What Type of Bird is That?

Hello and welcome back!  Have you ever seen a bird and wondered what type it was?

There are almost 10,000 bird species in the world!  In this blog I would like to introduce you to one particular bird we have at the World Bird Sanctuary.

Chrys, our beautiful Long-crested Eagle (Photo by Gay Schroer)  

Meet Chrys, our Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)!  Unfortunately, he was captured in the wild and was going to be sold on the black market pet trade in the United States in 1987.  The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) rescued him.  When they found him, they found that his beautiful crest had been cut off to try to disguise him as a different bird.  Fortunately, they transferred him to the World Bird Sanctuary in December 1987, and he has been with us ever since.  Chrys is a shy bird, but loves to vocalize when he sees someone he recognizes.

These awesome eagles get their name from the long feathers atop their head.  They are native to Sub-Saharan areas in Africa.  They can be found from Senegal to Ethiopia and Namibia to northern South Africa.  Their main diet is made up of rodents, but they’ll also eat smaller birds, fish, lizards, and arthropods.  Believe it or not, they have also been seen eating figs and mulberries!  This is very unusual since they are birds of prey, which are mainly carnivores (meat eaters).

As with most birds of prey, the females are larger than the males.  The males range from 912g to 1300g (2 lbs to 2.8 lbs) and females range from 1300g to 1500g (2.8 lbs to 3.3 lbs).  Both sexes look the same except the females have longer crests.  They stand from 1.7 to 2 ft tall and have a wingspan from 3.7 to 4.2 ft long.  These eagles are very small in comparison to the Bald Eagle which has a wingspan of 6 to 8 ft. and weighs from 6 lbs to 14 lbs.   Below notice Chrys showing off his wingspan after a rainstorm.

Chrys after a rainstorm (Photo by Lisbeth Hodges)

Long-crested Eagles will build large stick nests in tall leafy green trees near edges of forests.  One to two brown/gray spotted eggs are laid and incubated by the female while the male hunts and stays nearby.  The chicks hatch after 42 days and will fledge (leave the nest) 53-58 days after that. For approximately fourteen days following the fledging, the chicks continue to be fed by the parents before leaving on their own. 

The lifespan for this species in the wild is unknown.  Chrys was an adult when he was rescued so he is at least 27 years old this year.  He looks pretty good to me!  Below you can see a picture of adorable Chrys resting on his perch in his stall.

Photo by Lisbeth Hodges

Chrys is available for adoption in our Adopt a Bird program.  To find out more information, call 636-861-3225.  All adoption donations are tax deductible. 

Chrys can be seen at the Environmental Education Center at the World Bird Sanctuary, which is open daily from 8am-5pm.  Chrys is a very handsome bird.  You should stop on by and visit him! 

Submitted by Lisbeth Hodges, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Only A Few More Eagle Days Events Left

If you’ve been waiting for the cold weather to abate before attending an Eagle Days event—wait no longer.  There are only a few opportunities left!

If you live along the Mississippi flyway, as we do here in the St. Louis area, you may know that the colder temperatures herald the arrival some of winter’s most anticipated guests—Bald Eagles!  This is the season for eagle watching!

With the recent frigid temperatures the nearby rivers make for great eagle watching, particularly near Locks and Dams.  Bald Eagles migrate south along the Mississippi River, looking for good fishing in water that hasn’t frozen solid.

If you can bear braving the cold and wind along the river, chances are you will see wild Bald Eagles in action, hunting their prey, perching in a tree, or soaring up above.  Eagle watching is an annual tradition for many of us, even those of us that are lucky enough to see and work with them every day. 

If you want to see a live bald eagle up close and in person, you can visit the World Bird Sanctuary, or catch one of the displays or presentations listed below.  Even though we’re well into Eagle season, it’s not too late to catch one of these special programs.

Audubon Center at Riverlands

West Alton, MO

February  9

10 am – 2 pm

Eagle Display

Meet a live bald eagle and talk to a naturalist to learn about their habits, behaviors, and how they survived almost becoming extinct.

National Great Rivers Museum

East Alton, IL

February 15 – 17

Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm each day

Masters of the Sky Programs and Eagle Display

Features birds of prey including falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!  At the end of the program, meet a live bald eagle!

Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower

Hartford, IL

February 15

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Eagle Display

Meet a live bald eagle and talk to a naturalist to learn about their habits, behaviors, and how they survived almost becoming extinct.

Submitted by Catherine Redfern, World Bird Sanctuary Development 

Eagle Days 2014—Celebrate with WBS

Has the recent Polar vortex been keeping you housebound?  Do you have a serious case of cabin fever? 

An adult Bald Eagle in a tree near Alton, IL (photo by Gay Schroer)

If you live along the Mississippi flyway, as we do here in the St. Louis area, you may know that the colder temperatures herald the arrival some of winter’s most anticipated guests—Bald Eagles!  This is the season for eagle watching!

With the recent frigid temperatures the nearby rivers make for great eagle watching, particularly near Locks and Dams.  Bald Eagles migrate south along the Mississippi River, looking for good fishing in water that hasn’t frozen solid.

A Bald Eagle fishing in the Mississippi River near Alton, IL (photo by Billie Baumann)

If you can bear braving the cold and wind along the river, chances are you will see wild Bald Eagles in action, hunting their prey, perching in a tree, or soaring up above.  Eagle watching is an annual tradition for many of us, even those of us that are lucky enough to see and work with them every day. 

If you want to see a live bald eagle up close and in person, you can visit the World Bird Sanctuary, or catch one of the displays or presentations listed below.  Even though we’re well into Eagle season, it’s not too late to catch one of these special programs.

Our WBS education department staff pause for a photo during an Eagle Display

Alton Visitor’s Center

Alton, IL

January 18, and 25

from 10 am – 2 pm

Eagle Meet & Greet

Meet a live bald eagle and talk to a naturalist to learn about their habits, behaviors, and how they survived almost becoming extinct.

Audubon Center at Riverlands

West Alton, MO

January 19, 26, February 2, 9

10 am – 2 pm

Eagle Display

Meet a live bald eagle and talk to a naturalist to learn about their habits, behaviors, and how they survived almost becoming extinct.

Missouri Department of Conservation

Chain of Rocks Bridge

January 18 – 19

Programs from 9 am – 3 pm

All About Eagles Programs

Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as our national symbol instead of the Bald Eagle? Get an up close and personal view of a Bald Eagle and learn the reasons it was chosen instead of the turkey.

Keokuk Eagle Days

Keokuk, IA

January 18 and 19

Saturday: programs from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday: programs from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Raptor Awareness Program with eagle

Features birds of prey including falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!  At the end of the program, meet a live bald eagle!

Clarksville Eagle Days

Clarksville, MO

January 25 and 26

Saturday: programs from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday: programs from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

All About Eagles Program

Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as our national symbol instead of the Bald Eagle? Get an up close and personal view of a Bald Eagle and learn the reasons it was chosen instead of the turkey.

Fort Bellefontaine Park

St. Louis, MO

January 25

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Four bird display featuring a bald eagle and other birds of prey.  Naturalists will be on hand to talk about the animals.

National Great Rivers Museum

East Alton, IL

February 15 – 17

Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm each day

Masters of the Sky Programs and Eagle Display

Features birds of prey including falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!  At the end of the program, meet a live bald eagle!

Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower

Hartford, IL

February 15

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Eagle Display

Meet a live bald eagle and talk to a naturalist to learn about their habits, behaviors, and how they survived almost becoming extinct.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer

COMING SOON......

It’s that time of year again…the trees are budding out, jonquils are popping up in the garden, and we’re ready for World Bird Sanctuary’s harbinger of Spring—World Eagle Day!

It’s just around the corner, so mark your calendars for Sunday, March 18.

We’ll be greeting guests from 10 am to 4 pm with the opportunity to see eagles from around the world.  Did you know that there are more than sixty eagle species around the world—only two of which are native to the United States? 

Come visit with us on March 18 to see and learn about our two natives--the American Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle--as well as a number of the other Eagle species from around the world who call the World Bird Sanctuary home. 

Come prepared to learn and be entertained—all for free.

DATE:                        SUNDAY, MARCH 18

TIME:                        10 AM to 4 PM

For directions CLICK HERE

Eagle Season Is Still With Us

With the prolonged frigid weather this year it’s still not too late to see eagles in abundance in the St. Louis and surrounding areas. 

 Bald Eagles perched in trees near the river have become an increasingly common sight in the St. Louis area

Have you ever wondered what drives Bald Eagles to migrate South in the Winter?  Following is an excerpt from an article by our Assistant Director, Jeff Meshach, first published in our quarterly publication, the World Bird Sanctuary “Mews News”, in the Winter of 2005.  The information is still as good today as it was when first published.

“Each winter people in the St. Louis area get an opportunity to witness a spectacle that most other city people in the nation cannot see.  Just get in your vehicle and drive north to destinations like the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area near Alton, Illinois; Lock and Dam #25 at Winfield, Missouri or Lock and Dam #24 at Clarksville, Missouri, and you will have a chance to see hundreds of eagles.

 A Bald Eagle hunting in the river near St. Louis

“With the right weather in place, the Mississippi River in this area acts like a big funnel, drawing most southward migrating Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from the upper Midwest and South Central Canada right to our doorstep.  “What is the right weather,” you may ask?  It’s cold weather.  Cold, colder and coldest weather of all brings our national symbol to us.

“The eagles have to migrate south, since their main food source, fish, become hard, if not impossible to catch after ice forms on the lakes and rivers north of us.  During normal winter weather in the Midwest, the Mississippi River freezes to just north of St. Louis.  The eagles come just far enough south to be able to hunt where there is no ice.  With the warmer than usual weather we have experienced in our area over the last several years the eagles have been able to move away from the river to find thawed carrion (dead animals) to feed on.

 A Bald Eagle hunting from an ice floe in the river

“However, when the weather is normal (cold), or extremely cold (like this year), the carrion freezes and the eagles are forced back to the river to catch fish.  The locks and dams at Alton, Illinois, Winfield, Missouri, and Clarksville, Missouri, help concentrate the eagles even more.  As fish pass through the locks and dams they become disoriented and rise to the surface, temporarily stunned.  This makes them easy “pickins” for the eagles, and also allows us to see two or three hundred eagles at a time as they congregate at these locations.

 When the temperatures are really cold in the St. Louis area, look up--that large bird may be a Bald Eagle

“Being able to view these eagles in such great numbers makes this area unique.  Missouri and Illinois have the second largest wintering population of Bald Eagles in the lower forty-eight states.  We are second only to the state of Washington, which gets migrating eagles from Southern Alaska and Southwest Canada.”

Our Education Department brings live Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles to many venues in the Midwest to celebrate the return of our national symbol.  If you are unable get out to see the eagles this month, make a note on your calendar to join us for our annual celebration of all things eagle – WORLD EAGLE DAY! 

 A stately Bateleur Eagle (a non-native species)-- one of the many eagles which may be on display at World Eagle Day

At World Eagle Day you will have an opportunity to see the only two eagles native to the United States—the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle.  There will also be other eagles from around the world in close enough proximity to afford the opportunity for unobstructed photos.  Our naturalists will present educational programs about the various species and will be available to answer questions.  For a small fee there will be a photo op for those who would like to have their photo taken with our national symbol. 

Come and join us for a day of fun and eagle watching.

World Eagle Day

Time:  10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Admission and parking are free!

For the safety of our animals and our guests – no pets please

Original article authored by Jeff Meshach, Assistant Director of World Bird Sanctuary

Flying Eagle Team Spreads Wings at Soldier's Field

As one might expect, the week of Veteran’s Day is always a very important and busy time for our traveling Bald Eagles.  This year, though, it was a particularly exciting week for Lewis and Clark, our Bald Eagle flight team.

 

After many programs at schools, ceremonies, and even a St. Louis Blues hockey game, we had one remaining trip to cap off a super-successful week—we were heading to the Windy City, last stop--Soldier’s Field!  As a Chicago native and life-long Bears football fan, this trip filled me with joy, and every moment my feet were touching the grass on that field was a dream come true.  Now I can hear all you Rams fans…Rams vs. Bears…that is an argument for another blog; this one’s about the birds!

In terms of flying an eagle, the term “Windy City” might be the first clue about the challenges involved with this venue.  For those who are not familiar with the particular geography of Soldier’s Field, it sits on a small outcropping of land right on Lake Michigan.  Watching your eagle circle gracefully above the stadium lights, knowing what lies just on the other side of the wall is both exhilarating and a little vomit-inducing for the trainers.

Lewis flew our first foray into Chicago sports in November 2007 at the Bears/Broncos game.  He is a true professional and excellent at what he does, so of course we wanted to make sure this flight was even more spectacular this second time around.  Therefore, we planned and practiced and planned some more, because that’s our job as good trainers…and like 2007, Sunday was the windiest day of our stay.  At this point you feel your plans fly out the window, and it boils down to Lewis being awesome, as always.

Accompanied by a host of military representation, the National Anthem playing, and jets flying over, Lewis circled and circled and circled…and circled, making those swirling currents obvious to all.  You could almost hear the kickers from both teams thinking how crummy kicking field goals was going to be during the game.  Every section in the huge packed stadium got a great look at Lewis as he went by, and the cheers would go up as he passed.  Now as the excitement built in the crowd, the urge to throw up was again increasing for all of us trainers on the field, watching this amazing bird with a combination of pride, faith, adrenaline, and fear of the unpredictability of natural elements.  It is a most intense feeling that I cannot explain any better than that. 

If you haven’t already figured it out, Lewis was in the air a lot longer than any of us trainers anticipated, but after four interminable minutes and a handful of long seconds, Lewis landed successfully, exactly where he was supposed to, and the crowd erupted in cacophonous noise.  I think I was jumping up and down screaming, and I might have almost hugged a random security guard in relief.  It was a wonderful day.  As always, leaving the skyline I called home for so long behind made me sad.  I was so proud of our presentation and happily knew that the pre-game excitement would carry over in helping the Bears kick some Minnesota Viking rear…which they did! (Oh yes, I went there.)

If you haven’t seen our flying eagles strut their stuff, keep your eyes peeled.  They’re enjoying a bit of a vacation after the busy end to their season, but they will be back in gear later this winter as Bald Eagle migration season will be upon us again.  Keep check on the WBS website to find where our busy naturalists and eagles will be doing programs all along the Mississippi River and beyond!  In the meantime, go Bears!! 

Submitted by Dana Lambert, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Heads Up!

How many of us ever really look up?

Earlier this week, as I headed up the hill from the Nature Center at WBS, I could hear Liberty (one of our resident Bald Eagles) sounding his alarm call.  I was quick to look to the skies to see if there were any “intruders” about.  I was startled by none other than a mature bald eagle perched atop a tree right by our Visitor’s Information Center.  Now when I say startled, I mean it scared me!  One of those “Whoa!” moments.  Well, I must have startled him with my excited exclamation, and he took to the sky.  As I watched him head toward the river, I saw another adult bald eagle join him in the air.  Spectacular!  As I watched the pair soar effortlessly, to my amazement, I saw yet another mature bald eagle in flight.  As the trio glided through the air, I watched in awe, as one eagle locked talons with another, spinning and spiraling out of control, just for a moment.  They separated for seconds, and then locked talons again.  All the while the third eagle continued to fly nearby.  I was unable to take my eyes off of them until they drifted completely out of my sight.  I was too excited to contain myself.  As soon as I returned to the Nature Center, I was telling the story with great enthusiasm (and animation).

I have the rare privilege of seeing and working with eagles and other birds of prey on a daily basis.  Still, there is nothing quite as exhilarating as seeing these “masters of the sky” in all their glory and splendor.  It never gets old.  I look forward to eagle season all year, every year, and I am fortunate that I don’t have to go very far from home to see them.  Even if I did, it would still be worth it.

Today I had the opportunity to go out eagle watching with Cathy Spahn, Field Studies Coordinator.  We saw around four-dozen eagles in all, most of them in Alton, Illinois.  The numbers pale in comparison to last year’s record counts, but I speculate that the weather is to blame.  With the “warming trend”, as open water is made more available, it is predicted that we will see the local eagle numbers on the rise.

Coming back from Alton, Illinois, as we crossed the Mississippi River, with the Gateway Arch in sight, we saw a pair of adult bald eagles flying overhead.  Magnificent!  As I made my way down Highway 141 toward the Meramec River, much to my surprise, I saw a pair of mature bald eagles soaring right above a shopping center.  Both sightings made me wonder how many people drive right underneath these wondrous displays, and never look beyond what is right in front of them.  Now, I am not suggesting any kind of “creative driving” here, but if and when you can, give a “heads up” and an occasional glance to the sky.  You just might have the opportunity to witness something absolutely breathtaking.

Submitted by Billie Baumann, World Bird Sanctuary Outreach Coordinator

Eagle Flight Training

Have you ever seen an eagle in flight really close up and at eye level?

Clark getting ready for a landing

That's what's happening every Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm at Buder Park--and it's FREE!  Our staff is currently training Lewis and Clark, the two eagles that fly at the Cardinal baseball games.  We've decided to invite anyone interested to come and watch.  Not only is this an opportunity for the general public to get a good close look at these magnificent creatures in flight--it's an insight into just what goes into the training of one of these magnificent birds of prey.  

Volunteer Daniel Cone releasing Clark for a training flight

So--if you're tired of sitting inside watching football games, come and join us for some free family entertainment.

World Bird Sanctuary staff member and trainer Roger Wallace getting ready for another perfect landing by Clark

As you enter Buder Park stay to the right.  The birds will be flying in the first small field on the right hand side.  


After you've had a chance to see the eagles strut their stuff, be sure to visit the other animals that call the World Bird Sanctuary home.  We're just up the road from Buder Park at the opposite end of the outer road.  Admission to the Sanctuary is free and we have many other exciting residents on display.


Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer  

Bald Eagle Season in the St.Louis area.

Eagle Season is upon us... 

....Bald Eagles, that is. It’s time to go to the river and see the eagles that are drifting down from the north.  Bald Eagles fly south along the Mississippi River to find open water and good fishing.  Just north of the St. Louis area are quite a few spots to enjoy these strong, bold and majestic creatures.  The Bald eagles often congregate below the Locks and Dams to gather fish that have been temporarily stunned.  Below that Dam, on the bank of the river, is a great place for you to position yourself to see some amazing flying behaviors.

Some places that have easy accessibility are near Alton, Grafton, and at Pere Marquette Lodge in Illinois.  On the Missouri side of the river you can go to Clarksville, Winfield – or -on the Missouri side of the river across from Alton at a place called the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area.  All have convenient parking. Bring your binoculars to enhance your view of the activity.

Today I am catching the "Eagle fever" because I have a couple of bird programs at a school in Canton, Missouri.  Canton is a Mississippi River town about 3 hours north of St. Louis.  I can't wait to get to the river to see some Eagles.

Contact World Bird Sanctuary for our upcoming Eagle events and the dates that we will be at each location.

Call us at 636-225-4390 between 8 am and 5 pm CST, or to contact us online Click Here.

Hope to see you at one of our Eagle Events by the river.

Submitted by Michael Zeloski, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

World Bird Sanctuary Inspired My Daughter!

Every once in a while we receive a letter or comment from an audience member that reminds us why we do what we do!  

Each year World Bird Sanctuary presents environmental education programs in the Quad Cities featuring bald eagles.  In early November 2009, World Bird Sanctuary received the following letter from proud father, Mr. Shawn Cisna:

“My name is Mr. Shawn Cisna. My family and I live in the country outside of Galva, Illinois about an hour south of the Quad Cities.

I wanted to share with you a story about my daughter Jennalynn Cisna. For the past four years we have attended the Bald Eagle Days at the Quad City Expo Center. My daughter was so inspired by the program conducted by the World Bird Sanctuary that she wrote a story and illustrated it. She then decided to enter her storybook entitled “The Bald Eagle” into the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators contest through our local public television station (WTVP).

Jennalynn won first place in the Second Grade category. Her story went on as an entry in the national level. Her story was posted on the national website. Jennalynn was so proud of herself and her accomplishments.

As a proud father, I wanted to thank you folks for your educational programs and hard work.

Last year about this time, we had several bald eagles hanging out at our farm roughly an hour away from the Mississippi. My kids were so excited about that and enjoyed nature’s educational opportunity. We are keeping our eyes to the sky in hopes we see them again this year.

Please send our appreciation to the people who are doing good things at World Bird Sanctuary. We will see you at the next Bald Eagle Days for sure.”

You can read Jennalynn’s storybook here:

http://pbskids.org/readingrainbow/contest/1271/1271-1.html

World Bird Sanctuary would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jennalyn on her winning submission to the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Ilustrators Content.  At World Bird Sanctuary it is stories like these that let us know our hard work is paying off, and we are successful at achieving our mission.

A Different Kind of Scavenger

There's an old saying that says "Nature abhors a vacuum".

The truth of this saying was brought home to me on a recent Alaska trip with the World Bird Sanctuary.

Here in the "lower forty-eight" we are accustomed to seeing vultures soaring the skies looking for roadkill and other dead animals of various kinds.  They are nature's clean-up crew.

As we cruised the waters of the inside passage, and later, as my husband and I hiked the beaches and trails of Kodiak Island on an Alaska back country extension of our own, I realized that I had not seen one single vulture soaring.  There were plenty of eagles, and gulls of all kinds--but none of what we here recognize as the "clean-up crew".  I asked our guide, Mike, about this apparent absence of scavengers.  He said that, "Up here the eagles and gulls fill that niche."

Then it dawned on me!  I had seen lots of eagles.  They were everywhere--even soaring low in the middle of town!  Apparently these "city eagles" have learned that where there are fishing boats, there is fish carrion!  However, most of the eagles we saw seemed to be doing what we like to think of as "natural" behavior--fishing!

By far the most plentiful birds were the gulls.  We had seen hundreds.  They were everywhere, and I remembered that when we watched a pod of humpback whales bubblenet feeding, it was the gulls circling overhead that alerted us to where the whales would surface in their feeding frenzy.  Then the gulls would swoop in to clean up the scraps left from the carnage.


Likewise, when we walked into a remote area to do some bear viewing, and there didn't happen to be a bear in sight at the time--it was the circling gulls that alerted us to the location of a sow and her cub.

And when we were on the tidal flat watching the bears catching the salmon that were traveling upstream to spawn, the gulls appeared from nowhere the minute one of the bears caught a fish.


They would circle frantically while the bear devoured most of the fish, and then swoop in to clean up the scraps.

Even though we were on an isolated island with no roads, no electricity to operate a garbage disposal, and no trash pickup service, there was no garbage of the edible kind, or carrion, laying around.


So, let's hear it for old cliches..."Nature abhors a vacuum", "You can't fool mother nature", etc., etc.


Submitted by Gay Schroer, Volunteer/Photographer for the World Bird Sanctuary