Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Bald Eagles in Real Time

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Take a look at the Bald Eagles in their nest... http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/04/07/135148362/eagle-cam-soars-with...

After viewing the live stream of a Bald Eagle family in Decorah, Iowa, 5th grade students were inspired to find out more about our nation's symbol.  Here are some samplings of what they uncovered:

* Bald eagles can be found in Canada and the United States usually near sea coasts, rivers, or large lakes.

* The breading season is November through April.

* The nest, usually made of sticks can weigh up to 4,000 pounds and be 8 feet in diameter. 

* Some nests last as long as 30 years, with the Eagles returning from year to year.  The nests can be found 10-150 feet above ground in a tree.

* The females are larger than the males.  They can weigh from 4.5 to 13.5 pounds with a wingspan of nearly 8 feet.

* Both the male and female take care of the eggs and then the eaglets.  

* The preferred foods are fish, duck, geese, rabbit, muskrat, carrion, and other small mammals and water birds.

* The female usually lays 1 to 3 bluish-white eggs that incubate for 35 days.  The eaglets will leave the nest after 10 weeks.  

* The voice of bald eagle is characterized as a harsh cackle.

* Bald Eagles migrate alone or in pairs and are known to mate for life.