Many environmental problems cross national boundaries, just as these species do, and international cooperation is required to resolve them. Almost half of all eagles that winter in the lower 48 States nest in Canada. New migration data for our 3 eagles has been added to the charts below. To respond to these Challenge Questions please follow the instructions at the end of this report. Perhaps they are scoping out the days whether fully to understand what kind of migration day it will be for them.
Eagles move great distances by catching thermals and soaring to great heights.
Thermals are areas of uplifting air created from sunshine or topography, such as winds hitting a mountain side. Eagles have been observed soaring and moving at altitudes of up to 2 miles, or over 10,000 feet. Average' flight speed during migration is around 30-40 miles per hour, although I am sure they hit greater speeds on occasion. By soaring, eagles can travel great distances with little effort. We have witnessed that if a good meal is available, or if poor whether sets in, a northward-moving eagle may stop for a day or more along its journey.