The return of Bald Eagles
to N.E. Indiana
This page is dedicated to those interested in the Bald Eagle's return to Indiana. Information on where and when to view them year round, their habits, links to informative web sites and photos will be posted here.
THE FIRST RULE WHEN OBSERVING EAGLES IS:
STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE
During the winter months, if you cause them to fly from their perch, you are making them burn up their energy at a time when their food source is scarce. Let's help them stay healthy.
There is nothing like watching Eagles playing in the thermals on a high pressure, blue sky, low wind, winter day or working the slopes on a windy day. They love to play and can teach us how to be better RC Sailplane pilots. Enjoy ...
Read posted sightings in 49 states and Canada
on Hope Rutledge's web site
" Bald Eagle Viewing Directory "
Plus more information about Bald Eagles than you can imagine!
"Bald Eagles in the city"
.. The News Sentinel - Ft. Wayne, IN. March 29, 2010
Where and When I have seen Bald Eagles using US HWY 24 between Ft Wayne and Logansport, IN.
First, a big thank you to Jack Smith for telling me about the Bald Eagle's nest on the bank of the Wabash River fairly close to the Huntington dam back in the spring of 2008. I stopped there on my return home from my Wood Crafters 2008 event in May and have been hooked ever since. Jack is a long time RC Sailplane flying buddy, we all have a tendency to watch the skies, now more than ever.
National Serv-All Ponds ... Engle Road, Ft Wayne, IN.
Eagles frequent this perch during the fall migration hunting Coots, one of their favorite prey. If you are a good observer, you should be able to spot this small tree on the east side of the east pond as you drive by.
This is probably the visiting Eagle's favorite perch tree as seen from Engle road at the rear of the East pond. I have seen up to three Eagles all at the same time in this tree. Usually they show up in pairs and if you only see one, that means the other is near by. My very first sighting was in the spring while driving on eastbound on Engle rd, an Eagle was skimming ( hunting ) the back side of both ponds, flying from west to east. Couldn't believe my eyes, fortunatley the Eagle was mature, so the all white head and tail feathers left no doubt I was an seeing Eagle on the Serv-Al ponds. Can you spot the Eagle in this photo?
There is a turn off of Engle rd, just before you reach the west pond that allows you to park on the Eagle Marsh property, not the entrance to Eagle Marsh. I did a very quick turn off when I spotted this Eagle perched on the eight foot tree stump located on the west edge of the west pond. I would have spooked him if I stopped on Engle rd closer to the bird. The photo is from the inside of my vehicle. If you stop on Engle rd to take photos, be prepared for one or two passer by's to toot their horn.
The Eagles are here because the Coots are here during fall migration. Early November is also a good time to view all the migrating birds at the Serve - All Ponds and the adjacent Eagle Marsh Preserve.
This is the best my cheap Camera could do with this low light shot of an Eagle on the far side of the west Pond. However, it will help you know what your looking for, being an Eagle watcher is not easy, but the white head and tail on mature Eagles is hard to miss.
Parked on the pull off along Engle road, just west of the Ponds, to view the sun set over Eagle Marsh. This is much safer than stopping along the road, drivers have lost all respect for others. If you never have been in an auto accident, I gotta tell you it really hurts .. for a long time. Watch out for the gravel trucks on Engle Rd., the drivers constantly exceed the speed limit, emergency braking distance on the huge trucks is forever. This is true of the texting drivers too.
Sky Bench, Ft Wayne, IN 46804 Tel. 260 434 1322
E Mail: skybench@verizon.net