Migration Update: March 18, 2009
Welcome to the 2009 Journey North Bald Eagle Study!


What's this eagle doing?
Larger Pictures >>
(For high speed connection)
Read today's Update, then try answering the question.

Photos: Jon McRay
Maps and Data

Check this week's map for any changes. You might find little to report on. February temperatures were 2-4 degrees cooler than normal in our eagle's winter range. We will look closer at temperatures in this week's handout. What else might keep the birds in place?

It looks like U27 is inching northward along the route she took last spring. Otherwise, the birds are staying in place.

  • All Eagles: Map
  • All Eagles: Data
  • Map Questions >>

Questions about this week's map >>

Eagle Sightings Highlights:

3/9/09 The Ice is starting to open on South Bay, Lake Champlain. Today at 5:30 p.m. Two Bald Eagles: 1 adult and one immature Bald Eagle were on the ice just beyond the open water about 150 yards from the Bridge. I think the adult was helping the immature eagle find some fish, and 2 crows sat by watching and waiting for their share. Whitehall, NY

03/04/09 We were amazed at how many there were. First sighting we saw about 20 as we moved up the road we saw some flying so we turned up the county road toward the eagles that were flying. Soon we saw a small group of trees with at least 65 bald eagles of varying ages some in full white head and tail and other variations of age markings. We sat for some time looking as we do not expect to see anything like this again. Before we left the area we counted conservatively 121 adult birds. We know we did not see them all as they can sit in a tree and not be seen from certain angles. Burwell, NE

Reading: About Eagle Nests Challenge yourself with a "Reading and Writing Connection."

Learn More About Eagle Nests
Dig deeper with our bird experts Peter Nye and Laura Erickson. How is your bedroom like an eagle's nest? How would you compare their "interior designs?" Read the facts from the experts:

  • About Bald Eagle Nests >>

Add Vocabulary to your Eagle Glossary: aerie, incubate, breeding, conifers, coniferous, snags, camouflage, meters, wintering grounds, scarce, canopy, snags, crown, talons, interweave, fibers, sprigs, repellent, camouflage

After reading, use this information for some creative writing, or write a factual article for your local newspaper or magazine!

Reading Writing Selection

 

Connect With Reading!
>>

Slide Show: Explore Eagle Nests

Why do eagles start their migration when they do: How would you answer?

Nye tells us that part of the reason eagles hurry back northward is to stake a claim on their territory. Once at the nest site the work begins!

  • Let's Explore Eagle Nests >>

What did you learn? Use your Journals to write facts and impressions from this slideshow.


Slide Show: Bald Eagle Nests >>
Try This! Spy on an Eagle's Nest

If you haven't already, make sure you visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden eagle nest. A pair of adult bald eagles is incubating 3 eggs under the watchful eye of a remote camera. During the daylight hours you can see, close-up and in real time, the eagles as they incubate the 3 eggs in their nest.

Bookmark your class computer to keep an eye on the activity! >>


2008 Eagle Cam
Links: This Week's Eagle Resources
  • Migrations: Birds and the Built-in Barometer >>
  • Slideshow: Bald Eagle Nests >>
  • Connect with Reading: Reading about Eagle Nests >>
  • Conservation: The History of the Bald Eagle >>
  • Satellite Backpack Fashion Show >>
  • Lessons, Activities, and Resources >>
  • Journey North for Kids: Eagles >>
Journal cover
Eagle Journal >>
More Eagle Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Bald Eagle Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 25, 2009.