"PINK ICE" RESULTING FROM A JANUARY SUNSET AT REDA (RIVERLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL DEMONSTRATION AREA) NEAR ALTON, ILLINOIS, ACCENTUATES THE TALONS OF THIS BALD EAGLE.
EAGLE FACT(S)
THE TAIL OF A BALD EAGLE IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR FLIGHT AND MANEUVERING. WHILE SOARING, A BALD EAGLE SPREADS ITS TAILFEATHERS TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SURFACE AREA, THEREBY ASSISTING IT IN "LIFT" FROM THERMALS AND UPDRAFTS. THE TAIL ALSO ACTS AS A "BRAKE" WHEN LANDING AND ASSISTS IN STABILIZATION DURING A CONTROLLED DIVE.