A PAIR OF BALD EAGLES SURVEY THE WATERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD NEAR LOCKHAVEN, ILLINOIS. THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN ON MARCH 9, 2001, AFTER MOST OF THE EAGLES IN THE ST. LOUIS METRO AREA HAD ALREADY STARTED MIGRATING BACK TO THEIR NORTHERN HOMES. THESE WERE TWO OF THE VERY FEW STILL TO BE FOUND IN THE AREA AT THIS LATE DATE. PERHAPS THIS PAIR IS TAKING "ONE LAST LOOK" BEFORE RETURNING TO THEIR NORTHERN NESTING GROUND.
EAGLE FACT(S)
THE HUNTING AREA PATROLLED BY A BALD EAGLE VARIES FROM 1,700 TO 10,000 ACRES. BECAUSE OF THE ENERGY EXPENDED DURING HUNTING, AN EAGLE HAS TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME RESTING QUIETLY. IT'S ESTIMATED THAT ONLY ONE OUT OF EIGHTEEN ATTACKS IS SUCCESSFUL.