They’re among hundreds that travel to Kentucky from northern states each December when their water sources back home freeze.
Last year, wildlife officials counted about 400 visiting eagles throughout Kentucky with most wintering at the state’s larger reservoirs.
Kentucky, especially the western half of the state and along the banks of the Ohio River, historically has been a wintering ground for American bald eagles native to northern states.
While manmade lakes bring more to the state, there’s nothing new about winter’s return of eagles to the state.
What is new is the growing number of bald eagles calling Kentucky home year-round.
After the banning of DDT in 1972 (US) and a nationwide re-introduction effort in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the number of bald eagle nesting territories in Kentucky has steadily increased. The bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Due to the high concentration of suitable habitat, the majority of eagle nests are located in western Kentucky. However, reports of bald eagles during the breeding season from central and eastern Kentucky are becoming increasingly common. The creation of large reservoirs statewide has provided habitat that was not available to eagles historically. Large rivers, creeks and wetlands provide additional nesting opportunities.
In an article filed by James Brugger on Aug 22, 2013 it stated-"The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reported today that there are now at least 122 nesting pairs in the state, up from 100 last year and 56 five years ago.
That’s a 22 percent year-to-year increase and 118 percent increase since 2009.
Talk about a growth industry."
The primary food source for bald eagles is fish, so their ideal habitat is large lakes and rivers. With their keen eyesight, eagles can readily spot fish swimming near the water’s surface. In one swift swoop, the eagles use their talons to take their catch from the water. They can lift fish up to four pounds.
Bald eagles build their nests in large trees near open shorelines. When nesting, the male and female share parenting duties by taking turns sitting on the nest during incubation and feeding the young once they are hatched.
Once bald eagles are paired as breeding mates, they remain together for life. They reach reproductive maturity at four or five years of age.
Eastern Kentucky has three lakes that currently host reproducing bald eagles. Laurel River Lake in Laurel and Whitley County, Cave Run Lake in Bath County and Yatesville Lake in Lawrence County.
This cache is dedicated to the tenacity of the Bald Eagle.
Please place this back as found so others will experience the find. BYOP. This only contains a log but does have room for small swag (Small TB)
Congrats to Mischief&Mayhem on FTF