SAUK-PRAIRE, WISCONSIN: WHERE EAGLES SOAR

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Most residents of Wisconsin have supported their state's contribution to aiding the plight of bald eagles; however, two communities deserve a standing ovation. The urban and rural folks of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac have dedicated themselves to the longterm welfare of eagles and other migratory birds that winter in the trees of the lower Wisconsin River.

Physical Attributes of the Bald Eagle

When admiring the bald eagle, you many find it hard to fathom that President Thomas Jefferson could have proposed the turkey as our national symbol. A female eagle is 34 to 43 inches tall, a male 30 to 35 inches. The wings of a "baldie" span seven feet and easily carry the bird's weight of eight to 14 pounds. Its white head is described by its common name, "bald," and the scientific name, leucoccephalus. The adult's dark brown body contrasts strikingly with its white head and tail. Its feet, eyes, and large, extruded bills are yellow. Breeding season begins in mid-February; offspring typically leave the nest by August.

The immature bald eagle is more difficult to identify. It has a dark brown body and only sprinkles of white on the underwings and tail. Its head and tail don't turn fully white until the eagle reaches the age of four or five. Its feet are yellow, like an adult's, but its bill and eyes are brown. As such, immatures are often mistaken for golden eagles or hawks.

What to Bring and Where to Observe

Let there be no mistake, fellow bird-watchers: The late-winter eagle-watching season (January, February, March) in Wisconsin is cold, real cold. Expect daytime temperatures that are 20 degrees on either side of zero (I remember one February morning at 10 degrees above ...in the sunshine). Be sure to bring warm undergarments, a wool stocking hat, and most of all, warm boots and gloves. Those who have trouble adapting to cold weather can easily watch the eagles from inside a warm car-there are hundreds of accessible pull-offs within safe watching distance.

When photographing eagles in flight above the river, a 70-210mm zoom lens does a good job. But serious shutterbugs who wish to photograph birds perched in the trees across from Sauk-Prairie need more magnification. A 500 mm telephoto lens would be the minimum recommendation. In either case, be sure to bring a tripod or monopod for clear exposures.

The winter sky of Wisconsin can be pristine blue or cloud gray. So, for best photo results, carry 100-, 200-, or 400speed (ASA) film. The best all-around film for part-time photographers, though, is 200.

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