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One of the most revered birds in the world is the eagle. Today, it’s image watches over almost everything American but in the past it was the figurehead for over a dozen countries including Imperial Germany and Russia of the 1900′s and early 20th Century. So it is no wonder that the bird is still held in such high regard.
Another reason for it’s popularity is that it is one of the largest raptors still in excistence. It’s huge wingspan and sharp talons define the very phrase “death from above” and there are very few birds, ven animals, who would mess with such a strong predator.
However, many people do not realize that an eagle will take a free meal if it’s offered. This includes carrion on the side of the road or a farmer who wants to dispose of a few chickens – or hundreds.
Each year in the sleepy little agricultural town of Sheffield Mills hundreds of eagles gather for a feast of chicken as local poultry farmers clear out their barns of the dead fowl. In fact the ritual has turned into part of the normal lifecycle for these birds as hundreds migrate here and stay from November to March.
The day usually begins with a few lone eagles in the barren trees. They actually resemble black burls or hornet’s nests as they patiently sit and wait. Soon a few more show up and within an hour there may be a dozen black lumps in one tree.
Before the onlookers ever see it the roosting birds are watching a farm truck lumber down the road and then onto the frozen field. The truck stops about mid-way across the frozen corn stumps and the lone human rakes out a couple of dozen dead chickens, ones that have succumbed to a variety of causes such as suffocation due to overcrowding or severe pecking.
When the truck is safely off the field a lone bald eagle with at shocking white hood takes flight and watches the white humps below. Satisfied that there is no danger the eagle drops like a black watermelon and its giant wings flare open at about five feet from the ground. Huge yellow claws shoot from the body and snag a dead chicken while the wings beat toward the bare trees.
Seeing that the coast is clear, other fall from the barren limbs and follow the example of the first, bold bird. Others follow suit, some landing to check the food firsthand, bumping others aside to make sure they get their share.
This is a feeding frenzy that goes on in about a dozen fields surrounding Sheffield Mills and few people will ever get the chance to witness eagles in such numbers or behaving like this anywhere in the world.
The best times to see this are on Jan.31, feb. 1, Feb 7, and Feb. 8. And don’t forget to check out the Sheffield Community Centre for breakfast, coffee and some great eagles exhibits including pictures and artwork.
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