Bald Eagles Are Familiar To Area The American Bald Eagle is probably the most revered bird in the whole country, and those lucky enough to visit Yankton have a wonderful opportunity to spot one or many. Bald Eagles live along the Missouri River most of the year, but they are most prominent during the winter months when they are nesting. These majestic creatures can be spotted flying through the skies, especially near Gavins Point Dam. The sight of these majestic raptors gives you a silent, soaring explanation as to why they were chosen as the symbol for this country. As a symbol, eagles convey strength and pride but these creatures are actually a fragile part of our ecosystem. Once on the brink of extinction, eagles numbers are coming back strongly. Where once the sighting of an eagle was extremely rare, now it happens quite frequently in areas beyond the high trees overlooking the Missouri River. Although everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the chance to see a bald eagle for themselves, here are some tips for recognizing a bald eagle and rules for proper eagle etiquette. Recognizing A Bald Eagle Sometimes it’s easy to spot a bald eagle. Its striking white head and tail and the sheer size of its wingspan (6-7 feet) makes it hard to miss. However, it is not until an eagle reaches maturity at about five years that the white plumage develops. Younger (immature) bald eagles are chocolate brown and mottled with white. For this reason, it is important to learn the size, shape and flying posture to correctly identify bald eagles. As an eagle flies toward you, its wings are held straight out, unlike the more common turkey vulture, which soars with its wings in a Vshape. As the eagle passes overhead, you’ll notice that the feathers at the tips of its wings are widely separated. Its relatively short tail is usually fanned open. Bald Eagle Viewing Tips & Etiquette • Scan the tree line for eagles that are perched in the tree tops. • Check the ice floes or river islands for eagles sunning themselves or enjoying a meal. • Arrive early (7 a.m.-9 a.m.) or stay late (4 p.m.-5 p.m.), when eagles are most active. • Be patient! The key to successful viewing is patience. • Dress warmly and in layers: boots, hats and gloves are strongly recommended. 46 – VISITORS GUIDE • YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA • Bring along a hot beverage. • Turn on your car heater for short periods of time. • Bald eagles should remain undisturbed; they must conserve energy during the winter months because of the scarcity of food. Scaring eagles away from their food could deprive them of the energy they need to maintain their body temperature through the cold night. Unhealthy eagles generally do not successfully raise young the following spring. • Stay at least 300 years from perched eagles or even farther away during severe weather. • Refrain from loud noises: Honking horns, door slamming, radios playing, yelling, etc. • Keep pets at home. • Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of trying to get a little closer. • Don’t do anything to try to make the bird fly. • Respect private property and avoid restricted areas. • The best time to visit eagle winter feeding areas is from December through February. Eagles return to their nesting areas in late February or early March. • Wintering bald eagles are usually found near open water, where water flowing through the dams or rivers keeps the water from freezing. Eagles concentrate in these areas to hunt for fish and injured waterfowl. • Watch for other interesting birds near winter eagle sites. The open water attracts many species of waterfowl. Other raptors, such as rough-legged and red-tailed hawks, are frequently seen in the open countryside. Sources: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and the N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation •Farm Bureau Financial Services •Scott Family Dentistry Clinic •Fastenal •South Pointe Gaming Lounge •Southeast South Dakota Tourism •Linda’s Angel Crossing •Orthopedic Institute •Stepping Stones Childcare •PSI Home Healthcare •EZ Payday Advance •Peloton Therapy •Quizno’s •Salon Amoré 104 •Hair of the Dog •Z Wireless 11th & Broadway,Yankton, SD Join the tenants at Morgen Square! For leasing information, contact Marv Looby at Southeast Properties (605)338-6170