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Bald Eagle Migration Update: March 16, 2005 Today's Report Includes:
Today’s Map and Data
When P04 was captured last week Eagleye made a prediction, “I am assuming that P04 is a long-distance winter migrant, but only time will tell. I don't think we will have to wait long to find out.” Last Sunday he decided to travel about 13 miles NE of the capture site. Is this the start of his long-distance migration? Stay tuned and we’ll learn together!
Field Notes from Peter Nye Dear Eagle-trackers, I can sense it; spring is definitely in the air, despite recent snow-storms we have had here. The days are sunny and reaching well into the 30's now, and many other raptors (red tails, kestrels, etc.) are now moving into and through our area. Surprisingly, though, adult female bald eagle V98 remains on/near the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. By this time last year, where was she? The recent snow storms may have caused her to stay put? What do you think? On a darker side, I hope nothing has happened to her down there requiring a field visit; we’ll give her a little more time.
Our new adult male bald, P04, appears to be moving a little. He remained near the capture site for a couple of days, but as of Sunday he was about 13 miles NE of the capture site, not far from one of our active nesting sites. Now it will be interesting to see how far he moves and how quickly. Also of note, although the tracking data have not been posted on JN, one of the NY fledglings we outfitted with a satellite transmitter last summer is on the move. This eagle, Y90, was fledged from a nest in central NY (Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge) and after dispersing from its natal area, spent the winter in Virginia. Now, it has moved back north and is in northern PA just south of the NY border, appearing to be on a straight line back toward its nest site. Young eagles often revisit their place of birth the very next year; it will be interesting to see if Y90 keeps this pattern and how long it might stay. See you
next week! V98 Puzzler
Last year’s data shows that she was off and heading north by now. Captured along the Upper Delaware River on March 9 (Latitude 41.57) she flew almost due north to a new location on March 12(Latitude 44.07). How far did V98 fly from March 9 to March 12? We can get an approximate distance with a simple formula. 1 degree of latitude = 60 miles.
(To respond to this question, please follow the instructions below.) Eating Out: Winter Dining Challenges As we know, in the cold winter months Eagles are found near open water so they can have fresh fish to eat. Fish are perfect winter food. Even on the coldest winter days a fish pulled from open water (32 F) is easily pulled apart with sharp and powerful beaks and is eaten. But eagles don’t live on fish alone. In winter eagles are often seen eating road-killed animals. How can an eagle eat frozen, rock-hard meat? Kathy Michell helps the eagles at the bait site by chopping the meat into chunks with her trusty axe. Without Kathy’s help, how do eagles cope in the cold winter weather? Read on to learn about this and more: An eagle eats 5-10% of its body weight each day. Male bald eagles weigh 8-9 lbs., and females weigh 10-14 lbs. Sharpen your pencils and your wits for these calculations:
(To respond to this question, please follow the instructions below.) Eagle Expert Answers YOUR Questions This week in a preview of Pete Nye’s answers to Ask the Expert let’s focus on one question. Before we take you to the question, look at the pictures of these 2 bald eagles, one mature and one immature. Study each bird and make a list of each one’s colorations. Look closely.
Why do you think the birds look different as they grow and mature? After making your list think of some reasons why each bird exhibits these colors during each phase of maturity. What does Eagleye
have to say about coloration? A:
Generally, eagle eyes are pretty consistent in color.
Eagle Eyes!
Bald Eagle Adaptations: The Beak and Head This spring we're looking closely at eagles, from head to toe. Each week, we'll pose a Challenge Question related to the next week's featured adaptation. Remember: There's always a WHY behind WHAT you see. So whenever you see an unusual behavior or body part, ask yourself WHY... Are you ready for this week's adaptation? The eagle's whole head is designed for its fishing and scavenging lifestyle. Take a close look at their head and decide why it has adapted uniquely for this powerful animal.
(To respond to this question, please follow the instructions below.) A Weighty Number Line: Answers to CQ #8 What mathematical sense can you make from creating a number line showing weights of bald eagle male and females? Here are some statements submitted:
Thanks to these 7th Graders from Iselin Middle School: Isaiah, Sharoze, Giovanni, Nicole, James, Stephanie, and Felicia. Video Greeting from Eagleye Nye Here’s your opportunity to hear and see our Eagle Expert. Pete Nye greets all of you and explains a little bit about the research he brings into your classrooms.
Eagle Glossary Build your vocabulary with terms used in our reports as we study eagles this season. Find the following terms from this week’s report and define them in your eagle journals or portfolios: raptor, kestrel, anatomical.
How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:
1. Address
an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-eagle@learner.org Copyright
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