December 6, 2009 Eagle Roost Count
gengberg December 7th, 2009
Hello you fine folks: for those of you breathlessly waiting for this report, my apologies for not being prompt. The wacky winter spirits were playing havoc with my phone line and e-mail last night, which explains why some of you were unable to reach me by phone. Nonetheless, we are now back in business.Sunday was our FIRST count of the 2009/2010 winter season. 
On behalf of Jeb, who is off saving cranes in Southeast Asia, I’d like to thank all of you returning volunteers as well as all you new eagle watchers for taking the time to do the roost counts. If you’re not already aware of it, the time you spend and the data you provide has given Ferry Bluff Eagle Council a 20-year plus record of solid data on the comings and goings of the bald eagle in this area. I’m sure Jeb would echo this, but that is an awesome amount of dedication by an awesome group of people. We have the best wintering eagle data in this area, maybe even statewide, and it is all because of you.
We tallied 59 eagles last evening. Not surprising, 81% (43) of them were reported at the Lone Rock roost. Early in the season, it is common to find most of the eagles downriver and off the river, especially if there is a minimal snow covering. Consistent with this pattern, upriver in the Sauk Prairie roosts, we had only 2 eagles, both at Sugar Loaf. Blackhawk roost had a low occupancy rate-like empty. The rest of the count was scattered in other roosts.
On a final note, the total number of eagles may not be astronomical but we know their arrival in our area is impacted by many things. Hunters were reported in the vicinity of one roost, which can be a deterrent for eagles looking for a place to settle down for the night. The long, relatively moderate fall weather also is a key consideration. With warmer temperatures, the lakes and rivers up north-where so many of our winged visitors come from-have been slow to freeze, enabling the eagles to continue feeding in those areas and delaying their southward journey. If the cold snap we have this week continues, it will be interesting to see if it is reflected in the number of eagles we see in two weeks.
Most of all, thank you very much for your collective contributions, insights, and efforts. These counts are helpful to many and help us understand the winter ecology of this population a bit more each year.
Sincerely yours,
John Keefe (for Jeb)
ROOST Adult Imm Unknown TOTAL Vol Hr
Blackhawk 0 0 0 0 2
Sugar Loaf 1 1 0 2 1.5
Ferry Bluff 2 0 0 2 4
Fox 3 1 1 5 4
McDonald - - - - -
Jone’s Slough 0 0 0 0 2
Lone Rock 13 20 10 43 8
Big Hollow 0 0 2 2
Ederer/Been 1 1 0 2
Leland 1 1 1 3 1
TOTAL 21 24 14 59
