Photo by Just Chaos
Okay, I have to admit, I haven’t seen Golden Eagles in my Beautiful Wildlife Garden at my suburban farm, but they do live in my BIG wildlife garden; the San Francisco Bay Area. I consider myself extremely lucky to live right by Mount Diablo, and so have witnessed these majestic raptors in action from time to time.
Photo by Jack spellingbacon
Golden Eagles are graceful fliers and expert hunters, so they’re breathtaking to observe in the wild. Pairs usually mate for life and often hunt together. In fact, husband-extraordinaire happened upon a pair pulling at the carcass of a dead deer one day. The golden-brown birds were so intent on lunch that they barely gave him a second glance. He was transfixed by being so up-close-and-personal and they seemed absolutely larger than life. These guys can have a wing span of 7 feet…so yeah, I can imagine how impressive those bad boys were.
Photo by Mila Zinkova
For the most part, Golden Eagles hunt rabbits, and rodents such as ground squirrels and mice - and will snag them at a 150 miles per hour sky-dive! But, on a day when they’re feeling spry they’ll attack something as large as a young deer. Of course, they can’t carry it away, but will eat it on the spot. They’ll also eat carrion which was probably the case with the pair my husband saw at the bottom of the mountain.
Photo by Mila Zinkova
I’m selfishly happy that here in the West, Golden Eagles don’t migrate. They take up residence here year round for us to enjoy.
Chris McLaughlin’s suburban farm and beautiful wildlife garden is located in Northern California (zone 9). Check out her blog A Suburban Farmer
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Chris, There are marvelous! What majestic birds. What a treat! Aren’t we all lucky to have our own Big Wildlife Gardens; often, just a car ride away! To see eagles I would have to make plans for an over night stay to Reelfoot Lake where they migrate to each winter! gail
Gail Eichelberger recently posted..GBBD and Blog Action DayDont Let Me Drown
Gorgeous raptor! During this past summer, we visited Colorado and got to see ospreys fishing on the water. It was utterly mesmerizing. I was surprised to read that Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles are the only two species of eagles in the United States. Here in Texas, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a bald eagle at certain times of year. Mostly we have a variety of hawks and vultures. Thanks for highlighting such a beautiful bird!
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We have four hawks in my backyard (and a little more) and I could watch them for hours. Watching eagles must be an awesome site Chris.