Date: 08/05/2016

Number: 1

My parents have a farm in south central Missouri. It has been in our family for over 150 years. On the farm there is a grove of sycamore trees planted by my grandfather with his great-grandfather. In other words, the trees are old and very tall. Very, Very Tall!

It is in one of these trees that two adult eagles have nested and raised their young for several years now.

The reason the sighting isn't on any official maps is sadly, if some very bad people knew the eagles lived on my parents farm... they would stalk the eagles and kill them for whatever 'sport' they may get from the kill as well as the eagles valuable talons and so forth.

I don't think it's rare that people lucky enough to share their land with such amazing birds protect them simply by not telling anyone they are there.

I will tell you, the eagles know my mom and dad when they drive up in the old farm truck and they like it when dad has something good for them to eat, their eagle eyes have spotted it in the back of the truck from a mile away and are always excited for whatever dad gives them, sometimes fresh fish, once a fresh road kill deer, even a few armadillos. Nothing goes to waste in nature.

So, a couple things to keep in mind if you are in the bird-viewing mood.
1. If you do see nesting Eagles, be certain to visit with the land owners if possible, to ask permission to view the eagles up close.
2. Also ask the land owners if they have would mind if the eagle sighting was made public. The owner will know if their neighbors pose any threat or not. You don't want to inadvertently put the eagles at risk by revealing their location to poachers.

The eagles are GLORIOUS birds, the adults white head and tail feathers SHINE in the sunlight. I have spent many happy hours sitting on the creek bank watching them nesting, feeding, teaching and finally when their job is done... leaving for the winter.

It is our families honor that they chose our farm to nest each year. And our duty to protect them as we see fit.

Happy Birding to you all. When you see one, you will understand the thrill of seeing such a powerful and graceful creature.

Liberty, MO

Latitude: 39.3 Longitude: -94.5

Observed by: janie
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