Eagles, Eagles Everywhere

I had another one of those special bird sightings yesterday that I want to share with you. I have a friend, Nancy, who knows a couple who own a large piece of property along the East Gallatin River. They had noted large numbers of Bald Eagles coming to roost each evening in the trees just behind their house, and invited us to come see the gathering. So last night, about an hour before sunset we drove out and saw the spectacle. There were around 20 eagles already there when we arrived. Then they just kept coming, one at a time, like planes approaching an airport. They would fly up the river, make a circle and land in one of the cottonwoods. We kept counting, and came up with at least 55 Bald Eagles, with probably more since some were out of our line of vision. As each eagle landed, they announced themselves with much eagle chatter. Most were adult birds, but there were quite a few juveniles, too. It was quite a sight, seeing 10-12 eagles in one tree, all jostling for position. I haven't seen that many eagles since the days when they used to gather in the 100's at Apgar campground in Glacier Park (to eat land-locked salmon). Pretty neat!

Lou Ann