Week of 02.10.25
Happy Monday, and congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles on their historic win in yesterday's Super Bowl!
One could say they are golden…
This week’s bird is the golden eagle, a nimble and striking raptor found throughout North America. These birds are mostly brown with a yellow beak, yellow talons, and dark eyes. Their wingspan averages between 6 and 7 feet! When diving for prey, the golden eagle can reach speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. They go after rodents and other small mammals, such as squirrels and hares, which unfortunately stand little change against a motivated 200 mile per hour predator with sharp talons.
Did you know? The golden eagle is the world’s most common national bird, representing 5 countries.
The golden eagle, like many birds of prey, mates for life. They will pick a singular partner and raise multiple clutches of eggs throughout the course of their time together, usually once per year. Pairs will show displays of affection for one another such as resting their head on the other’s wing, tapping beaks, and sitting close together. (Happy Valentine’s week!)
Golden eagles are often confused for juvenile bald eagles, which are similar in size and color. These birds can be differentiated by their feet. Golden eagles have feathers that go all the way to their feet, while bald eagles have yellow “socks” on that go a few inches past their feet.
If you’ve ever visited the popular chain Dutch Bros. Coffee and ordered a golden eagle, sadly they don’t hand a raptor out the window. Instead, you’ll get a coffee with caramel and vanilla syrup. While the origins of this drink name are not clear, one thing is - it's delicious!
Happy Super Bowl (or superb owl) and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Have a great week!
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Art by Anne Longman