Bald Eagles Are Back
March 27th, 2011 | News | 1 Comment
The lakes are still frozen solid on the Gunflint Trail, but at least one migratory wildlife species can read the calendar. For the last week or so, bald eagles have been spotted soaring over the Gunflint Trail. Granted, of all the animals who head south in the winter, bald eagles probably make one of the shortest treks.
Bald eagles aren’t strictly a migratory bird. Rather, bald eagles only head for different digs during the winter months if they need to relocate to find food. For bald eagles living along the Gunflint Trail, that means heading down to the open water and fishing offered along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Considering that with their 6′ wingspan, eagles can fly about 30 mph, that’s not a very long journey for the birds!
The eagles are back on the Trail this time of year with a specific purpose in mind: it’s nesting season. If they haven’t already, eagles will soon lay 1-3 eggs in their large nests, also called aeries. Eagles mate for life and take turns sitting on the eggs. After about 35 days of incubation, fluffy white eaglets emerge.
Now there’s a face only a mother could love . . .
The birds are particularly prolific in the upper Gunflint Trail area. You can spot dozens of the birds’ nests (which are usually about 5′ in diameter) on Seagull and Saganaga Lakes. One of the best known Gunflint Trail eagle nests is located in the Trail’s End campground. Although it’s always fun and interesting to watch eagles, it’s never a good idea to approach an eagle nest. If eagles get spooked by humans, these otherwise model parents may abandon their eggs or young. It’s best to watch from a distance; if the eagles notice you, it’s time to move on.
Tags: Gunflint Trail, ice, Minnesota weather, spring, wildlife
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