"Bald Eagles Thrive in Wisconsin"

On a recent Saturday afternoon the Wisconsin River served as the backdrop for a majestic group of American Bald Eagles. The tree covered bluffs and the flowing rivers provide an ideal habitat for the Bald Eagles that make Prairie du Sac and Sauk City Wisconsin their Winter homes.  The adult American Bald Eagle's distinctive white head and tail along with its six to eight foot wingspan make it difficult to mistake for other large birds of prey. Young Eagles, on the other hand, are darker and only gradually gain the distinctive markings we have all come to immediately recognize.

The Prairie du Sac area has become a must for eagle watchers from all over the United States and the World. The Ferry Bluff Eagle Council, for its part, has been a  voice for these magnificent creatures for over twenty six years. From establishing conservation easements to lobbying local and state government for increased protections, the organization has become an integral part of the surrounding communities and the larger conservation movement. Each year since the passage of the Endangered Species Act and the ban of DDT bald eagle populations have been on the rise. DDT is a powerful insecticide which accidentally affectedeagles and other birds by causing their eggs to have thin shells that broke. This kept the birds from hatching. In 1973 there were only 108 occupied eagle territories in Wisconsin. In 2010, there were 1,150 breeding pairs! This is in no small part thanks to the efforts of the FBEC and the dedicated volunteers like Ed that spends his Saturday mornings guiding tours and answering questions from the endless stream of eagle watchers that make their way to Prairie duSac.

Eagles were abundant throughout Wisconsin until 1800 when immigrants settled the state. Habitat disturbance, destruction, and shooting caused their numbers to drop until laws were enacted like the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1916, the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, the 1972 listing of eagles as endangered in Wisconsin, and the ban of DDT. Today, wildlife biologists, scientists, and volunteers continue to work to teach people about protecting eagles and their nesting sites. About half of the eagle population nests on land that people privately own. DNR staff have developed educational materials to help people learn about eagle nest protection. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources works with loggers and builders to protect nests on properties where people want to build homes and businesses, or harvest trees. They also help trappers, farmers, power companies, hunters, school children learn more about eagles.

Across from Cenex Station on Water St. in Prairie duSac you will find the FBEC Overlook.  Here you can get out of your car and use the spotting scopes to see the eagles perched on Eagle Island or soaring overhead. At Veteran's Park eagles maybe seen gliding above the tall cottonwoods, flying, or fishing in the river. Here you are asked to stay in your car in order not to disturb the eagles since they will not tolerate noise or close human contact. Regular Saturday morning bus tours are scheduled throughout the Winter months. The bus departs at 10:00 o'clock from the Cedar Berry In on Phillips Blvd and tickets are $5.00 per person.

This article would not have been possible without the assistance of the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These guardians of the American Bald Eagle and its precious habitat are working to preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations and their descendents.