Bald Eagle Traditional Cache
Hidden : 10/9/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A Quick Park and Grab series. Please be sure to pull completely off the highway on the obvious parking available nearest the cache. Cache contains Log Book and Small Swag, though you will need to bring your own writing utensil.



The magnificent Bald Eagle, the national symbol of the USA, was almost exterminated by DDT in the 1950s and '60s. Since the use of that pesticide was banned in 1972, Bald Eagles are once again being seen where they have been absent for 40 years or more. These birds are primarily associated with water; oceans, large lakes and rivers. In Alberta, during the summer, they are most common in the north and in the western foothills and mountains. At the onset of winter, when waterways freeze-up, they move southward. During migration, and sometimes in winter, they may be seen almost anywhere in the province, particularly where waterfowl concentrations occur. While primarily associated with pristine wilderness areas, Bald Eagles are tolerant of the presence of man if an assured food supply is available. As a result, in winter, they mainly frequent open water such as at power generating stations and major rivers in urban environments kept open by warm water from sewage treatment plants. In December-January, it is possible to see up to a dozen individuals along the Bow River within Calgary. One pair has taken up year-round residency, now nesting within the city. In 2002 and 2003, the nest was on the Inglewood Golf Course. In 2004, presumably the same birds nested on the west side of the Bow River, opposite Beaverdam Flats Park, adjacent to the very busy Deerfoot Trail highway. This is the first time in recorded history, perhaps the first time ever, that this has happened. Previously the river would have frozen in winter and fewer nest trees might have been available. Fish, alive or dead, form the bulk of the eagle's food. The eagles often harass a successful Osprey until it drops its catch. In migration and in winter, they also feed on sick or injured ducks and geese and carrion such as deer which escape from hunters but later die from their wounds. Bald Eagles mate for life. They build a bulky stick nest, usually near a waterway, in a large isolated tree or rarely on a rocky outcrop, using it year after year. It is added to annually, making it the largest nest of any North American bird. This structure sometimes measures four metres deep and three metres wide. Usually two white eggs are laid. Incubation is by both sexes for 35 to 46 days. The young are tended by both parents and are able to leave the nest at 10 to 11 weeks of age, returning to feed and rest for several weeks afterwards.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Unatvat

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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