The National Bird

There is something about seeing a Bald Eagle in person that persuades you to watch quietly as it owns the sky and all it surveys.

The young Bald Eagles aren't 'bald' until they are five years old.  They are impressive in flight as well, but not as eye catching as the adults.

Yesterday morning was spent north of the city, along the Wisconsin River, where many Bald Eagles spend the winter near the open water created by a hydro-power plant.

Observers are asked to keep their distance, so as not to spook the majestic birds, and while my camera can't reach all the way for a close-up, it was great fun to see so many great birds.

Most were roosting in tall trees along the river.  Occasionally, one would take to the air, spy out a fish, grab it out of the water, and return to the tree for lunch.

Soon enough, the Bald Eagles will return north along with the march of spring, leaving a few pair behind in southern Wisconsin.

This was the first time in a while to see the eagle.  While we lived in north Wisconsin near Eau Claire, I saw them frequently, carving lazy circles in the sky, and one time drove up on one dining on road kill on a quiet county back road.

In South Dakota, a similar circumstance with a hydro-power plant gathered dozens of birds, and I was able to capture them with a video camera and ultimately produced a short piece to air on our station showing the birds at rest and in flight.

Watching the birds is a great experience and always reminds me how glad I am that Benjamin Franklin was proven wrong and voted down on his idea for the symbol of our country.

He wanted the turkey as the National Bird.  It may be - but only on Thanksgiving.  The Bald Eagle is a much better choice, don't you agree?