WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY
The Bald Eagle is in a word, majestic. When it’s seen in flight against a clear blue sky in a pristine wilderness setting, the image is stunning. One need not travel to the wilds of Alaska or the rugged lakeshores of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to encounter bald eagles; more than a few winter right here in our midst.
Sightings of bald eagles in Oakland County are no longer rare events, and they are not restricted to the “wilder side” of our county. Close encounters may even occur in highly developed areas with significant human intrusion. During the winter months in northern climates, it’s all about available food. Where the food is, the eagles are. The favorite food of the bald eagle is fish, and that takes us to nearby Monroe County, home of one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the nation.
Bald eagles arrive in large numbers every winter at DTE Energy’s Monroe Power Plant, a site that “guarantees” good fishing for eagles. The discharged water used to cool the power plant is about 12 degrees warmer than the surrounding waters. This makes it desirable for fish, especially shad, and of course, the warmed water keeps ice from forming near the shoreline. Combine that with the security of the plant’s highly-restricted acreage and that provides for the eagle’s basic needs: food, habitat and a safe place to gather. At times, close to one hundred living representatives of our National Emblem are perched in trees or hovering over the warmer water ready to descend and grab a fish. One of the rules of nature is the predator follows the prey, even when it’s at a power plant.
Other eagles fish in more serene areas during winter. The Village of Ortonville is in northernmost Oakland County. For the past few weeks, there have been sporadic sightings of a bald eagle on the ice of a lake that is appropriately named—Bald Eagle Lake. Although ice still covers the lake, an eagle discovered access to fish at unattended ice fishing holes. Either dead fish float up in the hole, or fish that were discarded on the ice make for an easy meal for this local eagle that has adapted to our ways.
Eagles are well adapted to a lifestyle that focuses on fishing. Their sharp, pointed beaks, designed for ripping and tearing prey into bite-sized pieces, get the job done. They have powerful legs and feet that are equipped with large curved talons that are used for killing their prey and lifting sizable fish of up to four pounds out of the water. Combining those facts with a six to seven-foot wing span and superb eyesight make them masters of the sky.
Although fresh fish are the mainstay of their diet, bald eagles are both skilled hunters and opportunist scavengers. A dead deer in an isolated meadow, or on the side of a road, is an all you can eat buffet. A pair of eagles are now entering their sixth nesting season at Stony Creek Metropark and have been witnessed in pursuit of mergansers and ducks. Rabbits and squirrels, and the occasional muskrat that pops up at small open areas of water, add to the menu. In a few months when osprey (a fish-eating raptor) return to our county, eagles will sometimes perch within site of an osprey nest. When the osprey returns with a fish in its talons, the much larger eagle will swoop at the osprey with hopes the fish is dropped. The eagle then dives towards the water to retrieve the fish. Those maneuvers have been witnessed at Kensington Metropark and documented across the nation where osprey and eagles share their fish hunting territory.
Joan Bonin, Primary Eagle Observer at Stony Creek, has had the honor and pleasure of monitoring the Stony Creek eagles at Inwood Trails since April of 2013. I contacted her a few days ago and here is what she said, “You can easily tell the male from the female with this pair. The male is roughly 30% smaller than the female and his head is fairly smooth and refined. The female is larger. Her head is sculpted, and brow line is more pronounced. Her bill is much larger than his. But please note, you cannot always determine their sex by looking at them. There are large males and small females. Since 2013, they have produced 9 offspring. Eight have lived to fledge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banded the eaglets (juveniles) from 2013 – 2016. The two were not banded in 2017. Whenever we see a juvenile in the area we always look for bands on their legs. For the first few years the juvenile/sub-adults are vagabonds, you never know where they might be, but we always suspect it is possibly one of ours when a banded juvenile flies over our heads.”
Bonin and I chatted about the bald eagles that migrated from more northern areas to Oakland and Macomb Counties for the winter and she added, “We get many migratory bald eagles in the winter to Stony Creek Metropark. In 2016, there were as many as eight separately identifiable bald eagles at the park, perhaps more. So particularly in the winter, be on the lookout for a bald eagle flying over your head when you visit the park. My passion for our bald eagles never lessens. When a bald eagle flies over my head, it always stops me in my tracks. Keep on the lookout. There seem to be more and more every year!”
She was disappointed to discover fishing line is now in the eagles’ nest. Entanglement with plastics and human garbage such as discarded fishing lines is a problem for many wildlife species, including eagles. Visitors to the park are urged to pick up stray fishing line, and if any is noted in the nest or tangled on the legs of the eagles to report it to park authorities. Little Bird Nerd has additional details on what to do if you come across fishing line here.
In Southeast Michigan, February is their breeding season, a time that humans must respect nesting sites. Breeding season consists of territorial acquisition and defense, nest building and mating, with mating often preceded by an elaborate aerial display. In the July 2016 issue of National Geographic, the aerial courtship was described this way.
“When it comes to courtship, bald eagles put the wild in wildlife. The maneuver—known as the cartwheel display or death spiral—is chief among their “spectacular courtship rituals,” says wildlife ecologist David Buehler of the University of Tennessee. “The two soar up to high altitude, lock talons, and tumble and cartwheel toward Earth.” They let go before reaching the ground—except when they don’t. In 2014 two adult eagles, talons locked, were found tangled in a Portland, Oregon, tree. (They eventually broke free and flew off.) The courtship display is about “determining the fitness of your mate” and making that mate want to mate with you, Buehler says. “It’s like going out on the dance floor if you’re a really good dancer. There are risks: The stunt could, for instance, end in a fatal crash.”
With eagles returning to the same nest year after year, their nests grow to enormous proportions. The nest is usually located in a tall tree with a commanding view of the area, and in our area that would most likely be a white pine tree that offers a view of water. A typical bald eagle nest (eyrie) may range from 6 – 10 feet in diameter and eventually weigh over 1,000 pounds making them the largest nests of any bird in North America. Nests weighing a ton have been documented. The actual nesting cavity is about four to eight inches deep. It provides a safe place for the eggs to be incubated down in the “protective crib” and safeguards newly hatched eaglets that look in some ways like artist conceptions of baby dinosaurs—not surprising since birds evolved from dinosaurs. Here’s an image of the first local eaglet in over 100 years to be banded back in 2013.
Imaged captured by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The mated pair of Stony Creek eagles are now putting final home improvement touches on their nest high up in a lofty white pine. It should be noted that during nesting season, trails close to approaching any known eagle nest are usually closed to avoid human disturbance. This seasonal closure, or human exclusion zone policy, takes places at most parks across the United States, and it also takes place at Stony Creek Metropark. The Stony Creek eagles can be viewed with a telephoto lens or with binoculars from the far side of a small pond and they and other eagles may be seen fishing at Stony Lake. This link from the US Fish and Wildlife Service has excellent information on the sensitivity to human intrusion during breeding, nest building and incubation.
Eagles were long ago threatened with extinction. Times have changed. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains, by 1963 there were only 487 known nesting pairs in the United States and the threat of extinction was real. Through years of efforts and laws to protect their nests and environment, along with the banning of DDT their population has surged. Eagles continue to adapt to a human dominated habitat and in some areas even nest near busy highways such as this pair in Pennsylvania that has a live feed eagle-cam.
Today there are approximately 800 pairs of bald eagles nesting in Michigan alone, and thousands more across the country. Oakland County has hundreds of lakes that offer fishing to eagles, and just perhaps another pair will set up housekeeping in our midst. For detailed information on bald eagles in the Midwest, view this link from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and keep an eye on the sky for our national emblem as you hike and explore on the Wilder Side of Oakland County.
Jonathan Schechter is the Nature Education Writer for Oakland County Government and blogs weekly about nature’s way, trails, and wildlife on the Wilder Side of Oakland County.
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I just saw a bald eagle in Oakland Township. It was flying north over Rochester and Snell Road. It was an exciting sight to see!
Heidi, Not sure how I missed your comment from 3 years ago– but thanks for sharing. Eagles are super exciting to see and they are being seen more frequently now.
I just saw a huge all brown bird that had to be 2ft tall or more on its feet. Is there a way I can send the video I was able to capture to find out what kind of bird it may be? There actually were two on my neighbors roof and I caught a video of one in flight.
I believe that there is a golden eagle nesting on top if the independence township water tower, near clarkston mi. It was hard to tell.
I do believe that bird turned out to be an Osprey!
I spotted a bald eagle at the top of a tree just off of M15 in Brandon Township on the morning of November 5.
Mike, Thanks for your sighting comment. Eagles are increasing in numbers and several folks have mentioned seeing them in the past few days at Stony Creek Metropark ( there is a nest there) and earlier this year one was seen a few times at Bald Eagle Lake, which is as you may know, part of Brandon Twp. I live in Brandon Twp and saw one last year at Huff Lake which is not far from “Bullfrogs” on M-15. They will stay active in the area until the lakes freeze over.
Jonathan
I saw a bald eagle flying over Adams and Sliverbell Road. It was so beautiful!!!
Observed what I’m pretty sure was a bald eagle flying south-west to north-east over Orchard Lake around 8:00 A.M. on 1.13.19.
Norman,
Many thanks for your comment on the sighting. You probably are correct! Eagles have been confirmed this past week at Lake Orion in Orion Township, and a pair is already nest building at Stony Creek Metropark. The eagles are hunting by open water and I suspect thereare some opens areas ( or at least there were) until this morning along the south shore of Orchard Lake. Keep an eye out. Apple Island would present some excellent habitat for nesting. Jonathan
Watched and photographed a pair yesterday and today here on Oxford lake no doubt returning year after year because of discarded fish by the ice fisherman. So regal. I’ve been watching them now for a number of years year round. Love it!
Cosette,
I appreciate you sharing you sighting. I have a feeling that eagles are adapting to our ways, and our behavior much more quickly than we realize. They certainly do find fine fishing in Oakland County.
I just saw one yesterday afternoon flying west over Big Beaver around Adams Road.
Thanks for your observation report Carolyn. Much appreciated. Although their sightings are greatly increasing in Oakland County, that is an unusual location since the habitat there would not support its feeding of nesting requirements. I suspect it was passing through and— eagles know no borders! Of interest Turkey Vultures have returned to our county and these very large birds are very much at home in the Troy area and are often seen soaring overhead busy populated areas searching for road kill and riding the thermals in the early days of spring. Jonathan
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.
Thanks!
First seen a eagle here in Belleville Mi. Flew over my head (literally) at 7/11 on Ecorse rd. Saw them frequently when I worked at DTE (the airport). They were nesting over there I seen and recorded the baby Eagle. I seen another Eagle chasing a Seagull in Belleville on there trash day (Thursday). I just recently seen another Eagle in Plymouth township. Can anyone tell me where I can find them?
DTW*
Wish I could give you a ‘for sure’ location but can not. They are often seen at Stony Creek Metropark, an eagle nest is located there, but they are increasing in numbers and might be seen almost anyplace where there is shallow water with fish, and little human disturbance.
There is an eagle nesting off the Novi Road exit and 96. I’ve been watching it for a few months now. I look for it everyday when I drive home from work. Yesterday I watch it fly into it’s nest with a bunch of grass and sticks in it’s mouth. So beautiful!
Thanks Kristin, I knew there was an osprey nesting in that general area, but did not know about an eagle! What sort of tree is the eagle using? (Evergreen, hardwood, cell tower–etc) Jonathan
It’s tough to see the exact tree from the expressway. I don’t think there’s a way to get a closer look either. It seems to be a pretty secluded spot. I believe there’s also an osprey nesting right off of 96 by Kennington park on a light pole.
Thanks! Next time I’m out that way, I’ll do some snooping around.
I saw two Bald Eagles feeding on the frozen part of Case Lake in Oakland County today. My neighbor said there were four of them earlier. Very cool.
Colleen, Thanks for sharing! Bald Eagles are getting ‘comfortable’ in Oakland County and as long as their is some open water they stick around. They are also savvy as to ice fisherman leaving fish on lakes, and the occasional duck that loiters as a food source.
I was outside earlier and happened to look in the tree in the front and could not believe my eyes when I saw a Bald Eagle sitting there with a squirrel in its claws. He was a really big bird from what I have ever seen and I knew it had to be a Bald Eagle but had to google it just to make sure and sure enough, it was. It makes me a little nervous having a Min Pin who is 7 lbs. I told my son when he gets home from school and lets the dogs out to make sure he keeps an eye on him in the backyard. I have a bigger dog too, but she is to busy chasing squirrels.
Thanks for sharing your tale Duane. Looks like your dog and the Bald Eagle both ‘enjoy’ squirrels. Although technically the eagle could go for your dog, that would be every unlikely. It’s mostly fish, ducks, other waterfowl and the occasional small mammal during winter. And most of the eagles hunting is at or adjacent to a lake that is not ice covered.
We live in Waterford about 8 houses up from the lake by Williams and airport. Lake is only half frozen. Will keep a closer eye him. Squirrels are bigger this time of year. 😁
Thanks for sharing info on the eagles, As long as lakes remain open, eagles will most likely stay.
[…] Wildlife Education Specialist with Oakland County Jonathan Schechter has been blogging about eagles the past few years, particularly with regular sightings at Stoney Creek Metro Park. […]
I’ve seen one in Milford along the ymca trail. It was beautiful to see it flying.
They are beautiful birds and as long as their is some open water in the area, they will stay around. Thanks for sharing, Jonathan
I had one fly over my yard very low in Ortonville this summer. I was concerned because I have free-range chickens, and the bald eagle was so low, I could see it looking at my chickens. But, I only saw it the one time, and I haven’t lost any chickens!
Glad things worked out for you! Eagle are far more likely to grab a fish then a chicken.
Saw one yesterday overhead in Orion township. Had to do a double-take. Was not aware they were in Oakland county
There is an active nest at Stony Creek Metropark but other eagles have over-wintered in our area. Earlier this month I watched an eagle fly over Baldwin Road, just north of Clarkston Road. Thanks for sharing your comment!
I saw one yesterday in Oxford heading for the Keonig gravel pit ,it made my day. Second time in my life I’ve seen one in the wild.
Hi Joel, Thanks for passing that info along. I know exactly where that gravel pit is and perhaps that eagle is thinking about spring house keeping. Although only one eagle nest is confirmed in the area (Stony Creek Metropark) I bet about a half dozen or more are overwintering in our county based on locations of sightings
I had my first bald eagle glide over today @ 10:48am, in Waterford, MI. I was talking groceries to a house located between Hess Lake and Cass Lake. He flew SE from the NW, then headed slightly North as he reached Cass Lake. Never saw a bald eagle before, and so close- I deeply regretted leaving my phone in the car!
Mary,
I found your note today (12/9) while going through old files. My apologies for not responding earlier. I suspect the shallow shore areas of Cass Lake provide some excellent fishing for eagles. Last year someone sent me a photo of an eagle standing on ice near open water on Cass Lake. Hopefully you will see the eagle again–and maybe be photo ready! Jonathan
Thanks so much for sharing your exciting sighting Mary . The location you mentioned would be excellent for an adult Bald Eagle to do some shallow water fishing. Without a doubt there numbers are slowly increasing in our county with our numerous lakes and other are just passing through. As you may know there is a pair of Bald Eagles at Stony Creek Metropark and this is their 9th nesting season! (There is at least one other, perhaps two, bald eagle nests on a local nature conservancies property but they are not making the location public to prevent disturbances.) Jonathan
Had an incredible encounter with a Bald Eagle today as I dove south on Adams Rd in Oakland Township. This giant bird was soaring below the tree lines, following right down Adams Rd all the way from the Paint Creek Trail, past Gunn Rd. I thought it was a hawk just flying up the road, then realized how large it was. I thought it might be an owl. It was keeping up with my car for almost a mile at ~35mph or faster. It was right in front of my car (comfortably above), but below the highest trees. By the time the landscape opened up near Gunn Road, I was shocked to see it’s bright white, majestic head. I was able to pull along side it as it veered toward Wyndgate Golf Course. I swear it winked at me. Ha. Awesome experience! I’ll never forget it, as I lost my mother to Covid this year, and we would share stories of our birdwatching. Had to share this with others that would appreciate it.
Mike, I just noticed your note today. Thanks for sharing the encounter. Bald Eagles are stunning when seen in flight at a low level, or perched on a tree. And since it had a solid white head it has to be at least 5 years old! The area you saw it has great habitat for eagles, so perhaps it may just stay around. They are certainly getting more common in Oakland County. And I’m glad that encounter stirred good memories for you; and am sorry for your loss. Your thoughtful nature/eagle related comments brought pleasure to me, and I am sure others as well; a short respite from Covid. Take care, Jonathan
I was shocked today to see a bald eagle flying over 11 mile near Coolidge rd. I have only ever seen them up north – could it have been something else? Huge bird with white head and tail and a curved beak. Seems very unlikely that it would be hanging out down here!
[…] Bald eagles are skilled hunters and have a variety of techniques that they use to capture their prey. When hunting fish, bald eagles often perch in trees near the water’s edge or fly over the water, looking for fish swimming near the surface. Once they spot a fish, they swoop and snatch it out of the water with their talons. Bald eagles can fly with fish weighing up to four pounds, which is impressive considering that their weight ranges from six to fourteen pounds. […]
Witnessed an adult Bald Eagle flying south over Mud Lake in the south part of Orion Township. Approximately 50 feet off the ground.
Beautiful sight.