Wintering Bald Eagles at Mud Bay
Olympia, Washington
January 10, 2018
The changing of the season brings changes in wildlife. And in our area, that means BIG changes. Really big changes. Gone are the petite warblers of spring and summer. In come the raptors, big and bold. Few are as big and majestic as the Bald Eagle.
Bald Eagles spend their winters in our area for several reasons. It is not nearly as cold or as dark as it is in the Alaskan territory. There is plenty of habitat and water. And, at Mud Bay in Olympia, there is plenty of food in the form of salmon carcasses. Area streams - McClane Creek, Perry Creek and Kennedy Creek - all have chum salmon runs which begin in November and end as the new year begins. All three of these creeks are relatively short and have significant tidal influence.
As the tide goes out in the creek, the water disappears and carcasses of the spawned salmon appear. Gulls and other scavenging critters appear. And the Bald Eagles who have been perching so splendidly come down from the branches to feast.
It takes less than one second for a Bald Eagle to fly off from its perch. And, it creates quite a ride for anyone lucky enough to be left behind!
Bald Eagles develop their distinctive white heads over a period of five years. Male Bald Eagles tend to be about one third smaller than females. Markings are identical between males and females.
Although juvenile Bald Eagles have brownish heads, they are usually easy to differentiate from other raptors because of their size. They are 2 1/2 - 3 feet tall and have up to an 6 and 1/2 foot wingspan.
Yes, Virginia, eagles do yawn just like you and me!