American Blad Eagle Sighted On Bank of Huron River

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, February 14, 1929.

Prof. T. L Hankinson, Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University), Ornitholgist who this noon investigated reports that an American bald eagle had been sighted in the trees on the river bank near US Pressed Steel plant, states the it probably was the national bird although he was unable to find it.

Description of the bird given him combined with the fact it perched for fully two hours at the top of a high tree looking for fish in the river, indicated that the bird was of the almost extinct species. It was said to have over a seven foot spread of wing and a snow white spot on his head.

Prof. Hankinson points out that the bird might also have been one of two rough legged hawks which be found in the district. These birds are nearly as large as the eagle, standing as high as three feet. They are brown in color and have a band of white in the tail.

The natural habitat of these birds is in the Arctic regions, according to Prof. Hankinson but during a sever winter it is nto unusual for them to come as far south as this in search of food.

The point at which the large bird was first noted is well suplied with food attractive to this type of bird as well as to the eagle. There are fish, ducks, king fishers and probably carp.

The bald eagle is about four feet high, and is a jet black in color wtih the exception of the white mark on his head. If the bird is young this mark may not be in evidence, Prof. Hankinson states.

There is a severe fine for shooting am Amreican eagle due to the fact that it is becoming extremely rare.