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I arrived at the Fountain Green Fish Hatchery around 2:00 P.M. to participate in "Utah Bald Eagle Day". Upon arrival I took out my binoculars and spotted Bald Eagles instantly. I had no idea that about 25% to 30% of the western eagles spend the winter in Utah. More than 1,200 Bald Eagles have been counted in Utah during the past few years.
During the 1960's the winter counts of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states was less than 4,000. The Bald Eagle was instantly put on the "Endangered Species" list. By 1995 they were changed to the "Threatened" list. Current counts average about 13,000. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering removing them from the Endangered Species list. Soon after spotting some eagles I approached a nice display at the Hatchery. They had free hand outs with good information on the eagles in Utah. They also had spotting scopes placed for anyone to look through to see many eagles. I was handed a map by one of the officers and was directed to another place not too far away where 30 to 40 eagles usually hang out in this one cottonwood tree.
I read in some of the free information that was given to me that the Bald Eagles are about three feet in height with females being slightly larger. They weigh 8 to 15 pounds and have a wing span reaching from six to eight feet. They average 30 to 40 miles per hour in normal flight and can reach speeds up to 100 miles per hour while diving. Wow! I had a great time watching these majestic birds on this day. The DWR Biologists and volunteers were very kind and helpful. I highly recommend taking yourself or your families out on the very next "Utah Bald Eagle Day".
More Information:
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Salt Lake City office
1594 W North Temple
Suite 2110
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301
Phone: 801-538-4700
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