Discussing CQ#9 and #10

Challenge Question #9:
“What do you think makes the Pepacton Reservoir a major eagle use area? List the factors that make this area good eagle habitat.”

Shavani

I think the Pepactonin Reservoir is a major eagle area because it has many common fish species: Brown Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Brown Bull-head, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, White Sucker and Alewife. All these species are good sources of food for the eagles year round. Also, because the reservoir surface is 1280 feet above sea level, which makes it comfortable enough for the eagles to build nice nests high in the treetops near by. Iselin Middle School/grade 7

John, Kody, and Kyle

We were discussing Challenge question # 9 and here’s what we think:
The Pepacton Reservoir is a great place for eagles to gather because, by looking at the photos of the reservoir, it looks like the habitat contains everything an eagle would need – water, fish, tall trees for nesting, perching, and looking for food. It also does not appear to be over-developed so eagles have plenty of space to fly and feel safe without being disturbed. Fifth graders at Century Middle School in Park Rapids, MN.

Caleb

I think the reservoir is a good Eagle habitat because it has lots of fish, mountains, and trees to make it good for the eagles to live in.

Challenge Question #10:
“Which of our satellite tracked eagles have begun their migrations? List them and note whether male or female. Which birds left the earliest? Who leaves first, males or females?”

Tucker, Ruby, and Phoebe from Ferrisburgh Central School looked long and hard. They sent us this response:

The adult birds left the earliest. Of these, most were females: V98, U21, U25 and U27. There is one male, P04. It looks as if Y96 (Female) and Y94 (Female) have also just started to migrate.
The adult birds left the earliest, which were mostly female. We don't think that from this information, we can tell if males or females leave first, what we do see is that the immature birds are not migrating as quickly as the mature ones.
When we look at the immature birds that are not really moving - we see P88 (Male), P89 (Female), P90 (Male) and P91 (Male). This makes us think that the females might leave before the males, but we can't be sure.

Japheth and his Mom added:

We think the first eagle to boogie north is female V98. Next would be Female U21, then U25. Then last would be male P04. We think the females are migrating north first.

Great observations! I guess we will have to wait and see what the next few weeks will bring.