February 9, 2011
- Eagles
- Family Fun
- Upcoming DEC Events
- Capital District - Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
- Western New York - Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Eagles
The national bird of the United States since 1782, the bald eagle symbolizes power and majesty. It can be found from the arctic tundra to sub-tropic mangroves. Eagles prefer undisturbed areas near large lakes, reservoirs, marshes and swamps, or stretches along rivers where they can find open water and their primary food, fish. Bald eagles can often be seen sitting near the top of trees scanning and waiting for fish or other prey.
The bald eagle primarily feeds on fish and waterfowl. After locating prey, an eagle flies out toward it and drops into a gentle glide. Nearing the prey, the eagle throws its feet down and forward to hook the fish securely in its strong claws. Bald eagles are massive, measuring up to 35" long with a wingspan of up to 89". Juvenile bald eagles don't develop the characteristic white head until they are about four years old. The bird's life span in the wild is more than 30 years. The bald eagle nests in trees, on the ground or on cliffs, using the same nest year after year. One nest in Florida was 30 feet across and 20 feet deep and weighed more than 4,400 pounds!
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Family Fun
Eagle Eye
A great deal of a bird of prey's time is spent sitting and waiting. But they aren't lazy. They are on the lookout for food, and the longer they sit, the more prey they can see. Sit quietly alongside a creek, river or lake for 15 minutes and see how many animals you can see. If you can climb a tree or sit in a tree fort, you will be able to see even more animals-just like a bald eagle.
Recycling for Eagles
The bald eagle is a top predator and eats animals that have eaten other animals. The problem for eagles-one that caused them to almost become extinct in New York State-is called bio-accumulation. Bio-accumulation means that top predators build up dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals in their bodies from eating prey that consume contaminated food.
Luckily, many years ago, the federal government banned the use of DDT, one pesticide that was hurting the eagles. To help bring back the bald eagle, New York State released more than 190 young eagles at several locations. When these birds grew up, they mated and produced more eagles. Thanks to these efforts, over the past thirty years, the bald eagle population has made a tremendous comeback in New York State and now there are almost 200 mated pairs.
You can help protect our national symbol by recycling. Heavy metals like lead are dangerous to wildlife. Lead is used in fishing tackle and bullets-items that fish and birds sometimes mistakenly eat. Many heavy metals are found in household items like batteries, televisions, computer monitors and cell phones. These items aren't hazardous for people to use, but they can cause problems for wildlife when they are tossed in the garbage. Look for electronic recycling events in your area to make sure that these items are disposed of properly. Remind your parents not to use lead sinkers when fishing. (New York has banned the sale of lead sinkers weighing less than half of an ounce). The eagles will thank you for it.
Read Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Watchable Wildlife: Winter Birdlife
Saturday, February 12 at 9:00 AM
Family Fun: Mammals for Kids
Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 PM
Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. Space is limited. Please call 518-475-0291 by Wednesday, February 9 to register.
Family Fun: Full Moon Walk
Friday, February 18 at 7:00 PM
Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other.
Watchable Wildlife: Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 19 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Family Fun: Birding for Kids
Tuesday, February 22 at 10:00
Parent(s) and child(ren) must accompany each other. Space is limited. Please call Five Rivers at 518-475-0291 to register by Wednesday, February 16.
Event Descriptions at Five Rivers
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Wildlife Tracking
Saturday, February 12 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Call the NYS Museum at 518-473-7154 to register.
More events at Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
After-School Escape
Thursday, February 10 and 17 at 4:30 PM
For children in grades K-5. No registration required.
Snowshoeing 101
Thursday, February 10 and 17 at 6:00 PM
Snowshoe rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Snow Tunnels
Saturday, February 12 at 10:30 AM
Cross-Country Ski Tour
Saturday, February 12 at 1:00 PM
Ski rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Full Moon Cross-Country Ski Tour
Thursday, February 17 at 6:30 PM
Bring your own skis, or rent a pair. Ski rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
Full Snow Moon Snowshoe Walk
Friday, February 18 at 6:30 PM
Snowshoe rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.
George Washington Snowshoe Walk
Saturday, February 19 at 10:00 AM
Snowshoe rental: $2.00/pair; free for FORNP members.