The Eagle's Lair

**Rick** · 07-04-2009, 09:02 AM

My wife, son and his better half spent the day yesterday canoeing the White River. It turned out to be a great day. We had only been on the river about an hour when we pulled into a gravel bar for a snack and to stretch. While there, we witnessed both a male and female Bald Eagle. Now, I know that's no biggy for some of you but a Bald Eagle in Indiana is pretty rare so we were very excited. In 20 years in Indiana they are the first ones I've seen. I'll be contacting the DNR to give them the location and to determine if they are aware of their existence.

Beyond the eagles, which was reward enough, it was a day of herons by the dozens and deer along the bank. A really great way to spend 5 hours.

**crashdive123** · 07-04-2009, 09:06 AM

Sounds like a great day!

**oly** · 07-04-2009, 09:12 AM

Times like that makes 5 hours seem like minutes. Glad everyone enjoyed themselves

**Rick** · 07-04-2009, 10:11 AM

Indiana has re-introduced Bald Eagles and Ospreys and, according to the DNR web site, are now in the area but these are the first I've seen. I did sent an email to my region's Fish and Wildlife contact providing him the coordinates of the sighting along with a description of the birds. It will be interesting to see what his response is.

**nell67** · 07-04-2009, 10:28 AM

About 2 months ago,I went to pick up my daughter,and on the way witnessed a bald eagle on the ground in a field with it's lunch,it was the first time in my life I have seen one not in captivity in Indiana.

**oldsoldier** · 07-04-2009, 08:28 PM

WOW.... I've lived here for 9 years and I've yet to see a Bald eagle. Not counting the ones at the local club (eagles) I think it wwould be great to spot one. hae seen a couple of herons though.

**DOGMAN** · 07-04-2009, 08:52 PM

how do you like the new canoe?

**OICU812** · 07-04-2009, 10:29 PM

they are making a come back in the Ohio valley region and are majestic to say the least, just be glad they did'nt listen to old Benny and employ gobblers as our national symbol!

**Rick** · 07-05-2009, 01:00 AM

The canoe is excellent! Mad River does an incredible job. There are a lot of little things that really add up to make a big difference. My son has an Old Towne. He likes it but he likes my Mad River a bit better. I appreciate your input!!

**trax** · 07-06-2009, 12:22 PM

Belief? What do I believe in? I believe in sun. In rock. In the dogma of the sun and the doctrine of the rock. I believe in blood, fire, woman, rivers, eagles, storm, drums, flutes, banjos, and broom-tailed horses....
--Edward Abbey

Must have been an awesome day Rick. I'm fortunate in that where I camp I get to see more than my share. I always take time to greet them and express my gratitude in having had a chance to meet them.

**Rick** · 07-06-2009, 07:45 PM

I thought some of you might be interested in the DNR's response on the eagle sightings.

"You have, most likely, encountered bald eagles. The White River is a nesting corridor for them (as well as the Ohio and Wabash Rivers) and each year there is an aerial survey conducted by the state to determine nest status as well as hatching success.

I will forward your information on to the State Nongame Bird Biologist."

So a great big box of cool beans on this one. I would love for my grand kids to enjoy the sight of bald eagles here the way my northern friends get to. Despite our stupid meddling in nature, we sometimes right a few wrongs we have made along the way. Hopefully, we'll learn not to make the mistakes in the first place. Then wildlife just might have a chance.

**Ken** · 07-06-2009, 08:07 PM

That's great news! We have a few eagle's nests in Fall River and Westport. Actually saw one in the air last year or the year before along Adamsville Road in Westport. Honestly, it kinda' got me choked up a bit to see such a majestic bird in flight.

**COWBOYSURVIVAL** · 07-06-2009, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

The canoe is excellent! Mad River does an incredible job. There are a lot of little things that really add up to make a big difference. My son has an Old Towne. He likes it but he likes my Mad River a bit better. I appreciate your input!!

Can you all recommend a canoe? I will be looking for one....

**Rick** · 07-06-2009, 08:17 PM

I asked the same question of the "Dog Man" (Jason Montana). He put me on to the 14' Mad River Explorer. I'm pretty please with it. My son has an Old Towne that is really nice.

I also ordered an aluminum trailer from Castlecraft.com I order the 17', two canoe trailer. I installed a Thule car top carrier on it to hold all the gear. I'm pretty tickled with the trailer, too. Sure makes life easier.

Not the greatest pic but the best one I currently have. Mine is the red canoe. My son's is yellow.

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