I pulled into the small dirt parking lot at the reservoir to see what ducks were hanging around the dam. The water by the dam does not freeze, and there is always a good variety of waterfowl there all winter.

As I stepped out of the car, I noticed two large birds perched in a tree along the shoreline. I knew immediately they were much too large to be hawks. They must be eagles. Sure enough, it was one adult and one immature bald eagle. It takes eagles four or five years to get their signature white heads and tails. Immature eagles are, however, just as large and impressive as adults.

Of course, I was thrilled to see the bald eagle. However, I was not surprised. Bald eagle sightings have become increasingly common over the last several years as the population continues to rise.

The bald eagle’s recovery is one of the best conservation stories of the last several decades. The osprey recovery is equally exciting.