Bald Eagles in Utah

By Rod Besler

The bald eagle has done so well in recent years, it not only has been taken off the threatened list, it's even been dropped from the endangered list. Their numbers have been climbing steadily since they were first listed as an endangered species.

And every year, as November blows in, hundreds of bald eagles fly into Utah. They stay until the ice starts to melt in March. Latest estimates put the number of visiting eagles in Utah at around 1,000. Utah is among the top 10 winter stops for bald eagles. Some years, it's among the top five.

Held every February, the annual Utah Bald Eagle Day gives many children and adults the first - and maybe only - opportunity of their life to see a bald eagle close up in the wild. As many as 350 eagles have been spotted during a single Bald Eagle Day!

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources sets up spotting scopes at each viewing site so people can get a good look at the eagles. Biologists and volunteers are also available to help people spot the eagles as well as answer any questions they may have.

Originally held only at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, this yearly event has been expanded to include sites in central, northeastern and southwestern Utah. And this amazing experience is free. It's a fantastic way to see the national symbol of the USA in its natural setting.

For current and updated information and a complete description of the viewing sites, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Rod Besler An online guide about Utah written by a resident of more than 30 years. If you're thinking of visiting Utah or know you are, download my FREE eBook and you'll know The 101 Best Things To See And Do In Utah. All FREE to you 5 minutes after you ask for it. http://www.utah-travel-secrets.com orhttp://www.utahtravelsecrets.com ------------------------------------------------- For more on Eagles, see www.abouteagles.com.

The Harpy Eagle - An Endangered Species

By Geoff Cummings

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of the biggest of all eagles. Measuring around 37 inches (88cm) in height and weighing up to 18lbs (8kg) for females, and up to 16lbs (7kg) for males, harpy eagles have powerful talons that grow to about 5 inches (12cm) in length.

The harpy eagle was so named due to its similar looks to the half-avian, half-woman monster of Greek mythology-the Harpy.

The harpy eagle is found in the rainforests of Central and South America, where it builds its nest high up in the trees. Often it builds its nest in the crown of the kapok tree. Although it is a big bird, it can descend upon its prey almost without any noise as it flies through the rainforest canopy. Using its powerful talons it can crush the bones of sloths, monkeys, other birds, and reptiles. It will then carry off its prey and fly back to its nest, using its huge wing span of over six feet (173cm).

The harpy eagle is monogamous, mating for life. Although in breeding normally two eggs may be laid, only the first one to hatch is cared for by its parents, the other egg is simply ignored and doesn`t hatch.

Unfortunately, due to poaching and the destruction of it`s rainforest habitat, the bird is on the endangered species list. Panama declared it as its national bird, and efforts have been made to stop the poaching of it. Another problem with the conservation of the harpy eagle is that it isn`t sexually mature until it reaches the age of four or five, and they only breed in two-year cycles.

In the Guayaquil Historic Park in Equador, however, they have a captive-breeding program. There, a healthy harpy eagle chick has been born. The Park boast around ninety species of birds, and is playing its part in ensuring the harpy eagle lives on, despite what seems the best (or should that be worst), efforts of man.

Geoff runs several sites, including DIY tips- How to Unblock a Bath and Garden Supplies for discount garden products --------------------------------------------------- For more on Endangered Eagles, see www.abouteagles.com.