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2010 Wintering Golden Eagle Survey of the Bluffs and Coulee Region of the Upper Mississippi River Watershed Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!!!! I can not say it enough, Thank You so much for helping to contribute to the success of the 6th Annual Wintering Golden Eagle Survey of the Bluffs and Coulee Region of the Upper Mississippi River Watershed! On January 16th, 2010 over 130 observers were out to specifically look for Golden Eagles! 93 Golden Eagles were seen in the survey area which covered southeastern Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. More than 40 routes were covered in 12 counties and observers drove more than 2,000 miles of coulee region back roads and spent more than 400 observer hours looking for Golden Eagles. As in previous years Buffalo County, Wisconsin continues to be the heart of the wintering Golden Eagle population. On the count day 25 observers covered 15 routes in Buffalo County and found 60 Golden Eagles. Overall, Wisconsin totaled 69 Golden Eagles, and observers spotted 24 Goldens in Minnesota. Being thorough observers and avid birdwatchers many other raptor sightings were also documented. During the survey raptor species seen included Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed, Rough-legged, Red-shouldered, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel and Northern Shrike. More than 700 Bald Eagles were seen, most in places away from the Mississippi River. Some observers also noted whether the bald eagles were adults or juveniles; 552 adults and 95 juveniles Bald Eagles were recorded. In addition 316 Red-tailed Hawks were observed. I do apologize for the delay in getting this to you! Mark Martell, myself and others are busy trying to trap another Golden Eagle before the birds leave their winter territories. Last year we were able to attach a transmitter to one rehabilitated Golden Eagle (“Whitey) that had been caught in a coyote trap in Buffalo County. We have been following “Whitey’s” whereabouts, and learning more about the habits of Golden Eagles wintering in the bluff and coulee region. This project is under the leadership of The National Eagle Center, Minnesota Audubon and is supported by MN DNR Non-game, WI DNR and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. You can follow this research, including updates on “Whitey’s” whereabouts at the Golden Eagle Research link at NationalEagleCenter.org. This project would never have happened without your help over the years, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have also been busy getting ready for our Soar with the Eagles festival that takes place at the National Eagle Center each weekend in March. I invite you to check out our website at NationalEagleCenter.org to see all the exciting events and speakers that we have planned. If you have photos that you would like to enter in our annual photo contest, please look for details on our website. Winners from the photo contest are featured in our annual calendar. I’d also like to let you know about two upcoming Golden Eagle programs and field trips, February 6th and February 13th. You’ll get tips for distinguishing Goldens and Bald Eagles, as well get out and hopefully see some Golden Eagles in the area. So come join us at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha! Thanks again, Scott 2009 Wintering Golden Eagle Survey of the Bluffs and Coulee Region of the Upper Mississippi River Watershed The survey included:
Annual Results
Other observations from the 2009 survey: |
