. Keep your eyes peeled in forested areas near rivers and lakes and you’ll likely spot a bald eagle or two.
Some interesting facts about bald eagles:
-The scientific name for a bald eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
-Bald eagles only live in North America.
-Montana is home to over 500 active bald eagle territories.
-Their white heads and tails, dark brown bodies, and yellow bill are unmistakable.
-Eagles do not develop their identifiable plumage until about 5 years of age.
-They are the second largest bird of prey in North America—only the California condor is bigger.
-Bald eagles measure approximately 3 feet head to tail.
-Their wingspan ranges from 6 to 8 feet.
-Females are generally 25 percent larger than males.
-They weigh 9 to 14 pounds, but their skeleton only weighs about half a pound.
-Bald eagles have approximately 7,000 feathers.
-Bald eagles can fly at 35 to 44 mph, but can swoop at 100 mph to catch food.
-They can soar for hours at a time and reach heights of 10,000 feet.
-Bald eagles tend to make chirps and whistle sounds.
-These birds live an average of 28 years, but the Smithsonian says they can live up to 50 years.
-Bald eagles are carnivores that eat salmonids, suckers, whitefish, carrion, and small mammals and birds.
-They tend to live in forested areas along rivers and lakes.
-Bald eagle nests are called aeries. Aeries are typically built in the oldest, largest diameter trees, usually ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and cottonwoods.
-Aeries are built out of branches and sticks and then lined with grass, plants and pine needles. They are often used for multiple years.
-Nests can be up to 12 feet high, 8 feet across and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
-Bald eagles breed at 5 to 6 years of age.
-Females lay one to three eggs in March or April. The eggs are incubated by both male and female for roughly five weeks.
-Baby eagles are called eaglets. They attempt their first flight at 10 to 12 weeks.
There’s something special about spotting a bald eagle in the wild. It’s fun to see these iconic and powerful birds soaring overhead while in Yellowstone National Park or swooping down on your favorite lake while fly fishing.
Derek Lennon is a skier and writer who lives, works, and plays in the mountains of the world. He is based in Big Sky, Montana, where he lives with his wife Mia and two dogs.
A version of this story was originally published on the Visit Big Sky blog at visitbigskymt.com/interesting-facts-bald-eagles/. Read more interesting content about the area on Visit Big Sky’s blog at https://visitbigskymt.com/category/blog/.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
september, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 29 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 30 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 29 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 7 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
more
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 31 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park