Populations On The Rise
The Bald Eagles of the Rio Grande are wintertime visitors, which makes venturing out in the chilly temperatures well worth it.
The bald eagle population has climbed to an estimated 316,700 individuals in the lower 48 states with 71,400 nesting pairs. Decades of protection, the ban on DDT, and numerous conservation efforts seem to have been key in the comeback. Now that’s some GREAT news.
The above image was taken in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. One would assume that cruising low just above the river’s surface is a characteristic fishing technique. However, coming from a high perch, be it a cliffside boulder or a tall pine tree, seems more practical. Check out Big Day for Wildlife.
For instance, just downstream of the Taos Junction Bridge, the above Bald Eagle flew a few feet off the water’s surface and quickly grabbed breakfast. For some, the mid-November arrival of the Bald Eagles to the Rio Grande marks the coming of winter. Their migration back north in mid-February assures the coming of spring.
For more on the topic visit the US Department of the Interior article.
