One of the joys of living in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming is the opportunity to get out and experience its beauty -- up close. One of the best ways to do that is by participating in monthly Moon Walks. To enlarge any of the photos in the gallery, simply click on the image.
There's always a chance to visit with old friends and catch up on recent activities before the hike begins.
Most of the Moon Walks are only a mile or so round-trip -- and the September trek to Deerfield Reservoir was less than 900 yard round-trip!
Most of the Moon Walks are only a mile or so round-trip -- and the September trek to Deerfield Reservoir was less than 900 yard round-trip!
Did we mention all that Moon Walksare for hikers of all ages?
This gentleman has his hands full with a young girl in his arms and another youngster on his back. Now that's dedication!
This gentleman has his hands full with a young girl in his arms and another youngster on his back. Now that's dedication!
More Moon Walkers.
The pre-hike "introduction" allows participants to learn more about the subject at hand.
Presenters are experts in their field and are from local Black Hills communities.
This month, the program was all about bald eagles.
Presenters are experts in their field and are from local Black Hills communities.
This month, the program was all about bald eagles.
Our leader for this hike was U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Lou Conroy.
Lou grew up in Pine Ridge, and after graduating from Red Cloud High School, he earned degrees at Black Hills State University in Spearfish and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Lou said there are lots of golden eagles on the prairie -- and around the periphery of the Black Hills. While bald eagles are not uncommon in the Black Hills, nesting bald eagles are a rarity in this region.
Lou grew up in Pine Ridge, and after graduating from Red Cloud High School, he earned degrees at Black Hills State University in Spearfish and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Lou said there are lots of golden eagles on the prairie -- and around the periphery of the Black Hills. While bald eagles are not uncommon in the Black Hills, nesting bald eagles are a rarity in this region.
During introductory remarks, Ranger Conroy discussed the five phases of nesting for bald eagles:
1) nest-building and courtship phase
2) egg-laying phase
3) incubation period
4) nesting phase
5) fledgling phase
1) nest-building and courtship phase
2) egg-laying phase
3) incubation period
4) nesting phase
5) fledgling phase
Nest-building and courtship normally lasts about 1-3 months, from February into April. While both the male and female bald eagle help build the nest, it is the female who decides its exact location. The nest at Deerfield Reservoir is about 3-4 feet deep; some bald eagle nests in Florida have been measured as deep as 22 feet, according to Conroy.
Egg laying occurs in about a 3-6 weeks period; on average, a female lays about two eggs.
The full month of May is normally the incubation period.
Egg laying occurs in about a 3-6 weeks period; on average, a female lays about two eggs.
The full month of May is normally the incubation period.
Conroy says bald eagle nestlings are gray in color, and it takes about five weeks for them to develop brown feathers. After about nine weeks, the nestling is fully covered with feathers. By June, the nestling's head can be seen peeking over the edge of the nest.
The male or female bald eagles are never far from the nestling, continuing to provide shade from the sun, warmth, and -- of course -- food.
The male or female bald eagles are never far from the nestling, continuing to provide shade from the sun, warmth, and -- of course -- food.
Conroy leads Moon Walkers to the edge of Deerfield Reservoir during the September 5th, 2009, walk.
He shared with the group that the "fledgling phase" for bald eagles lasts about 4-6 weeks. Feeding as many as eight times per days, the fledgling is about as big as an adult bald eagle, weighing anywhere from 10 to 14 pounds.
Fledglings begin to fly and learn to hunt, remaining with their parents for about six weeks. They usually leave the nest by late September or early October.
He shared with the group that the "fledgling phase" for bald eagles lasts about 4-6 weeks. Feeding as many as eight times per days, the fledgling is about as big as an adult bald eagle, weighing anywhere from 10 to 14 pounds.
Fledglings begin to fly and learn to hunt, remaining with their parents for about six weeks. They usually leave the nest by late September or early October.
It was a grand night for visiting the bald eagle nesting site at Deerfield Reservoir.
We learned that bald eagles can live 20-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. They mate for life, but they'll find a new mate if one dies. They are in habitats from northern Canada to as far south as Mexico.
Bald eagles begin to develop white heads and tails after about four or five years. Their wing spans will eventually be up to eight feet.
We learned that bald eagles can live 20-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. They mate for life, but they'll find a new mate if one dies. They are in habitats from northern Canada to as far south as Mexico.
Bald eagles begin to develop white heads and tails after about four or five years. Their wing spans will eventually be up to eight feet.
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