Gilpin observer., 1909-01-21
AFTER H1xzR first FLIGHT

Hf1EP IHER FIRJT FLiCf7/
From January to September in 1907
lived about mile and half from
the eyrie of the golden eagles which
have nested on Mr.. J. II. Prices
sanch at Knowlton for seven years.
saw one or other of the splendid
birds almost daily. and it was inter
esting TO me to compare their habits
with those of the eagles nesting near
ny ranch in Dawson county. Unlike
rhe latter (Which occupied ledge of
rock. these Knowlton eagles have
selected a tall pine, about halfawy up
a steep hillside, the largest tree in
the grove. This hill forms one of
wild pine-clad range facing east. and
approached across open prairie from
that side. 1t is possible. however, to
ride up through timber and rocks be-
hind and look down into the nest
from the hilltop without alarming the
eagles. All that takes place is plain
ly visible through powerful binocu-
lars. The eagles have become so ac-
customed to the sight of large droves
or horses and attendant riders that
horseman. On this account many ac-
tions can be observed, such as the
capture of prey. its conveyance to the
nest and the feeding of the eaglets.
which the more shy badland birds
never allow me to witness. The eyrie,
which consists of an immense pile of
pine sticks, rests upon. and is built
around. number of green boughs,
while dead projecting branch near
the center forms a convenient perch
for the parent eagles. AS would
naturally be expected in the present
case. the vertical height of the nest
greatly exceeds the diameter. and its
width is much inferior to the nest
upon the rock previously described.
Nevertheless, as seen from below, it
conveys an impression of great
strength, which is not belied when it
is reached, for a six.foot man can sit
in IL with ease. On May IL the
whole external circumference of the
nest-rim was interviewer with an or
namental binding of green pine tops.
As early as February 25 the male
eagle was observed to tumble in the
air. l first witnessed this remarkable
evolution on March IA. 1904. but have
observed it several times since. To
the best of my knowledge no previous
writer has alluded to this habit of
golden eagles. although 1t is common
to both sexes in the breeding season
1t recalls at once the spring tumbing
of the male marsh-hawk. which is
even more extraordinary from the
fact that the hawk turns somersaults
In the air. On March IL. 1905, paid
special attention to this display on the
part of the male eagle. which hap
pened at the time to be sitting on a
pine at my Dawson county ranch.
Soaring skyward. he suddenly closed
his wings and dropped headforemost
like spent rocket, until the increas-
ing impetus was checked by spreading
them. After his first tumble the eagle
shot upwards and repeated II, when
he returned to the tree before resum.
Ing his aerial performance. The bird
employs somewhat similar ma
neuver, but poised at n lower eleya.
tion. for capturing prairie dogs. to
which / shall again refer. At the
aforementioned date february 25)
the Knowlton eagles were observed
to be patching up their nest. and
while this seemed to give promise of
very early brood. the downy young
eventually appeared about the same
time as the badland eaglets. On
April the female was sitting on two
eggs, and on May 2 the young were
Matched out.
! An eagle intent on capturing n prai.
rle dog floats leisurely above the
town" at a medium height on mo-
tionless wings. Preliminary inspec-
,tion Of the hunting ground is
accomplished in wide circles or long
sweeps, perhaps two or three miles
each way. SO as not unduly to alarm
the game, Passing over at long
intervals, tho bird scans the dog.town
and Judges Of the prospect for O sue.
cessful stoop. The prairie dogs are,
Of course. Immediately on the alert,