Inbox - The Trouble with Inviting Eagles to Lunch

They don't always show. An Iowa DNR release:

“LUNCH WITH EAGLES” CHANGED TO “LEARN ABOUT EAGLES”

DES MOINES-Due to changing bald eagle roosting activities in the Des Moines area, the “Lunch with Eagles” watchable-wildlife viewing opportunity scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19, has changed to an opportunity to learn more about our national symbol.

Representatives from the DNR Wildlife Diversity Program will be on hand at the east end of the Scott Ave. bridge behind Earl's Tire store at 303 Scott Ave. from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19. Eagle biology will be discussed, but unfortunately, it is unlikely there will be any majestic eagles present at their familiar site on the southern shore downstream from the Scott Ave. bridge.

In previous years, a dozen or more eagles have been sighted near the Scott Ave. dam, where the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers meet. This year fewer eagles have been using the giant cottonwood trees for perching during the daytime. According to DNR fisheries biologists, the population of a popular prey species, gizzard shad, has been diminished by a series of hard winters. The exotic bait species is adversely affected by turbulence over dams and become easy prey for hungry eagles. Apparently, eagles are finding more fish further downstream this year.

Another factor affecting eagle numbers around Iowa was the quickness of the December freeze-up that struck with a vengeance and drove eagles further south than normal.

Visitors hoping to see their national symbol with are reminded there will be a Bald Eagle Day at Saylorville Reservoir, Sunday Feb. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. and at Red Rock Reservoir March 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call Pat Schlarbaum 515-432-2823 or cell 712-330-0526.

Here are some other Eagles in concert, 1973. Take it easy, lunchgoers.