Bald Eagle in Our Yard!

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today we went out to run errands, and a bald eagle flew out of our yard!  :D 3q3q3q!!!  It paced the car for a few seconds, right at eye level, so I got a crystal-clear view of the head and tail lights.  Huge bird.  We saw a redtailed hawk a little farther down the road and it looked so much smaller in comparison. 

The eagle looped around back to the yard, the way our owls do, so maybe we'll see it again someday.  We actually have everything eagles like except for waterfront, and the drainage creeks aren't far away -- eagles have huge territories.  We have tall trees, some with standing snags, and lots of open field to hunt in.  I suspect the raptors are out looking for rodents swarming the fields after harvest.  There's spilled grain everywhere and no cover, so excellent hunting.

This is so awesome.  I am as excited as the time a bird landed on me and sang for a couple minutes.  \o/ 

Comments

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

We have red-tailed hawks in the area all the time and in our yard occasionally. They like the tall trees, some of which have bare branches, overlooking smaller trees and the farm fields.

We have had great-horned owls in our yard regularly for the last few years. Used to be barn owls but they are fewer now, and the great-horned owls are more numerous. Also easier to spot and hear! I hear them hoo-hooing outside my window most nights in autumn and winter.

Re: Yes ...

[malinaldarose]

I don't think we have owls around here, but I live in a small neighborhood that is bounded by a commercial plaza on one side, a main road on the other, and a large clear area that was a golf course once. I see hawks a fair amount (red tails, I think). Lots of Canada geese flying through right now.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Try searching "urban owls" or (your state) "owls" online. In the Midwest, screech owls are known to live in town.