Golden eagle

[muskie-mike]

I saw what looked to be a golden eagle in Smarts Bay. It was a rusty brown,golden color. Any other sightings?

[eyeguy 54]

probably a juvy bald eagle. 

 

[Cliff Wagenbach]

If the Belly was not molted brown and white, it very well could have been a Golden and not a juvenile baldy!

There were a couple of Goldens that nested next to the LTV Steel pellet plant on a power pole when I worked there!

Cliff

[eyeguy 54]

well ok then  . rare for sure.  Had 2 by Clearwater last year almost all summer. Big Beasts!  lottsa folks mistake juvy baldies for goldens. 

[StillFishin']

My understanding is that Goldens live over forest areas where as Baldies live next to water.  But maybe they were out for a view of the lake!

Years ago, on wind days, I'd see three or four big birds gliding up high that I thought were Goldie's but alas they were buzzards!  Live and learn.  So I don't think  I've ever seen a Goldie up here.

Stillfishin'

[muskie-mike]

I have had a cabin on Vermilion for 28 years and have never seen a juvy that color,my neighbor claims he has seen Goldens. I didnt see the under side only the golden rusty colored back...

https://www.google.com/search?q=golden+eagle&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS604US604&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj5t9XsopHPAhVBziYKHas0CzgQiR4IjwE&biw=1600&bih=775#imgrc=Vnbq-dIN87icOM%3A

[FishinCT]

They are around. Years ago I saw one in big bay. Think it was on jackrabbit island. Saw one up close and personal on basswood lake a long time ago too. No mistaking the size difference if you see them up close!

[eyeguy 54]

sure hope you saw one.  awesome bird. 

here is an interesting article from last year

http://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/outdoors/2015/03/22/golden-eagles-range-central-minnesota/25090573/

[OhioVike]

Wow. I have seen several immature bald eagles and recently thought I was watching one and then started thinking that is an awfully big bird to be immature???  Could have been a golden but I can't say for sure now.  I have heard color change can take up to  5 years so I would guess the birds can get pretty big but who knows?  Evidently they are around.

Edited September 17, 2016 by OhioVike

[eyeguy 54]

4 to 5 years old the head turns white. so pretty big. 

 

[OhioVike]

The one I saw eventually came into contact with a mature eagle, and was bigger. They tussled for a bit and eventually the golden/immature bald took off.  

[SkunkedAgain]

I finally got my 4yr old daughter to accurately call out the difference between eagles and seagalls. Now I have a new wrinkle to throw at her if we see one.

Cool articles.

[eyeguy 54]

Gotta love the birds