One of the most unexpected interests that we’ve picked up is eagles. We had no idea that the U.P. was so full of them! We grew up being taught that bald eagles were on the brink of extinction. Each time we’d see one, it was a big deal. But really, at least in the U.P, they’re flourishing. And with all of the driving that we do, we’ve made it a habit of trying to spot eagles.
I think my favorite times I’ve watched bald eagles were by dead carcasses. When you see a bunch of ravens congregated, you’re most likely to see an eagle too. We’ve watched as a bald eagle would fly over to a carcass and the ravens would all respectfully step aside. The eagle would take what it wanted as the ravens would anxiously wait. Once the eagle flew away, the ravens would make a mad dash back back to their meal.
Once we saw an enormous golden eagle. We pulled over by where it was perched on a lower branch. We got out of the car to try to get a better look and to try to take a picture. (Unfortunately, we only had our phone camera!) The golden eagle looked at us as if to see if we were edible. We decided we’d better get back in the car before it got mad and tried to attack. It swooped down pretty close to our car as it took off and we were able to see how majestic and enormous its wingspan was. That was the biggest raptor we had ever seen in the wild – or probably ever.
A couple years back, we watched a baby eagle and mom that could be seen en route to L’Anse. We assumed that’s where its nest was because we saw the baby on the same tree for several weeks. No matter how busy we were, if we were headed that way, we’d stop for a few minutes to see them. Then, one day it must have spread its wings and flown away.
Most recently, we’ve been following the Decorah eagles and their three eaglets. It’s been so exciting to watch them hatch and grow in the past few weeks. Manu has affectionately named them the “Prettys”. We’re looking forward to watching the babies learn how to fly.
This time of year (mid-March – mid-June) is known for the amazing raptor migration. Dozens of raptors including eagles, falcons, vultures, and ospreys find temporary refuge atop Brockway Mountain (Copper Harbor) before they continue up the Keweenaw peninsula or as they venture across Superior. Yesterday, we headed up to Brockway in hopes to see some of these birds. The hawk counter up there told us we were a little too late and missed most of the traffic, but we were able to see a group of turkey vultures, some ravens, and a young bald eagle on the way back down. We’re hoping to head up again during peak time which is late morning/early afternoon to get more action. Here’s a link to more info.
Here are some pics I took of a couple U.P. bald eagles (& a couple avid eagle watchers):
Eagle starting to get bald
Soaring…
Using their new binoculars!
Eagle forgot to wipe its mouth after eating (or maybe saving for afternoon snack)
Eagle with frilled neck feathers
Crazy talons!! Whatever it’s looking at, I feel sorry for it…
Bird-lover
Eagle in flight
I think there are few things in this world more beautiful than watching animals in their element. And we have no one else but God to thank for that. Do you see why I love living in the Yoop?
I remember getting so excited whenever the sparrows (and sometimes the ducks!) would decide to make their nests near our house. I can’t imagine the thrill of seeing these majestic birds on such a regular basis! Glad your boys are able to grow up with all that natural beauty just outside their door. 🙂
Judy – THANKS for the great photos of the eagles (and the cute bird watchers too)! When we lived in Crystal Falls we saw eagles quite often. Once, on the way to church we observed, quite closely, 2 eagles having breakfast by the side of our road. We drove slowly to within about 10 ft of them on the opposite side of the road so we wouldn’t frighten them. No worry, they weren’t about to leave that carcass just for a measly little car with gaping humans inside! I’ve seen “goldens” in the Crystal Falls area several times, but not over here where I live now (south of Marquette). The most interesting birds I see now are the sandhill cranes; they are just facinating to me. I once stopped on the road where my son Leo’s family lives, to observe one walking along in the ditch beside me. He had a bright red triangle on his neck just below his bill, something not visible generally. That was a couple summers ago and all of us had the pleasure of watching a Mama and Papa sandhill crane raise their baby, which the girls, Sam and Alex, named “Ichabod”. They don’t seem too alarmed when cars go by, in fact, I think we need to watch for them as diligently as we watch for the deer, neither of which appear intimidated by humans in those fast moving objects! Occasionally when my dog Jessie and I walk up through the woods a crane will fly over – that’s a very strange sight, l- o -o – g legs look even longer from below. I’ve seen a wolf trotting down the road outside my window and there are several bears in the area. The closet I’ve seen a bruin is his little “trademark” beside my garden – close enough for me!!! We are surely blessed to be so close to God’s creatures, I don’t want to leave either. Happy Sabbath!
Beautiful pictures! Wow, how amazing to get so close. *Sigh* I do miss country living. I get excited when birds come to our feeders and when a rabbit comes in our yard. You are truly blessed. It’s a blessing many people don’t realize or get to experience. Your boys will look back and be thankful.