Bald Eagles
State wildlife officials in Iowa say many eagles remain near inland waterways because of the mild weather. Normally, Iowa's cold, icy winters drive the birds to rivers to forage for food when inland waters freeze over.
The tail water areas of the Mississippi River and ripples on other rivers are usually the only open water in Iowa at this time of year, and are often swarming with the national symbol. Winter bald eagle counts used to tally just a few hundred. By January 2004, their numbers reached 4,400 in Iowa. The number of eagles that nest in the Midwest also has skyrocketed.
Over the next few weeks, wildlife biologists and conservationists will be conducting a rough bald eagle population count. The North American Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey is conducted each January. Volunteers help tally eagles in designated survey routes, following some inland streams as well as bigger rivers.
Bald eagles have often followed snow geese into the area, but as the waterfowl have neglected to stop at the refuge over the past few years, many of the bald eagles have passed it up as well. To extend educational efforts in Iowa, officials will hold Bald Eagle Appreciation Days across the state.
December 30, 2006 1:33 PM | Category: Global Warming