Mark Twain Lake, January 8, 2010— If you like eagles, have we got a place for you. Get out and watch eagles feed in the open water below Cannon Dam. Friday morning over 50 eagles were spotted in the trees along the banks of Mark Twain Lake.  

Adult Bald Eagles, with their striking white heads and 7 foot wingspans, are significantly larger than the similar birds seen in the area, such as red-tailed hawks or turkey vultures. Their eyesight is five to six times sharper than human’s sight. The life expectancy of wild eagles may be 30 years, although, some have lived 50 years in captivity.

Nests are built near the top of a large tree.  Bald Eagles add to their nest each year to create the largest of any North American bird. The record nest measured 20 feet deep, 10 feet wide and weighed two tons!

Fish comprise the bulk of the Bald Eagle’s diet. Eagles fly 20 to 60 miles per hour in normal flight and dive at more than 100 miles an hour for food.  The Overlook is an ideal place to observe eagles this time of year. Remember the North Spillway is still closed for repairs.

Be sure and make a trip to Mark Twain Lake and look for eagles in the Clarence Cannon Dam Spillway.  Early morning

hours are primetime for viewing.