OUTDOOR CORNER: EAGLES FIND MISSOURI A COZY PLACE

Look, up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, it could be either one. But if it's a bird that looks as big as a plane, then chances are pretty good that you are seeing a bald eagle.

While bald eagles have been designated as an endangered species by the federal government since 1987, they are relatively common throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois during the winter months. In fact, Missouri is one of the leading bald eagle states in the nation. Each fall the birds migrate south from their primary nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states.

When available, fish compose 60 to 90 percent of the bald eagle's diet. When freezing weather to the north causes lakes and waterways to freeze over, the birds migrate south to find open water. They begin to arrive in Southeast Missouri in November but the majority arrive in December.

In addition to fish, bald eagles scavenge for dead or crippled wildlife. The combination of open water and plentiful waterfowl in the area attracts large numbers of the birds. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conducts an annual mid-winter waterfowl and eagle survey during the first week of January. Conservation agents in each county, in conjunction with other MDC personnel, utilize boats, planes and motor vehicles to survey their area for eagles. A total of 2,413 eagles were recorded during the count week. This number represents a new record, just barely surpassing the 2,394 reported two years ago (1993). Even more encouraging than the total number of eagles observed is the fact that 43 percent of them were immature, or juvenile birds. This indicates that the birds are successfully reproducing.

Bald eagles are one of the largest birds of prey in the world. They have a wing span of up to eight feet and a body length of three feet or more. The distinctive white head and tail are signs of an adult, sexually mature bird that is at least four to five years old. Younger birds vary in color from solid brown to a mottled brown and white plumage.

Eagles are powerful birds that have capture man's imagination for hundreds of years. In 1782, the bald eagle was officially designated as our national emblem. They are credited to have eyesight five to six times more powerful than that of a human. They normally fly at a rate of 20 to 40 miles per hour but reach speeds in access of 100 miles per hour while diving for their prey.

The Federal Eagle Protection Act of 1975 makes it a felony to kill an eagle. Persons convicted of killing a bald (or golden) eagle are subject to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both. The same penalty applies for the possession of an eagle, alive or dead, or for simply possessing eagle parts.

Persons who are interest in observing bald eagles can do so without having to travel great distances. Duck Creek Conservation Area and Mingo National wildlife Refuge, both north of Puxico, host many migrant eagles in addition to birds that nest and raise their young there. You can observe eagles at many points along the Mississippi River. In fact, both adult and immature eagles are seen regularly from the floodgates in downtown Cape Girardeau. In Southern Illinois, Union County Refuge and Horseshoe Lake are prime choices.

Regardless of where you go, take along a pair of binoculars and a camera. Be sure to watch for birds perched in trees as well as those that are soaring in search of prey. On sunny days, the white head and tail of an adult bird will show up easily but be sure to look closely for the more subdued colors of the immature eagles.

~Gene Myers is a Missouri Conservation Agent in Cape Girardeau County.