Bald Eagle...     Home

     I've been blessed with the extraordinary good luck of having Bald Eagles practically in my back yard. I'm fortunate to live on a farm that borders the Uncompahgre River in Montrose, Co.   The eagles perch in the trees on the edge of our property where they can keep a close eye on the river.  Everyday I have the pleasure of watching these magnificent birds soaring over head.  This bird signifies power, pride & freedom.  Is there any wonder why we chose the Bald Eagle for our national bird?  They are truly American creatures.

Here are a few interesting facts:

Male bald eagles generally measure 3 feet from head to tail, weigh 7 to 10 pounds, and have a wingspan of about 6 1/2 feet. Females are larger, some reaching 14 pounds and having a wingspan of up to 8 feet. This striking raptor has large, pale eyes; a powerful yellow beak; and great, black talons. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is 4 to 5 years old.

Bald eagles are believed to live 30 years or longer in the wild, and even longer in captivity. They mate for life and build huge nests in the tops of large trees near rivers, lakes, marshes, or other wetland areas. Nests are often re-used year after year. With additions to the nests made annually, some may reach 10 feet across and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Although bald eagles may range over great distances, they usually return to nest within 100 miles of where they were raised.