Annual eagle watch draws residents to Mississippi River

FULTON - With winter comes unwanted menaces such as icy roadways and thick blankets of snow. But winter also brings something a little more majestic to the area - the American bald eagle. Hundreds of eager bird watchers huddled onto the observation deck at Lock and Dam 13 on the Mississippi River Saturday to watch nearly 100 bald eagles that descended on the Iowa bank. Some glided gracefully through the air; some sat on the frozen river, waiting to catch a fish; others dotted the trees, waiting to make a move. It was the 25th annual Bald Eagle Watch, and the birds didn't disappoint. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Thomson Park Rangers, in cooperation with Clinton (Iowa) Community College and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, host the event. Representatives were on hand to answer any and all eagle questions, and shuttle service from the dam to the college was provided. At the college, participants could view a video about eagles and listen to presentations. There were booths featuring information about eagles and other birds of prey, and the National Eagle Center brought out a bald eagle with which families could have their pictures taken. Alan Anderson, wildlife refuge specialist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, said he counted just fewer than 100 bald eagles this year. Last year, he counted more than 400. "This year, we're seeing more of what we normally see," Anderson said. Eagles begin migrating from the north in search of food when rivers begin to freeze over. Because the weather is a little warmer than last year, more eagles were in the air and not on the water, which could explain why there weren't as many birds out, he said. This was the first eagle watch for David Reynold, a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The St. Paul, Minn. native said he never saw eagles out on the river before because it usually is completely frozen over, forcing them south to find food. "It's really exciting, but I'm having more fun watching the people get excited about it," Reynold said. Sue Olsen, 44, of Fulton, brought her granddaughter Allie, 9, to see the eagles. The pair have made the trip to Lock and Dam 13 the last 3 years. "We haven't seen them fish today yet, but we're still hoping," Olsen said. It was Suzanne Wegener, 50, of Lisle, first trip. An avid eagle-watcher, she usually travels to Starved Rock State Park in Utica every January. This year, she wanted to try a new location. "I was surprised to see how many eagles were out," Wegener said. "It's so interesting to see them fish." Callie Swamberger, 44, of Clinton, also was new to the eagle watch. Swamberger was amazed at the eagle's graceful flight patterns and fishing abilities. "The eagle is the national symbol of freedom, and to be that close to them to see what they can do in the wild really gives me a better appreciation for them." Why eagles come to Fulton • The American bald eagle visits the Upper Mississippi River and National Wildlife & Fish Refuge lands each year from late fall through early spring. • As many as 2,500 bald eagles winter along the Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minn. to St. Louis, Mo. • Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton are near one of the river's widest points. This area is a popular wintering area because of the abundant food, open water and trees. • Lock and Dam 13, 5 miles north of Fulton, keeps the river from freezing and provides eagles with an area to hunt their primary food source - fish. • The best time to watch eagles is in the early morning, during their prime feeding time. • Bald eagles roost in large trees surrounded by smaller trees. These roosts provide protection from the weather and outsiders. • Perches are found close to a food source, usually within 60 yards of a water's edge. Source: Clinton/Muscatine/Scott Community Colleges Web page, www.eicc.edu/business/events/-eagle/eagle.html