American Bald Eagle
The American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) is the only Eagle unique to North America .In 1967 eagles were officially declared an Endangered Species. This declaration preceded the inception of the better known Endangered Species Act of 1973.. In 1987, the Army Corp. of Engineers received a proposal submitted by Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Dept. of Biology (Author : O.R. Jordan) for the reinstatement of the Eagle to DHL.
The proposal identified in detail how Dale Hollow Lake was suitable as a potential site due to its proximity to other reservoirs which were likely to offer suitable eagle nesting habitat. The proposal noted that Dale Hollow provided a sufficient food supply to support a successful project. Since the inception of the program Dale Hollow Lake has become a popular wintering area for the Bald Eagle, These beautiful birds can generally be observed from December to March. During the summer season, they generally avoid humans.
Until you have seen one for yourself, it is difficult to appreciate how majestic this bird really is. The wing span impresses most viewers. The regal tilt of their heads justifies to many the bird’s status as an national emblem.
Our Trout Farm stream is an early on feeder for DHL. Although you can not directly access the Lake from here, the lose proximity makes it quite easy for the Eagles to “drop-in” for a Fresh trout dinner.
For the campers this week from Illinois, this was a first sighting. Forgive my lack of photographic talent, but I tried to catch one in pictures to share with you.
