Golden Eagle!

Hi Guys

Thought I would drop you a little line and let you know of the Golden Eagle in Red Wing. I have seen it several times in the past couple of weeks. It tends to sit in a Cottonwood near the rollers (right above the first wing Dam downstream of the dam). To Many this looks like a immature Bald Eagle but look closely and you will see the differences. First of all is sheer size ( they are much larger than the Bald eagles), Secondly he will have a lot of light colored feathers (almost white) both on its chest and between the shoulders running almost the length of his back. The last obvious clue is that the Bald Eagles will be pestering and screaming at him all day much like crows do to Hawks. These two species do not get along well and the Golden has been known to kill Blad Eagles. I hope you get to see him as they are not very common here in MN. If anyone knows of any others I would like to know so I could shoot some photos. Thanks Chris Winchester

That’s very cool Catdad! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. I’ll be looking when I’m down there. Thanks, Vern

Saw him last weekend Chris. We see quite a few out in SD. Not too many balds though. I’ve witnessed them together in the spring hunting snow geese. It’s pretty cool to see one of these birds sitting in a field 25 – 30 yards from the road. Awesome bird!!!!! I saw 3 goldens with 3 balds one day, it’s amazing how they dwarf the balds. I took some picks, but unfortunately they didn’t turn out well. Six eagles all with goose in hand, eating away. I’ve got to get a decent 35mm one day.

I have seen that bird several times when on the river. He \(or she) has been over on the Wisc. side several times this fall, probably picking up crippled ducks and geese. This bird is large enough to move a pretty good sized goose around and have his way with it. It is fantastic to see these great birds, and know that they are the symbol of this great land. Isn’t the river environment a fantastic place???????? Gotta love it.

Good Fishin’

TBO/MN

I noticed it when I was out today and was amazed. I thought it was a young one at first until I saw the size. Glad to know what it was.

great post catdad…. I will keep an eye out for that bird… have not seen a golden here before.. only out west……….

Hey Catdad

I’m in awe of that bird. When the water temps fall low in the winter, dead and dying shad flush out of the Vermillion River into the main channel and the eagles congregate in the trees along the banks of this tributary to snatch a weak shad for their dinner. I’ve watched that golden swoop in to the trees in this area and seen the whole mess of the balds scatter for safety. What a truely majestic bird.

Something about your post brought me immediately to the river in my mind’s eye. Much more so than any ordinary “fish story” could have done. Thanks for sharing.

Have you ever heard the coyotes howl at the moon at night up there in the winter? On a cold, crisp night. What a sound. Same kinda’ deal. Something a guy can never forget and if you think about it, you’re right back on the river.

The other day,while driving south on mn.20,just outside of Cannon Falls.I saw an immature bald eagle on the ground,out in a field,about 75 yds.off the road.He was surrounded by at least 50 crows.He appeared to be very tired and stressed.I turned around,not sure if maybe the bird was injured.It took off, with all the crows hot on its tail.I think its possible the crows could have killed it.What do you you guys think?

Last year, a buddy and I saw several in the refuge north of Harpers Ferry, IA. Beautiful birds.

James, you hit the nail on the head there. I didn’t even realize it, but soon as I read “Golden Eagle” I was sitting in the ditch in SD pass shooting snows and blues again on a warm spring day.

I’ve never heard the coyotes here, but I’ve sure heard them along the Missouri when I was archery hunting. As a 14 year old kid, it wasn’t easy crawling down out of the stand to the shrieking crys after dark. Still get the chills sitting here in front of the pc in downtown Mpls……

Thanks for taking me back guys!!!