Sunday, February 22, 2009

Look for Bald Eagles

In the winter you can sometimes spot a bald eagle perched in a tree next to the Arkansas River.

I saw several in 2007 and 2008.

Recently the news reports advised a nest close by, but won't disclose the location.

Each winter, the majestic birds migrate from the northern Great Lakes to Kansas lakes and rivers, where they search for open water, fish and waterfowl. When Kansas lakes freeze, they look for food along rivers, including the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita.

The eagles, which have a wingspan between 6 and 8 feet, usually stay in the downtown area until the end of February, unless bad weather pushes them on. They can be spotted anywhere from dawn to dusk along the river, from north of 21st Street near the Big Ditch to south of Herman Hill and Watson parks.


I spotted the eagles while driving on McClean Blvd between U.S. 54 and Pawnee. McClean runs next to the river, so it's a good location for trying to spot eagles.

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