This bird was not that popular in our area of the farmstead in the southeastern part of North Dakota, but when we did see a Bald Eagle, it was special to see it soaring in the sky. Tewauken National Wildlife Refuge is near our farm and seemed to have open water in the winter which kept the eagles in our area. They were so majestic perched on a dead cottonwood or oak tree. My mother loved all types of birds and could name them with just the sounds as macular degeneration took her eyesight away. My Mother passed away in April 2016 from Stage 4 lung cancer and Stage 4 COPD and I miss her every day. No matter the struggles she faced, she always had a positive outlook and I hope she instilled that in me.
My intent with these caches along this I-94 route is to share an image and information pertaining to different birds that are common to our state and region. You are looking for a camo preform that will be hanging or sticking. Make sure cap is secure so they continue to be weather proof. Some of these areas are more busy than others. Make sure you park off the road and be aware of muggles.Please let me know if maintenance is needed. Please also keep off the ground so these caches can be winter friendly. If you find one of my signature items, it is yours to keep. If you already have found one of my signature items, please leave for someone who has not received one. Please bring your own writing tool. One is provided with the initial placement but you know how that goes.
If you are new to geocaching, please check out the geocacher's etiquette for this lifelong family-friendly hobby. http://www.geocreed.info/
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
The emblem bird of the United States, majestic in its appearance. It is not always so majestic in habits: it often feeds on carrion, including dead fish washed up on shore, and it steals food from Ospreys and other smaller birds. At other times, however, it is a powerful predator. Seriously declining during much of the 20th century, the Bald Eagle has made a comeback in many areas since the 1970s. Big concentrations can be found wintering along rivers or reservoirs in some areas.
Feeding Behavior
Opportunistic; sometimes a predator, sometimes a scavenger. Does much hunting by watching from a high perch, then swooping down to catch prey in its talons. Also hunts by cruising very low over sea or land, taking prey by surprise. Where fish are abundant (as at spawning runs), may wade in shallow water to pursue them. Sometimes steals fish from Ospreys or other birds. Also lands on ground to feed on carrion.
Eggs
2, sometimes 1-3. White. Incubation is by both parents, 34-36 days.
Young
At least one parent remains with young almost constantly for first 2 weeks. Both parents bring prey to nest, tearing food into small pieces and feeding it directly to young at first; after 3-6 weeks, young begin pecking at food dropped in nest. In seasons when prey is scarce, only largest young may survive. Age at first flight about 10-12 weeks.
Diet
Mostly fish when available, also birds, mammals. Feeds heavily on fish in many areas, including herring, salmon, carp, catfish, many others. When fish are scarce, may eat birds (ducks, coots, auklets, others) or mammals (jackrabbits, muskrats, others). Sometimes eats turtles, crabs, shellfish, other items. Often feeds on carrion; when fish or carrion readily available, may catch few birds or mammals.
Nesting
Usually first breeds at age 4-5 years, and may mate for life. Nest site is usually in tree, often on cliff in west, or on ground on northern islands. Tree nests are usually in very tall tree, standing above surrounding forest, up to 180' or more above ground. Nest (built by both sexes) usually a mound of sticks, lined with finer materials; nest may be reused and added to for years, becoming huge. Great Horned Owls sometimes take over nests.