Dick Smith and I made a visit on 8 November to Kimsey Run Lake (just off
Route 259 near Lost River) Hardy County in West Virginia. We had been
inspired by reports of bald and golden eagles as described in a recent note
posted in the WV listserve from Larry Lynch on 4 November.
We arrived around noon and parked in the gravel area near the boat launch
ramp. Within a few moments we noticed several bald eagles west of the
reservoir along the most distant ridge line. There appears to be a poultry
house on that ridge. Initially, the aerial action was to the south of that
poultry house. The birds were at such a great distance that it was a
challenge to identify all of them with great certainty. However, we were
confident that we saw at least two mature bald eagles in that mix along that
distant ridge as they circled in the thermals. At one time we could see as
many as 8 large birds in our binocular's field of view. It was a pleasant
afternoon with temperatures in the 60s and for the most part the sky was
clear blue.
We were pleased that some bald eagles eventually appeared viewable by the
unaided eye above a rounded ridge just to our northwest, (If one is parked in
the gravel lot that rounded ridge is basically along the direction which the
boat ramp leads one as one walks out on the ramp.)
While at the reservoir we also saw redtail hawks, a great blue heron, a song
sparrow, crows, ravens, bluebirds and a ruddy duck. One particular raven
matched one bald eagle's flight turn for turn for at least a couple minutes.
Two other ducks swam into view but for this particular day their
identifications remain mysteries as they took advantage of shore cover and
afternoon shadows on the far side of the lake.
We left the reservoir around 2:15 pm after enjoying a couple hours of
watching eagles soar, dive and, on at least one occasion land in the trees on
the north side of the lake. We then drove a few miles north from Lost River
towards Baker, West VA. There are a couple wide pullouts along Route 259
where one can park in relatively safe locations (from the fast moving
traffic).
As soon as we parked along the road we spotted one immature bald eagle flying
south along the ridge to the east of Rt 259. No sooner had it flown down into
the trees than a mature bald eagle flew just above the car near the tops of
the trees adjacent to the road-less than 100 feet above the road. This eagle
began a 2:30 pm parade which was over in less than a minute. Four more
eagles, appearing in order of age, followed the same basic flight path as the
first bald eagle allowing us excellent looks at each of them. We identified
them as second year and first year bald eagles. It intrigued us as they flew
over in order of maturity with the youngest bringing up the rear. It was time
to head home--It was a good trip!
Tom Mizell
Rockingham Bird Club
Bridgewater, Virginia
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