OUTDOOR CORNER: MISSOURI AMONG TOP EAGLE STATES

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 1978, 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 three 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 sign of an adult, sexually mature bird that is at least four to five years old. Younger birds vary in color, from solid dark brown to a mottled brown and white plumage.

Eagles are powerful birds that have captured 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 excess 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 interested 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.

MDC, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has scheduled Eagle Days on Feb. 1-2 at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. Eagle Days events provide an opportunity to view bald eagles in their natural habitat as they return to their winter haunts in Missouri. The events also offer a chance to learn about the bald eagle's return from the brink of extinction.

Each event includes an outdoor eagle watch with a naturalist on hand to help visitors see the eagles in their natural environs. Eagle watchers can go indoor to warm up and enjoy live demonstrations with captive bald eagles, educational displays, videos and other activities. For the outdoor part of the event, it's a good idea to wear warm clothing. Telescopes are provided, but bringing a pair of binoculars is a good idea, too.

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 their prey. On sunny days, the white head and tail of an adult bird show up easily but be sure to look closely for the more subdued colors of the immature eagles.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.