Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

Allen County, Indiana Wildlife

Bald Eagles

Sycamore tree with an Eagle's nest on Lake Avenue A bald eagle sits on a nest in Lake Avenue’s Catholic Cemetery on Monday Mike Durbin April 2, 2024 The Journal Gazette newspaper.

Monday, December 14, 2020 post by the Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife on Facebook

The bald eagle is officially recovered in the state of Indiana! Previously listed as a species of special concern, our biologists estimated Indiana supported about 300 nesting pairs across 84 counties in 2020. Indiana DNR reintroduced bald eagles to the state from 1985-1989, funded by the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund (Help our rare and endangered wildlife). In just 35 years, bald eagles went from nonexistent on the Hoosier landscape to a thriving population statewide.

Although bald eagles are no longer listed as an endangered species, they remain protected by other state and federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. If you see bald eagles in Indiana, observe the birds, their nests, and roosts from a distance of 330 feet, which is roughly the length of a football field. Foster a climate of respect for wildlife by sharing these guidelines with your friends.

Learn more about bald eagles: Bald Eagle

Have you ever wondered where Indiana's bald eagles came from? This video tells the story of the inspiring story of the...
Posted by Little River Wetlands Project on Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 post by Little River Wetlands Project on Facebook:

Have you ever wondered where Indiana's bald eagles came from? This video tells the story of the inspiring story of the DNR's reintroduction of these magnificent birds in Indiana. Have you ever spotted a bald eagle around town? [ See more on our Bald Eagle page ]

Indiana's Bald Eagles July 1, 2022 on YouTube.

Discover the DNR bald eagle reintroduction project that took place at Monroe Lake in the late 1980s and was made possible by the Nongame Wildlife Fund.

Through archival video footage and current interviews with the original biologists, learn the steps taken to bring this iconic American symbol back to Indiana.

For more information on bald eagles please visit: on Bald Eagle

To donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund please visit: on Donate to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund

1887 - Eagles In Indiana - The King of the Air Described by a ?ist Who is Not Friendly
Article from Apr 9, 1887 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1887, Bald-eagles, Indiana

Even in 1887, according to this newspaper article: A great many persons, said Prof. Collett to an Indanapolis Journal reporter, Who are considered well informed, seem to think there are no eagles in Indiana. The truth is we have quite a number-a great many more than we need.

1887 - Eagles In Indiana - The King of the Air Described by a ?ist Who is Not Friendly The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, April 9, 1887, Page 7

Symbols abound in the daily lives of the people of Allen County. Some of these symbols are tied to a locality, but some...
Posted by The History Center on Thursday, June 20, 2024

Thursday, June 20, 2024 post by The History Center on Facebook:

Symbols abound in the daily lives of the people of Allen County. Some of these symbols are tied to a locality, but some of them have national significance. One such symbol is the American Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States and appears on its Seal. In the latter 20th century, the Bald Eagle hovered on the brink of extinction in the continental United States. Eventually, populations recovered and on July 12, 1995, the species was removed from the U.S. Federal Government’s List of Endangered Species and transferred to the List of Threatened Species. In June of 2007, as the species continued to thrive, the American Eagle was withdrawn from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Lower 48 States. Each year on June 20, the nation observes National American Eagle Day. It is a time to honor our national symbol and raise awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle. The day also encourages the recovery of their natural environments while providing educational outreach. Today, we share some of the items in our collection that feature our majestic national symbol. #sociallyhistory
Bald Eagle The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) has been the national bird of the United States since 1782. Once a federal- and state-endangered species due to illegal shooting and use of pesticides, the bald eagle has recovered under protection. at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Bald Eagle Identification at CorrnellLab All About Birds.
Lead poisoning a threat to eagles, other area wildlife Lead hunting ammunition appears to be the biggest cause of of eagle lead poisonings. Kevin Kilbane April 20, 2017 The News-Sentinel newspaperarchived on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.
Nearly half of US bald eagles suffer lead poisoning Scientists say the raptors likely consumed carrion or prey contaminated by lead from ammunition or fishing tackle. February 17, 2022 WTHR Indianapolis, IN.
Golden Eagle Identification at CorrnellLab All About Birds.
This Facebook post triggered a search for other eagle attacks. There were at least five that mentioned bald eagle from 1897 to 1939 with a few overseas. Five are listed here.

The May 26, 1902, edition of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal reported that on the previous day, an eagle attacked a...
Posted by Uncharted Lancaster on Sunday, May 26, 2024

Sunday, May 26, 2024 post by Uncharted Lancaster on Facebook:

The May 26, 1902, edition of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal reported that on the previous day, an eagle attacked a small child in Susquehanna County. Here's the story.

On Sunday, a startling scene unfolded near Conklin, PA, in Susquehanna County at the Hencklers' farm. A massive bald eagle, boasting an impressive 9-foot wingspan, made a daring attempt to snatch a 3-year-old from their yard!

However, the relentless bird wasn't finished—it returned and managed to grab a young lamb, a clear demonstration of the danger it posed.

Ever vigilant, Mrs. Hencklers, proficient with a rifle, was prepared. As the eagle lifted off with its prey, she took a decisive shot, successfully downing the eagle to protect her farm and family.

Mrs. Heneklers, who knows how to shoot, was waiting for the eagle. As he arose with the lamb, she fired and killed it.

1897 - Eagle Attacks Child - Henry Kella captured bald-headed eagle - brother's 4-year-old child
Article from Dec 2, 1897 Argus-Leader (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) 1897, Bald eagle attacks child

1897 - Eagle Attacks Child - Henry Kella captured bald-headed eagle - brother's 4-year-old child in Blackwater, Mo, Argus-Leader, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Thursday, December 2, 1897, Page 1

1897 - Eagle Attacks Child - Four-year-old Boy Rescued from the Talons of the Bird of Jove
Article from Dec 3, 1897 The Fulton Gazette (Fulton, Missouri) 1897, Bald eagle attacks child

1897 - Eagle Attacks Child - Four-year-old Boy Rescued from the Talons of the Bird of Jove same Blackwater, Mo., The Fulton Gazette, Fulton, Missouri, Friday, December 3, 1897, Page 1

1899 - Eagle Attacks A Child - bald eagle six feet wing tips - 2-year-old child of William Berry
Article from Sep 6, 1899 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1899, Bald eagle attacks child

1899 - Eagle Attacks A Child - bald eagle six feet wing tips - 2-year-old child of William Berry in Athol, Mass. The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, Sep 6, 1899, Page 4

1906 - Attempts to Carry Off Child - A Gray Eagle Attacks Child But is Frightened Away
Article from Nov 30, 1906 Arkansas City Daily Traveler (Arkansas City, Kansas) 1906, Eagle attacks child

1906 - Attempts to Carry Off Child - A Gray Eagle Attacks Child But is Frightened Away in Coweta, Okla. in Indian Territory, Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Arkansas City, Kansas, Friday, November 30, 1906, Page 1.
[ Not clear if this a Bald Eagle or Golden Eagle the only two eagles in North America ]

1910 - Eagle Attacks Child - Tries to Carry Off Two-year Old Boy, But is Foiled
Article from Jul 9, 1910 Martinsburg Herald (Martinsburg, West Virginia) 1910, Bald eagle attacks child

1910 - Eagle Attacks Child - Tries to Carry Off Two-year Old Boy, But is Foiled in Chester, Pa., Martinsburg Herald, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Saturday, July 9, 1910, Page 7

1910 - Eagle Attacks Child - Father of Little Girl Brings Down Savage Bird With a Shotgun
Article from Oct 26, 1910 The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) 1910, Bald eagle attacks child

1910 - Eagle Attacks Child - Father of Little Girl Brings Down Savage Bird With a Shotgun in Eola, Ill. The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, Wednesday, Oct 26, 1910, Page 11

1939 - Eagle Attacks Child - Dorothy May Stallings, 13 - eagle swooped down attacked Cumberland, Md
Article from Jun 5, 1939 The Birmingham News (Birmingham, Alabama) 1939, Bald eagle attacks child

1939 - Eagle Attacks Child - Dorothy May Stallings, 13 - eagle swooped down attacked Cumberland, Md The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, Monday, Jun 5, 1939, Page 1
Wow! A bald eagle is flying over the zoo right now - so awesome!
Posted by Fort Wayne Children's Zoo on Thursday, February 16, 2012

February 16, 2012 post by the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo on Facebook:

Wow! A bald eagle is flying over the zoo right now - so awesome!
Juvenile Bald Eagles Photo by Dick Cross
Posted by Little River Wetlands Project on Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 post by the Little River Wetlands Project on Facebook:

Juvenile Bald Eagles

Photo by Dick Cross

— at Eagle Marsh.
November 16, 2012 post by the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo on Facebook:

Remember all those fish you fed at the zoo last summer? This wild bald eagle has been enjoying fish dinners from our pond all week - an awesome sight!
My friend (Ben Simmons) and I have discovered two very healthy and grown baby Bald Eagles at Eagle Marsh! I have capture...
Posted by Seth Brattain on Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sunday, June 9, 2013 post on Facebook:

My friend (Ben Simmons) and I have discovered two very healthy and grown baby Bald Eagles at Eagle Marsh! I have capture the photo of the year for Eagle Marsh and this is proof and the First spotting that there are baby Bald Eagles in the nest at Eagle Marsh!!!
A bald eagle was seen at the Headwaters of the Maumee around noon today. A first for downtown Fort Wayne in many, many years!
Posted by Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor on Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 post by the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor on Facebook:

A bald eagle was seen at the Headwaters of the Maumee around noon today. A first for downtown Fort Wayne in many, many years!
Today kicks off the Memorial Day weekend. If you are looking for a new place to get out, enjoy nature and find some...
Posted by Maumee Nature Club on Friday, May 27, 2016

Friday, May 27, 2016 post by the Maumee Nature Club on Facebook:

Today kicks off the Memorial Day weekend. If you are looking for a new place to get out, enjoy nature and find some interesting birds, check out one of the hotspots in this ebird link: http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspots

Zoom in on the map to find a location near you.
A Great Egret strolls by an adult and a juvenile Bald Eagle at Eagle Marsh Wednesday evening.
Posted by Brian Wood on Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 post on Facebook:

A Great Egret strolls by an adult and a juvenile Bald Eagle at Eagle Marsh Wednesday evening.
Thanks again to WFFT-TV for a great story last night on the bald eagle we are treating for lead poisoning. We hope it...
Posted by Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab on Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 post by Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab on Facebook:

Thanks again to WFFT-TV for a great story last night on the bald eagle we are treating for lead poisoning. We hope it will help raise awareness of the effects of lead on our wildlife. For those of you that missed the story last night or for our out of town friends, here is the link to the WFFT-TV story on the effects of lead and bald eagles: WFFT going-green-eagles-and-the-dangers-of-lead-poisoning

Lead Toxicity in Bald Eagles at the American Eagle Foundation.
EXCITING NEWS: Soarin’ Hawk to release eagle after two years of rehabilitation Fort Wayne – A young bald eagle...
Posted by Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab on Tuesday, November 6, 2018

November 6, 2018 post by Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab on Facebook:

EXCITING NEWS: Soarin’ Hawk to release eagle after two years of rehabilitation

Fort Wayne – A young bald eagle that was found two years ago in emaciated condition has been rehabilitated by the northeast Indiana non-profit group Soarin’ Hawk and will be released back into the wild on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at SalamonieReservoir

The public is invited to witness the release by Soarin’ Hawk volunteers at Salamonie Beach, 9214 Lost Bridge Road West, Andrews.

The eagle will be released at Salamonie Reservoir because several pairs of eagles are in residence there. After two years of recovery, the goal is for the young raptor to connect with other eagles.

In 2016, the then-six-month-old eagle was found at Madison Grant High School by Indiana Conservation Officer Cpl. Josh Kilgore and Soarin’ Hawk volunteer Lynnanne Dennison-Fager. The eagle had a broken leg, and mites had chewed the eagle’s feathers so severely it could not fly. Unable to hunt, it was weak and emaciated.

The injured raptor was brought to Soarin’ Hawk’s facilities in the Fort Wayne area to receive medical care. Fortunately, the broken leg had begun to heal, so surgery was not needed. The eagle was restored to health, but eagles do not molt and replace feathers every year, so the raptor had a long stay.

Finally in the spring of 2018, the feathers were good and the eagle was capable of flying. However, before a raptor can be released back into the wild, Soarin’ Hawk must make sure the bird has sufficient strength to fly and survive. To do this, Soarin’ Hawk volunteers use “creance” flying (controlled flying using a tether). There was concern that the eagle wasn’t gaining enough strength, so three months ago it was sent to the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, Ill., where it could fly inside a 100-foot-long flight house that is not yet available locally.

(Soarin’ Hawk is currently raising funds for a new center that will include a flight house.)

Soarin’ Hawk volunteers are driving to Illinois and bringing the eagle back to the area on Thursday, in advance of the release on Sunday.

About Soarin Hawk:
Soarin’ Hawk is a non-profit group established in 1996 to serve northeast Indiana’s injured or orphaned birds of prey. The organization rescues more than 250 resident or migratory raptors annually. After being rehabilitated by veterinary professionals and volunteers, the birds are released back into the wild. Soarin’ Hawk also cares for 16 education birds that cannot be released because of permanent injuries. These birds are used in more than 100 presentations annually by volunteer at schools and other venues to educate the public about birds of prey.
Samuel and I are in the boat in this video Hanna took from shore. There is a bald eagle in the tree watch and enjoy. This was priceless!!!
Posted by Curt Honerman on Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Wednesday, July 10, 2019video post on Facebook:

Samuel and I are in the boat in this video Hanna took from shore. There is a bald eagle in the tree watch and enjoy. This was priceless!!
*FUN FACT FRIDAY* The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I clues is the Bald Eagle!! Here are some more facts about...
Posted by Fox Island County Park on Friday, February 2, 2024

February 2, 2024 post by Fox Island County Park on Facebook:

*FUN FACT FRIDAY*

The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I clues is the Bald Eagle!!

Here are some more facts about this beautiful creature:

The adult male is about 90 cm (36 inches) long and has a wingspan of 2 meters (6.6 feet). Females, which grow somewhat larger than males, may reach 108 cm (43 inches) in length and have a wingspan of 2.5 meters (8 feet).

The bald eagle is the second largest flying bird found in North America, with only the California Condor having a larger wingspan.

It is the only eagle that is native to the United States.

Both sexes are dark brown, with a white head and tail. The bird is not actually bald; its name derives from the conspicuous appearance of its white-feathered head. The beak, eyes, and feet are yellow.

Nests are usually about 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide, but old nests can be almost twice this size. The two or three eggs laid within take slightly longer than a month to hatch. Both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young. The immature birds are brown with whitish tails and wing linings, but the pure white head and tail plumage do not appear until the birds are four to five years old.

Besides live fish and carrion, bald eagles also prey on other birds, small mammals, snakes, turtles, and crabs.

The U.S. government’s Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 made it illegal to kill bald eagles because they were overhunted. This, however, did not fully remedy the problem of their decline because the pesticide DDT was being used agriculturally.

How could DDT impact eagles? you might ask.

Visit https://www.britannica.com/animal/bald-eagle to learn more.

Kiff, Lloyd. "bald eagle". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Jan. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/animal/bald-eagle. Accessed 22 January 2024.

Photos taken by the very talented photographer John Grevers.
They’ve built the nest. She laid her eggs. Now, we wait. Viewers can follow along for all the bird drama with the...
Posted by U.S. Department of the Interior on Thursday, March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024 post by U.S. Department of the Interior on Facebook:

They’ve built the nest. She laid her eggs. Now, we wait.

Viewers can follow along for all the bird drama with the Bald Eagle Cam at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia and enjoy the tender moments around the nest. https://www.outdoorchannel.com/live/eaglecam/326707/0
Found an immature bald eagle hanging around the Eagle Marsh area on this Earth Day.
Posted by Mike Durbin on Monday, April 22, 2024

Monday, April 22, 2024 post by Mike Durbin is with Little River Wetlands Project on Facebook:

Found an immature bald eagle hanging around the Eagle Marsh area on this Earth Day.
We're offering 7️⃣ eagle-watching field trips this winter, including a slower-paced photography tour! Learn more about these field trips and sign up now at bit.ly/eagles2025. 🦅
Posted by Indiana Audubon on Saturday, December 21, 2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024 post by the Indiana Audubon on Facebook:

We're offering eagle-watching field trips this winter, including a slower-paced photography tour! Learn more about these field trips and sign up now at 2025 Winter Eagle Encounters.

This Facebook post triggered a search for other eagle attacks. There were at least five that mentioned bald eagle from 1897 to 1939 with a few overseas. Five are listed here.