June 20 - American Eagle Day
The Bald Eagle and the soaring Golden Eagle are two of New Mexico’s magnificent birds of prey. Long valued for their aesthetic beauty, eagles are finally being recognized for their importance as scavengers and predators in the natural world.
Bald Eagles, so named for their vividly visible white head and tail, are found only in North America. They can be seen throughout the state and can most likely be spotted above the high plains east of Cimarron.
The Golden Eagle is the large raptor most frequently seen in the skies above Red River. A large, brown and golden colored booted eagle, it can be found in the mountainous areas of the U.S., including the Sangre de Cristos of New Mexico. Weighing up to 15 pounds, they can have a wing span of up to eight feet. Females are often larger than males. Immature Golden Eagles have white wing patches and white at the base of the tail. They are capable of carrying away prey weighing up to 7 pounds, although 2 pounds is average.
Golden eagles may soar for hours over some mountain ridges, then rise in spirals until a dark speck in the sky. They sometimes dives at tremendous speed at prey animals or in play, traveling in their stoop at estimated speeds of 150-200 mph. Generally silent, they may be heard now and then yelping or uttering mewing cries when soaring in courtship flight. Usually they are seen alone, but sometimes may accompanied by a mate.
There are other interesting creatures of the air for amateur and serious birdwatchers alike. Hawks, buzzards, pine siskins, chickadees, mountain bluebirds, Steller's jays, flickers and the ever-imposing ravens - the big black birds - are common visitors to the valley. There are also ten types of hummingbirds that occupy the high country from mid-April through Labor Day.
Bald Eagles, so named for their vividly visible white head and tail, are found only in North America. They can be seen throughout the state and can most likely be spotted above the high plains east of Cimarron.
The Golden Eagle is the large raptor most frequently seen in the skies above Red River. A large, brown and golden colored booted eagle, it can be found in the mountainous areas of the U.S., including the Sangre de Cristos of New Mexico. Weighing up to 15 pounds, they can have a wing span of up to eight feet. Females are often larger than males. Immature Golden Eagles have white wing patches and white at the base of the tail. They are capable of carrying away prey weighing up to 7 pounds, although 2 pounds is average.
Golden eagles may soar for hours over some mountain ridges, then rise in spirals until a dark speck in the sky. They sometimes dives at tremendous speed at prey animals or in play, traveling in their stoop at estimated speeds of 150-200 mph. Generally silent, they may be heard now and then yelping or uttering mewing cries when soaring in courtship flight. Usually they are seen alone, but sometimes may accompanied by a mate.
There are other interesting creatures of the air for amateur and serious birdwatchers alike. Hawks, buzzards, pine siskins, chickadees, mountain bluebirds, Steller's jays, flickers and the ever-imposing ravens - the big black birds - are common visitors to the valley. There are also ten types of hummingbirds that occupy the high country from mid-April through Labor Day.
More Wild Neighbors
Looking to see natural creatures in their environment? Keep an eye out for mule deer, wapiti (elk), beaver, muskrats and porcupines. Big horned sheep, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats are more reclusive. Always remember that wild creatures may look docile but they are not to be confused with domesticated animals. Respect their presence and keep your distance. An encounter with wildlife can be a marvelous experience.
