RM Jones’ Adventure

January 26 - 27, 2008, was the “17^th Annual Bald Eagle Watch” at the Interstate 80 Welcome Center at Le Claire, Iowa. I live only about 15 blocks from it and had never been there. I usually intend to go but forget until it’s over. This year I made it and I’m glad that I did. I learned a lot about Bald Eagles and other birds of prey and had a fun time. The program was put on by a gentleman from the “Wapsi River Environmental Education Center” http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation/wapsi.php , which I believe is part of the county conservation board, and a gentleman from the Army Corps of Engineers.The Bald Eagles congregate in this area around the ice free water near the damns and the main Mississippi river when it’s not froze. Their main food source is fish and they do a pretty good job of catching them. According to the information we were given, the Eagles will even try to steal the food from other Eagles. I bet that turns into a real argument and would like to see one give it a try. I learned so much it’s hard to know where to start so I’ll just give you some of the facts from my notes and the handout they provide. (more…)