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Show Eagles migrate to Utah canyons Each December, bald ?agles migrate to Utah in :he hundreds for a winter's stay. America's national bird is not seen in the state during most jf . the year, but from December to March this endangered species takes up residence in sprawling, leafless trees of Utah'a lower canyons or near major water sources. Bald eagle watching may make an excellent family outing during the Christmas holidays. Utah State Division of Wildlife Resources Nongame Biologist Phil Wagner says an adult bald eagle is distinctive looking with its snow white head and tail contrasting with a dark body. A juvenile bald eagle up to three or four years of age has darker plumage on its head and tail. In flight, a juvenile bald eagle has a mottled appearance under its wings and body. Areas of the state where bald eagles have been commonly sighted are Rich County, Weber County west of Ogden, Tooele County, Morgan and Summit counties, canyons along the Manti Mountains, the Colorado and Green rivers, and canyons near Cedar City and Parowan and south of Richfield. Many other less accessible areas of the state may also contain good wintering populations of bald eagles. On arriving in Utah, bald eagles may first cluster around marshes to feed on waterfoul. After the water freezes, the eagles may move to more arid areas to seek out jackrabbits. In February and March, dead carp killed by pond drawdowns on waterfoul management areas may fatten the eagles before their trek northward again. On January 9, Wagner will direct Utah's fourth annual bald eagle count in conjunction with a bald eagle count in the United States and Canada sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. |