Kip’s Comments - March 16, 2026

A “Busy With Birds” Day

Seldom do I know what to expect for my days. I might start out with one project and find several other opportunities altering the trajectory of the day. Today was such a day.

According to the radar, the winter storm was supposed to be winding down early this morning, so I went out in search of featured creatures. I found bald eagles - many bald eagles - in trees and catching fish. With the bald eagles were ring-billed gulls catching smaller fish. I also found common mergansers and many American robins.

Bald Eagles in Tree - Image 1073435

Bald Eagle in Tree - Image 1073434

Bald Eagle Catching Fish - Image 1073409

Bald Eagle Catching Fish - Image 1073413

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073650 (Notice leg hanging)

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073651

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073703 (leg hanging)

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073742

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073777

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073796

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073827

Ring-billed Gull - Image 1073838

Male Common Merganser - Image 1073603

Male Common Merganser - Image 1073621

American Robin - Image 10734001 (Winter is over, right?)

After I returned home I received notification of a downed bald eagle. The bird had been observed entering the open water of a pond to maintain distance between my buddy and the bird. My buddy assembled a team of assistants to prevent any additional water entries. I lined up the necessary gear for the capture and a transfer of care to Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. Our team then successfully captured a very feisty bald eagle. Hopefully that spunky attitude will promote a prompt recovery from whatever is ailing it.

Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1074074

Injured Bald Eagle - Image 1074083

Injured Bald Eagle Capture Team - Image 1074096

It was a busy, but productive, day!