Eagles in Iowa and Other Birds of Prey, Guest Post by Barbara Siebenschuh

Bald Eagles, along the Iowa River near Iowa City, Iowa

My friend Barbara Siebenschuh, classmate (Grinnell College) and roommate (University of Iowa), who still lives in Iowa City, recently went out on a cold winter day with two friends to look for bald eagles.  In winter, bald eagles gather, often in large groups, along the rivers and lakes of Iowa, where they hunt for fish.  I think you will enjoy reading her report.
 

On Saturday, I went with two friends to look for bald eagles and other birds. We were going to watch from observation areas in Muscatine, Iowa, and from our car, because it was soooo cold out. Our day began with a bang when we stopped in Iowa City near the recycling area and could see a "cluster bomb" of bald eagles in the trees near the Iowa River. Some were flying but most were just hanging out. Al got out and took pictures because we were on the other side of the river from the birds--otherwise the birds can get spooked. We proceeded to an area near the Iowa River in Hills, Iowa, and were still seeing birds. 

 

Barn Owl

Then we took off for Muscatine to a place near the Mississippi River. When we arrived, there was an "Eagle Watch" event. Not only could people be inside or outside, but sheltered, to watch eagle activity on the river; there was also a lecture being given with actual birds of prey. We missed the horned owl talk, but we saw a barn owl, a peregrine falcon, and a bald eagle. These birds were rescued from injuries and most cannot fly. They were magnificent none the less.

Bald Eagle

The handler of the eagle, who was from Wildlife Prairie State Park in Illinois, said all these birds tolerated humans but were not tamed or trained. The eagle was huge. One of his wings was deformed. The handler could never touch him or the eagle would rip at him. His beak can snap chicken bones into three or four parts. It was "mutual trust" that the handler would not touch the bird and the bird had never bitten him. Owls and other birds had bitten the handler though. While the talk was being given, each bird was sitting on the handler's arm, which was covered with a big glove.
The eagles were from a sanctuary in Illinois. We learned that the bald eagles got fish in the a.m. and a rat at night. One day a week they were not fed, as this mimics their life in the wild.  The mostly eat prey four pounds or under; so small cats and dogs are potential prey if the animals are small sized. Eagles soar the highest and have wonderful sight.

Peregrine Falcon

We were mesmerized at this live demonstration. The peregrine falcon was a lot smaller but we learned interesting facts about his coloring, big eyebrows, and speed. (They can dive at speeds up to 200 mph!) After the show, we could get a bit closer. It was awesome.
We then went to Davenport, Iowa, and to Credit Island Park where we saw more birds as we drove out of the park. Staying in the car, we were about twelve feet from bald eagles, who stayed in their trees, probably because we did not get out of the car. In areas where there was a lot of open water we saw eagles swooping to catch fish; where there was more ice but holes in the ice, eagles sat there dragging fish out when they could. Along the way we also saw hawks, gulls and blackbirds - but no wild turkeys.
It was really a neat outing.

Eagles near the Iowa River in Iowa City, Iowa

 We thank Al Persson for the wonderful photos of eagles and the other birds.