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Michigan

What a wonderful way to begin the day!

I had just completed teaching my Eng. 101 class at Lakeview High School at approximately 9:20 this morning (19 March 2008) and was on my way to Howard City for my next class. Usually I turn right as I leave the school parking lot, but for some reason I decided to go left at the last moment. About a 1/4 mile down the road, as I approached Bright Start Elementary, I spotted a large bird slowly circling above the school. It seemed too big for most of the hawks and peregrins that are abundant in the area, so I slowed down and tried to get a better look. I could then see the white head and tail and thought, "No, it couldn't be." Just then it circled lower and landed on a large snowpile in front of the school, directly ahead of me and about ten feet off of the side of the road. Unmistakably, it was an American Bald Eagle.

I had never expected to see one as close as this. I started to pull off the side of the road to stop, but as I did, it took to the air again and flew off and I soon lost it.

I had spotted one several years ago, flying lazy circles high above my home in Greenville, MI. That time I was standing in my backyard, not driving, and I could stand and watch it for several minutes. Although it was far above me, the white head and tail were unmistakable. I remember thinking at the time, "This is a once in a lifetime sighting. I'll never see an American Eagle this close again." Well, now I can make it twice in a lifetime.
Larry Moss
Greenville, MI
March 13, 2008 --As my husband and I drove down 60th St. in Alto, MI today, I spotted a huge bird with a white head and large hooked beak standing just a few feet from the road at the edge of a farmer's field. We didn't know that there were any bald eagles in this area, so when I exclaimed to my husband that I was sure I had just seen one, he didn't really believe me. But he was willing to turn the car around and take another look. Sure enough, just as we came back to where it was standing, the eagle suddenly took flight. It's wing span was probably 5 ft across and we saw the flaired white tail as it flew across the field and landed high in a tree. Very cool! We're definitely going to be keeping our eyes open for more sightings in the future.
Gretchen Worcester
St. Clair Shores, Michigan. March 11, 2008. At about 6:00 PM, driving along Jefferson Avenue between Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores, we spotted an eagle flying above the tress along the road. It was very large, and distinct in it's markings of black body and broad white head, with a very wide wing-span. I have never seen an eagle in flight, but there was no mistaking it.
Peggy Simon, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
I saw a bald eagle Saturday 3/8/08 at about 11:30 am sitting on the ice near open water on Dawsons Mill Pond on Sylvan Lake Canal part of the Clinton River in Pontiac, Michigan. The bird sat for approximately 1/2 hour before flying part way down the canal and then back to land in an oak tree in my backyard, it stayed for another 1/2 hour. What a beautiful bird!
Shaun Miller
On March 7, 2008 my husband and I were driving down Blackmer road near Carson City (Montcalm County) when my husband seen a huge brown bird fly a cross the road in front of us. we stopped and looked and seen 3 eagles setting in a tree. two adults and one juvenile. we ran home grabbed our camera's and took some great pictures. according to the DNR website the adults abandon the juvenile in the fall so I was surprised to find the 2 adults with the young bird. Seeing something so rare and magnificent will be something that i never forget.
Becky Davenport
We saw a pair of Bald Eagles flying and twisting across the St. Joe River in Mendon, MI on 3/6/08. Last year we had sitings of one Eagle but never saw a pair, it's very exciting!
RICHARD RAMSDELL
After leaving my office in Berkley MI at 5:45 pm, March 5, 2008, winding my through a a subdivsion, I saw, out of the corner of my eye, what I thought was a low flying plane. It actually startled me. It wasn't a plane after all. It was a majestic bird hovering above. I followed it in my car for a block. The eagle landed in a pine tree. It was HUGE. A moment later, it took off from the pine tree, glided another block or two and perched itself in a bare Oak. I just sat and marveled at the size and the fact the eagle was in Berkley.
Michael Haselhuhn, Plymouth
Michigan--Lower Peninsula
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Saw a single bald eagle flying over Highway 115 between Cadillac and Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville) in the northwestern lower peninsula. It was a lovely day for skiing, but it is this bald eagle flying low so I could see it clearly out of the front passenger window --white head and white tail-- that will stay with me. This sighting, and the many others on this website-- prove that environmental efforts do pay off in the long run. We must keep up our efforts for all species--not just the great symbols like this one.
Kay Losey
I live in Portland Michigan about 2 miles from both the Grand River and Looking Glass River. On February 25, 2008, we had a young Bald Eagle perched in our large tree at the end of the driveway! He was there about 15 minutes before flying south towards the river.
Shelly Pung, Portland, MI
Saw a Bald Eagle todayat about 3:30pm feasting on a deer just south of Kingsley, MI. When I turned around to take another look, the Bald Eagle had flown to a nearby tree and another extremely large looking eagle had taken its place. This eagle looked similar to the Bald Eagle but was solid brown from head to tail. After viewing him for a few mounts I headed home only to see another Blad Eagle about 200 yeards away!
Janice Roberts
On Sunday, February 3rd I was fortunate enought to see my first Bald Eagle. We were driving Interstate 75 north near exit 244 in Northern Michigan when my husband & I spotted him in the trees at the side of the highway. He was turning his head looking around, occassionally crouching down. I snapped 20 photos of him - 2 of which I posted on my bird blog: www.birdinginmichigan.blogspot.com. After about 5 minutes - he flew from his tree across the highway - what a massive wing span. We also noticed his legs were banded. This was the single best photographing opportunity I have ever had in my life. I don't think there is a more magnificent bird!
Shelley Martinez
Saw a Bald Eagle this morning (8:00am, Feb. 3, 2008) perched high in a tall tree by the side of the road. Dell Rd., south of Textile Rd. in Saline, Michigan (Washtenaw County). My son and I watched him from our car, then he (she?) took off and flew south. Very, very cool!
Richard Amori
While on my way to work on Sunday, Feb 3, 2008 at 8:15 AM, I saw a pair of bald eagles. They were flying over the Grand River in Lowell Michigan, approximately at the intersection of Jackson and Grand River. They were heading east up the river. They both appeared to be full grown with their white heads standing proud. Quite a few years ago we had two eagles and a nest in this same area. I'm not sure if these are the same ones, but it sure is good to see eagles flying again.
Jay May
I have a home on the water's edge in Suttons Bay Michigan. I have seen bald eagles previously in this area but today's sighting was a little different. I just returned from the store when I saw two birds on the ice at the edge of open water about three hundred feet from my house. One was definitely a bald eagle. The second was the same size but did not have the markings of the bald eagle. It was more brownish in color with some white under the back side. The birds were about twenty feet apart and just staring at each other. About that time a pair of large swans were swimming toward them. The bald eagle got spooked and took off but quickly returned. The birds starred at each other again but the bald eagle took off after ten minutes. Twenty minutes the other bird took off. I looked in an Audubon book and it looked like a golden eagle. Unfortunately my digital camera was not charged and I could not get a picture.
Bill Drozdalski
January 27, 2007 Sunday 3pm
I was outdoors shoveling snow and talking with my neighbor who happens to work for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Just as my husband pulled in the driveway from a winter camping trip with the kids, a massive Bald Eagle flew over us. WOW!!! It was flying inland from Lake St. Claire in Grosse Pointe, MI.
Monique Lachance
Jan 25, 2008, roughly 8:30 AM
I was driving to work today and couldn't believe what I saw flying right above my car. A Bald Eagle!! Right here in Michigan of all places. I was traveling West on I-94 just past the I-275 junction (I think this Romulus). The magnificent bird was flying in a South East direction and was low enough to be clearly identified. Absolutely beautiful.
Wayne Carpenter
Recently, my fiancee and I were driving to pick up the children from school. Tuesday (01-22-08) as we were driving down Tyler Rd heading West into Ithaca, MI I asked her to slow down thinking that I'd seen something move in the field. I had to do a doubletake when this wonderous bird was in the vast open field. I have never seen anything like it. We tried to convince ourselves that it was anything but an eagle because we thought no one would believe us. Everyone we decided to tell did some research and we finally concluded it MUST have been. I still can't believe it! One of the most gorgeous creatures I've ever seen.
Kenton Johnson
Breckenridge, MI
I live in Oscoda and drive the stretch from Oscoda to Alpena to work nearly every day. I see lots of bald eagles, but never get over the thrill. Yesterday I was in Saginaw, Mi and saw a bald eagle soaring over I-75 by the Flying J/Wendys (Reese/Caro exit). Totally unexpected! My favorite eagle sighting occurred last year. I was driving from Alpena to Cheboygan on US 23. It was winter, but Lake Huron was not totally frozen. There was a boulder about 10 - 20 feet off shore, flanked by two swans (V shape) and a bald eagle sitting on the boulder. What a picture that would have been if I had my camera!
Sandy Reist
Saw a bald eagle this afternoon 1/15/2008 near the Middlegrounds on the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan. The eagle was sitting on a branch looking down into the river. Fabulous to see!!
Amy Gard
Jan 12 & 13, 2008, my husband & I took a trip from our home in Sterling Heights, MI to visit his son in Cincinnati, OH. All along I-75 we were spotting hawks, as we like to do while driving. We must have seen at least 25 during the trip. On our return trip, over a large river, comming into Toledo, OH, out of the corner of my eye I saw a huge wing span comming toward us from the east side of the bridge, to my right about 30 feet away. There was no mistaking, it was a beautiful Bald Eagle! I was able to quickly turn the other way to see out the back window of our car and catch sight of him just before he went over the other side of the bridge. Amazing! As an avid bird watcher, I can tell you that seeing a new or rare bird gives you such enjoyment that's hard to explain. Seeing a Bald Eagle is my ultimate, no matter how many times I've seen one.
Eve Platz, S.H., MI
A Bald Eagle was sighted flying low over water. The sighting took place on 1-07-08 at 9:15 am est.
Location is Lon.-83.22858 and Lat. 42.79268
Lake Orion Mi.
Calvin Barr
Saturday, January 5th, 2008.
My husband saw a bald eagle land in a lone standing tree in the middle of a field behind our house. He called me to look at it and even took some pictures from our back door. It was too far away to get good pictures (standard point-and-click digital camera), but you can definitely make out the white head. How amazing!
Location: Carleton, Michigan.
Chrissy Ortega
My family and I sighted a bald eagle flying about 40 feet off the ground as we were driving down our driveway. We live in Cement City, Michigan. Completely AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanne Bahlau
Michigan, Dec. 23, 2007
In Lansing, Michigan, Delta Township, we were sitting at the kitchen table eating lunch, looking over the backyard and suddenly a big bird flew into a tree about 15 yards away. We were all surprised that what we were looking at was a Bald Eagle! It looked exactly like the Bald Eagles we had seen in the Upper Peninsula at White Fish Point this past Spring (bird watching). What a wonderful Christmas present!
Frank and Regina Krupiarz
Patty Krupiarz and Evertjan Masurel
Saw my first bald eagle around the beginning of December, 2007 over Lake Harbor Road near Lake Harbor Park/Mona Lake in Norton Shores, MI (Muskegon County, less than a mile from Lake Michigan, which has a channel to Mona Lake). Just hovering on the thermals above the road, probably looking for prey. Incredible!
David Nye
Dec. 4th, 2007- Walled lake, MI. 9:30am.
Observed Bald Eagle for second time in 3 days. Sunday (12/2) observed for about an hour eating on the ice. Today observed much closer as it was flying east to west about 200 feet from house and only about 100 feet up. Definitely a Bald eagle.
Steve Loe- Walled Lake
12/1/2007 5:30pm Portage Michigan
Near twilight my wife and I saw a large bird swooping over a local lake in Portage, Michigan in Kalamazoo County. At first I thought it might be a great blue heron due to the large wingspan. As the bird approached, I could hardly believe my eyes. It had a dark body, with a lighter head and tail, too large for a red tailed hawk. It landed in an oak tree about 30 feet off the ground, only about 100-150 feet away. Immediately I could see the head was white, with a white tail, and thought, could this be a bald eagle? Fortunately, we had binoculars handy. There was no mistaking it: it was indeed a bald eagle. It sat perched on the same branch, looking at the lake, where it roosted the entire evening. It occasionally craned its neck, looking around. In the binoculars I could see it fluff the feathers on its head. It must have been a wet cold roost since there was a layer of ice on the ground as day broke, but I could see that it was still there in the morning. I saw it around 7am, but it must have flown off between then and 7:45am. My wife speculated that it may have been disturbed by sounds of gunfire (bird hunters) she could hear in the distance around sunrise, but we didn't witness it leaving, so it's hard to say. (Last winter I'm now much more certain that it was also a bald eagle that I saw in Portage. This bald eagle was sitting near the fringes of a large group of 100 or so geese and ducks that were themselves congregated around an acre-sized opening in the ice on a local lake. In general, it looks like the bald eagle may be coming back in southwestern Michigan -- a wonderful thought.)
Paul Selden
12/1/07 3pm- My son spotted a large bird flying in over lake. He immediately ID'ed it as bald eagle because of wing span. I observed it and said Heron (although it looked more eagle). Sure enough it dove in on a raft of ducks in open water. Walled Lake is 80% ice today (overnight). When we saw this we scrambled for binoculars. By the time we got them out the eagle was on the ice and eating his dinner. He's been there for about an hour now. When he finished eating he just started "puddle jumping" around on the ice. Probably flying 100 yards and then sitting down again. It is definitely a bald eagle. Huge wing span- white head white tail. This took place at a long distance. Even with both Nicon and Lica binoculars we were unable to view head with any distinction other than white. I've had one eye on him as I type but he must have left when I was looking away. He's gone now. I'd say it was here for about an hour.
Steve Loe - Walled Lake MI
I live in Jackson County on Gilletts Lake(just east of the city of jackson). We have a male and female that have been at the lake all summer. They take turns setting on a branch watching over the lake. It's 11/02/2007 and the lake is freezing over. Today they both flew together and landed on the ice where the reeds are high. They have been chasing other birds and they strike at the waters surface for fish.
Jim Chifane
I witnessed an event today that I thought would be worth sharing for those of you that have small pets/animals. I reside in Tuscola County, MI located North of M-46 on M-24. I was looking out my dining room window watching my 6 ducks walking about in the back yard by the shed, I normally keep them fenced in and only let them out to eat grass, bugs and etc. for about an hour or so each day. To my surprise I witnessed a bald eagle fly in extremely fast and swoop down to attack/get one, immediately the ducks had seen the bald eagle and flew to their pen, all which were trying their best to fit through the door at once. There was a large amount of feathers flying everywhere, the ducks were making a loud quakes/screams to try to defend themselves and the bald eagle was making a very loud almost like a screech sound, the bald eagle had his feet extended and just hovered there for a few seconds and then flew off. I instantly went out to check the conditions of my ducks and 5 of them seem to be okay but the sixth one seemed to be petrified or injured, upon closer observation he appears to be okay, however, he still is acting very odd. I am not sure if it was the extreme excitement or if he is truly injured. I will have to monitor him closer through the evening. Needless to say this bald eagle left without any lunch!!!! I had never really witnessed anything of this nature before nor have I ever thought about a bald eagle trying to eat my ducks. After this event today, I did some research and was amazed that a bald eagle would/could eat a duck, rodent, snake and etc. This truly was a spectacular site viewing this bald eagle but I wish it would have just been a site and not an attack on my animals. Furthermore, my ducks, small dogs and Koi and fish in the ponds will be under more tightened & secured conditions for protection. Let this be a lesson as it was for me if you have small animals in the area you may want to take extra precautions to protect them.
Wayne Daniels
My family has a cottage in Otsego County near Gaylord. In June 2006, we were driving east on Mancelona Road about 5 miles west of Hayes Tower Road. My 16 year old daughter was practicing for her driving test, and I was in the passenger seat. I noticed a bird (thinking it was a grackle or large crow) eating something in the road, and told her to slow down until it took flight. As she slowed to a stop, it just kept on eating, oblivious to our approach. When we got about 20 feet away, it raised its beautiful white head and looked right at us. My parents and younger daughter were in back seat. I was pointing to the eagle, but the words would not come out of my mouth (truly a first for me!). The magnificient creature spread its wings (huge wingspan) and silently flew to perch in a nearby tree. With its back to us, it turned its head to the side and looked just like all of the artists’ renderings commonly associated with these beautiful birds. It was, without a doubt, the most memorable wildlife experience we have ever had. I am so grateful these birds are returning. They are amazing.
Sandra Holloway
Grand Haven Township
Michigan
My husband went outside and saw two bald eagles hovering over our yard on Friday, October 26, 2007. He immediately brought in our two little dachshunds! We haven't seen them since.
Lucky dogs!
Carolyn Gundrum
October 23, 2007, at 5:30 pm. Just saw my first ever Bald Eagle. Driving east on M-46 in Tuscola County, just west of Chambers Road. He was flying over the highway. I saw his white tail and thought he was just a very large hawk. He then turned and I clearly saw his snow-white head. I have never seen one before, and didn't realize that the first one I would ever see would be just 7 miles from my house! What a cool feeling.......
Darcy Layman
What a delight of a sighting on October 16, 2007 in Atlas Township in Genesee County, MI just 2 miles east of M-15. Across the road in a marshy area stooped atop a lone dead tree was the most beautiful bald eagle. We observed for several minutes and then watched as it flew into an area of dead brush in a nearby cornfield. The wingspan was grand and the head was white as snow.
Chris Hatton
I saw my 1st bald eagle eating a fish on a river bank in Jackson Mississippi in 1998 - and it was huge and awesome! I never had seen in the wild since until October 5th, 2007. My family and I were visiting Cheboygan, MI and we saw one flying from our car -- we stopped in the middle of the road to get out and take a look -- we were all amazed and excited -- then talked about how rare they were to see and told everyone at the get together we were attending.
About five hours later we were heading home on I-75 - (fifty miles south of Cheboygan) and to our amazement we saw another one!!! flying over the tree line next to the interstate -- we couldn't believe our eyes!... What a day!!!
Dean Nessen
Sept. 23 mid day, just south of Battle Creek, MI. Awesome sight on a cloudless day.
Robert Brenner
Mar. 28, 2006
I live in a subdivision next to a major mall north of Detroit, Lakeside mall. Driving into my sub I noticed a large bird being attacked by two sea gulls. I slammed on my brakes got out of my car and sure enough it was a Bald Eagle. It was extremely exciting to see this wonderful to see this great bird in a major metropolitan area!
Glenn Blair
On Sunday, March 4, I saw a huge black-colored bird standing on the ice in the Kalamazoo River "Millpond" in Marshall. It was eating something and several crows were out there as well. The bird was so huge, that the crows were dwarfed and looked tiny in comparison. The crows kept dive bombing the big bird, but is just seemed oblivious to what they were doing; every now and then the crows would try to steal a piece of whatever it was eating. The Millpond is frozen down the center, with open water on both sides, next to the river banks. I assumed that the bird was eating either a fish or a muskrat. I thought at first that it was a turkey buzzard, although it was much larger than a buzzard (not to mention that I've never seen buzzards in Michigan this early in the year nor have I ever seen them on the ice or even near the river). Then it dawned on me that it looked like an eagle, except it didn't have a white head. When I looked up pictures of immature bald eagles, I realized that it was exactly what I saw -- a juvenile bald eagle! How cool is that?
Debbie Reynolds
From Lowell, MI 49331
We have about 2 to 4 Eagles on the Flat River north of town, and south of town where the Flat River meets the Grand River, we have also spoted as many as 6 to 8 Eagles in Ada, MI where the Thornapple River meets the Grand River. On February 28, 2007 we saw 2 Eagles one immature with no white and one with white. Looking forward to seeing them in the years to come.
Nick Wilson
We own a cottage on the Cisco Chain of Lakes in Watersmeet Michigan. Which is located in the upper peninsula. Much to our delight, we have observed eagles nesting in tree tops. Or swooping down to the lakes surface to grab a fish. Once, we even observed a young eagle attempting to get a duck that was swimming around. Of course the duck would always dive below the surface. The eagle made about 4 or 5 attempts then finally gave up. What a sight to see. But we never immagined the sight we would see on Feb. 18, 2007 at 2:06 pm. We we leaving our home located in Wacousta MI, on the Looking Glass river. (approximately 8 miles north west of Lansing MI. As we headed down our long drive, suddenly, out of the tall pines flew a Bald Eagle. We we just amazed. We have never seen a Bald Eagle in the lower peninsula. We stopped the car and just watched with delight as the eagle circled above us. All the while we were wondering who we could tell that would beleave us. What a treat!
Gale and Dianne Twitchell
What a Valentine's Day Surprise in Vicksburg Michigan!! It's 2/14/07 4:15pm. I look out the kitchen window and see a large shadow flying over the bright snow. Thinking it's a hawk, I look up in the sky to see it. It lands on a branch near the marsh water (Elmer's Drain). Low and behold it's a Bald Eagle!! I didn't even know Bald Eagles exist in Michigan!! I hope it will stay around!
Grace Brown
WE have a large group of Bald Eagles that are on Lake Macatawa by Dunton Park in Holland, MI. They are fishing in an open water area near the powereplant. This morning I counted 12 at one time. There are alos Grebe's and other duck species in this area. I have seen about half mature and half younger eagles. It is an amazing site to watch them as they soar, hunt and just sit on the ice and in the trees.
Rose M. Walton
2/11/07, 9:00 am
This morning my husband and I were standing on the top of the dune at Tunnel Park (Holland, MI) looking at the frozen ice on Lake Michigan. The wind was blowing very briskly and suddenly we saw a huge bird drift across in front of us. At first we thought it was a buzzard but knew it couldn’t be – then we saw his beautiful white head and knew it was a bald eagle. He was so majestic as he drifted along with the wind flying north along the shoreline as far as we could see. He never once flapped his wings. Unfortunately we were unable to grab our camera in time to get a picture.
Mary Jo Kiefer
First sighting of the year! Today, 2/10/07 at 2:15 p.m. I glanced out my living room slider overlooking the St. Joseph River south of Three Rivers, MI and spotted a Bald Eagle standing on the ice looking over the edge to the open water. It was an awesome sight. Last winter, we had a pair with a eaglet visiting atleast once per week for about a month. Hopefully, all three will be back soon!
P. Blasius
Monday February 4, 2007 approx. 4:45 p.m., I sighted a Bald Eagle Flying above the St. Clair River in Algonac MI. I was watching the frozen river from my living room window when an Eagle cirlced above one of the only open spots of water on that area of the river. It came down to river level, but my view was blocked by a dock. It immideately took flight again. It was magnificent in it's wing span, dark brown with white head and tail. We often have water fowl; ducks, geese, gulls and swans, in front of our place throughout the winter, we have a healthy fishing spot that attracts them.
Kathy-Ellen Kups
I own 9 acres in Newaygo County, Beaver Township, Michigan. I sighted four bald eagles on Saturday, January 27th, 2007. Two of them landed in the trees. When I returned on Monday, January 29th I spotted one of them still perched in the tree. This is the first time that I have seen a bald eagle in the wild. Beautiful, large creatures.
MELINDA MIOTKE
We live in Mikado, Michigan, which is about 12 miles north of Oscoda and 30 miles south of Alpena. On January 16, 2007, my husband and I saw two adult bald eagles from our patio door. They flew lazily in large circles, slowly moving north to northwest. At one point, they passed directly over our house, which was a thrill. We occasionally see one sitting in a lone tree in the middle of a field across the street from a junk yard that's a few miles north of Mikado.
On January 27, 2007, we saw what appeared to be a juvenile bald eagle in Mikado sitting on a telephone pole at the end of my in-laws' driveway. It had a white head and tail, but it also had a lot of white patches on the underside of its wings. When it saw me stop my car, it turned toward me and observed me as much as I was observing it. It took off when I opened my car door and stood up outside the car, but it came back and landed in the same place. We looked at each other for several minutes before I had to leave. This could be the same bird that we have seen perched recently on the round hay bales in the field behind the house.
One common place to see bald eagles in this area is on US-23 just south of Alpena. On an open stretch right on a big curve, you can see Lake Huron to the east and a few large pine trees between the other trees that line the road to the west. The trees are less than 100 yards from the road. We have seen as many as three eagles at a time in the pine trees, sometimes perched directly on top of the tree and sometimes a bit lower.
Until a year ago, I had never seen a bald eagle. I've seen them a few dozen times now, but the excitement hasn't worn off. As long as they don't make off with any of my chickens, I'll always love watching them!
Greg and Donna Jones
On Dec. 22, 2006, I saw a beautiful pair of Bald Eagles fly over I94 heading into the forests about halfway between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Mi. It was an awesome sight and I could hardly believe what I saw. I wish I would've been able to photogragh it. This was wonderful.
Essy Goss, Paw Paw, Michigan
I work at Harold Zeigler Ford in Lowell, Michigan. Across the street from me is the Grand River. Almost everyday this year (2007) I’ve seen at least one bald eagle flying over the river. Usually they are in pairs. They are such a magnificent bird.
Kit Thompson
Michigan - My wife and I saw a Bald sitting in a tree on the Carrington Golf Course in Monroe, mid-morning on January 17, 2007. It perched there for quite awhile and then swooped down and flew off down the fairway. My wife took several excellent pictures of the eagle, both perched and flying. Awesome.
Tod & Kelly Towne
9:03 am in Walled Lake Michigan at Pontiac Trail and East Lake Drive (Near the actual lake Walled Lake) one flew at tree line to a small forest just near the lake. Dated: 01/08/07. Beautiful. Wing Span was huge, head white as snow. Stunning.
Jen & Erik Wood
Belleville, MI
On January 3, 2007 at approximately 1:00pm I saw a Bald Eagle flying low over the Belleville Lake Bridge on Belleville Road coming south into town. I couldn’t believe my eyes!! It was a huge bird with a bright white head and tail. I have heard of other sightings but really didn’t believe them. I have worked in Belleville for 21 years and have never seen one in the wild.
Dave Daniels
On December 29, 2006 at approximately 1:30 pm, I was traveling on northbound 1-75 just south of West Branch, MI when I saw what I at first thought was a fake bald eagle sitting atop what looked like a tree stump on the edge of the wooded median. As I passed it and continued to look in disbelief, the eagle leaned over to pick something up off the ground. In 49 years I had never seen a bald eagle in Michigan.
PF Hickey 
12/9/06, Saturday, 10:10AM Two bald eagles are sitting at the top of an old cottonwood just north of Weld Country Rd 2, a little east of Holly - several miles west of Brighton, near Reservoir #2. They are huge, beautiful birds!
Jim and Gail Lindsey
I was leaving work about 3:40 pm from the north-west side Grand Rapids, MI, on Thursday, December 8, 2006, when I noticed this rather large bird flying ahead of me traveling in the same direction. At first I thought it was a Heron, but its flight movements soon had me thinking maybe a hawk. I had traveled less than a mile when the bird again caught my attention. This time I saw it off to my left through the leafless trees, maybe up about one hundred fifty feet. I stopped in front of the Faith United Methodist Church in the 2600 block of 7th St. (GPS – Latitude 42.978, Longitude -85.731). Much to my surprise and delight, it was a Bald Eagle. The eagle circled the area above the church twice and then headed off on a west south-west track. I was very surprised to see a Bald Eagle in the middle of a cities residential area.
David Irwin, Jr.
In late November 2006 (don't recall the date,) in the morning, I saw what I am almost certain was a bald eagle in Hines Park in Plymouth, Michigan (at Hines Drive and Wilcox.) The only doubt I have that it was a B.E. was that I've never heard of them living in/around such highly populated areas. The bird was definitely brown with a white head and a wingspan that seemed at a glance to be about as wide as my van's dashboard. He/she was in flight over a pond in the park with 3 or 4 smaller white birds (gulls, perhaps) following fairly closely behind it. Amazing sight. I hope to see it again.
Sean Zayas, Plymouth, MI
This morning my son called me very excitedly to say that a large Bald Eagle was eating from a deer carcass that we had thrown out in an open field the night before. We live in a rural area south of Eaton Rapids. We have seen Bald Eagles near Cadillac and North of St. Johns but never this far South.
Allen Broskey, Eaton Rapids, MI
On my way down Seymour Road headed towards Flushing, Michigan. A bald eagle swooped down infront of me and picked up a squirrel crossing the road. It was my first sighting ever. 1 month later I can still recall those white tail feathers and wing span of 4-5 feet. Courtesy of Jenny Dennings
On July 8 at about 4:20pm, my family was traveling north on I-75 around the Northline Rd exit in Taylor, Michigan going approximately 65mph. I looked out my window and saw a very large bird in the sky traveling at the same rate of speed as our truck. At first, I thought it was a hawk but was struck by its very large size. Then I noticed it's completely white head and realized I was seeing a bald eagle. By the time I got my family's attention the bird had circled around and was disappearing from sight. All I can say is wow! I've never seen one in flight and they are very impressive birds. Courtesy of Steve Schmoock
Yesterday, 6-25-2006, I saw a bald-eagle flying along the 7th fairway of Boulder Creek Golf Course in Belmont Michigan. It's the second time I've seen a bald-eagle here in Michigan and each time I've lost my breath watching such a beautiful and rare bird in flight. Courtesy of Jeff Taylor-Belmont
On my way to work 3-28-06 I spotted a bald eagle that came down and pick up a rabbit on Rauch Rd. in Petersburg MI. between US 23 and Summerfeild Rd. It looked like it had a wing span of about 4 foot. Courtesy of Jake Ogle
I spotted my first Bald Eagle in Belleville, Michigan on Saturday, March 18th, 2006! I have been searching the skies for this wonderful bird for at least 15 years and my dream finally came true. The eagle was flying in circles over Belleville High School, not too far from the Rawsonville Rd. exit off of I-94. The sighting occurred at approx. 6pm. It then flew south over some trees, out of sight. Courtesy of Jackie Beuckelaere, Ann Arbor, MI
We saw our first Bald Eagle in the wild this afternoon 3-27-06 3:15pm in Kalamazoo County at the corner of "U" Avenue and 18th. It was an full sized adult with full white head and tail fan. We saw the bird eating a rabbit about 25 yards out in a corn stalk field on the south side of "U" Ave. Courtesy of Phillip and Margaret Long
I spotted a Bald Eagle in flight on Sunday, March 19th, apx 5:30 PM in Chesterfield, Michigan. It was flying Southwest; away from the lake towards a large cluster of trees which appeared to be apx 1-3 miles from my location. Courtesy of Pam Stacheit
I saw a bald eagle for the first time yesterday, the 17th in the late afternoon, right outside of Ann Arbor, MI. I had my camera along and took a few photos. Courtesy of Matt Cook
Sunday and Monday the 12th and 13th of March, 2006, my husband and I were amazed to see a bald eagle visiting the empty lot across from our cottage at Sand Lake in National City, MI. (around 12 miles west of East Tawas) He came around 1:00 each afternoon and stayed for about 20 minutes. What a magnificent sight as he took to the air!! Courtesy of Barbara and Joseph Lusk
While cross country skiing yesterday (03/04/06) I spotted a bald eagle soaring along a ridge between the open field I was skiing on and the forest, maybe 500 yards from our home. We're 3 miles east of Lake Michigan and a couple of miles south of Wilderness State Park. I just stopped and watched for several minutes until it soared away over the trees. On a sunny day like yesterday we can see the Mackinaw Bridge from that ridge. Last summer I saw a (different?) bald eagle perched on a tree about 300 yards from our house. Courtesy of Robert Bemben
My wife and I saw a Bald Eagle today (2/25/06) from a park in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. It was over the Lake St. Clair, northeast of the Detroit River. Courtesy of B. Prieur
We viewed three bald eagles on the ice bergs, seven miles south of Grand Haven, Michigan today, February 21, 2006. Too far out to get a meaningful picture. Courtesy of Mike Sebastian
I have been seeing eagles at my family farm near Carson City Michigan for the last few years. About two weeks ago I had the good luck to see two eagles eating a dead deer close to the road. What a sight that was. I sat and watched almost every night for a week. I was lucky to hear their song too. They are such beautiful birds and have a special meaning for our family. We are seeing more eagles every year. Courtesy of Karen Peiffer
February 18, 2006 3:30pm
My wife and I watched a bald eagle soaring above for close to 5 minutes in Brownstown, MI. I-75 and King Rd.
Beautiful bird... Courtesy of Jeff Musial
My family and I spotted an immature Bald Eagle in Caledonia Michigan on Breton Rd. between 76th and 84th, Saturday February 4th. He was about 50 yards off the side of the road, dining on a coon. We drove by the first time, and came back with binoculars and a digital camera. We got a good look at him (her?) with the binocs, but never got close enough for a decent picture. I hid in some pines across the road from the dead coon, and could see the eagle sitting in a tree about 500 yards off. I'm sure he saw me too. As long as I was there, he stayed far away. Courtesy of Eric J Fouch
I live in Bay City Michigan and work in Saginaw. On my drive to work in the mornings along the Saginaw River (on M-13) I occasionally see eagles soaring or sitting high in a tree. Courtesy of Sharon Garrett
January 24, 2006
Unusual warm winter brought a rare sighting of a bald eagle at the Lakes of Taylor Golf Course, Taylor, MI 48180 is a southern suburb of Detroit MI. Courtesy of James Sobetski
Around noon on Saturday 01/14/06, I spotted a bald eagle over the eastern most point on Belleville Lake in Belleville, MI. I was in my car and I noticed a large bird just leaving a marshy cattail filled area of the lake near I-94 and Haggerty road. The first thing I noticed was its size, realizing it was not just any hawk. As I got closer it began to climb higher into the air and I could see its white head and tail. I'd guess on its wingspan being around 4 feet. I had heard about another sighting in Belleville a week earlier, and this is the second time in 8 years I have had the privilege of seeing an eagle in the area. Courtesy of Jim Wheeler
    On Sunday, January 8, 2006, my husband, two young boys, and I spotted a bald eagle on frozen Belleville Lake in Belleville, Michigan. It appeared to be feeding on a duck. We went home to get our camera, and when we came back, there were two eagles! It was thrilling to watch them! We watched them for probably 30 minutes or so before they both flew off to some trees on an island.
    I hope we will continue to see them. Courtesy of Katherine Gregg
In the Harrison on Old US 27 I have spotted two eagles this week. This is the first time I have seen the eagles in our area since moving here three years ago. Courtesy of Holly Hansen (Michigan)
I saw the first bald eagle of my life yesterday, Mon. 1/10/2006, in the median of I-96 near mile marker 60 in Michigan (about half way between Lansing and Grand Rapids). It was feasting on a deer carcass. I had no idea how large the birds could be. I didn't even know that Michigan had bald eagles until this sighting. Thanks to your site (and Google), I now know that such sightings are not uncommon. Jeff of Lansing, Michigan
On Friday January 6, 2005 at approx 4:15 pm I saw a Bald Eagle circling high above the intersection of wayne and warren roads in westland MI. I was amazed to see this sighting in such a populated area. Courtesy Carl Haselhuhn
We, too, saw a bald eagle in Ann Arbor near Barton Hills on the Huron River. There it was perched in the center of the river on what appeared to be a branch on a log. The size of this bald eagle took our breath away. It was most likely fishing on a cloudy day without a shadow & sat ready to pick up an unsuspecting fish. We took it as a great sign of GOOD LUCK in the New Year! Courtesy of Carol Johnson, Livonia, MI sighting 01/02/06
December 31, 2005
While taking part in the late Michigan Duck hunting season, (Dec. 31, 2005 ), my son and I floated the Grand River between Ionia and Saranac. About two miles down stream, which would have been near the Sessions Lake State Game area, we spotted six Bald Eagles within our sight at one time. All the birds were in perfect plumage with the full heads of white. We continued to be escorted by one or more of these magnificent birds for the next two to three miles. Having taken many pictures to show the family this will highlight yet another great hunting adventure in our wonderful state of Michigan. Courtesy of Ken Pontius
31 December 05
My husband photographed a Bald Eagle in our neighbor's tree. We live in Hamburg Michigan along the Huron River, where there is a Metro Park with many areas that are undisturbed.
We have lived here 12 years and this is the first time we have seen a Bald Eagle in this area. Courtesy of B. Goins
    At 10:30 on Monday December 26, 2005, I sighted my first Bald Eagle flying east over my condo towards Muskegon Lake, Michigan. I am on the east shore of Lake Michigan. Muskegon Lake flows into Lake Michigan and is approximately 50 miles northwest of Grand Rapids Michigan. What a sight! Courtesy of Ron Witzke
Saw my first bald eagle on the 26 of December 2005. Driving down Jefferson in Grose Point(Michigan). One took off from a tree right in front of my car. A perfect veiw of a beautiful bird. Courtesy of Adam Moore
    Sunday, Christmas Day 2005, my husband and I were driving on South Monroe Street in Monroe, Michigan and lo, we sighted a bald eagle sitting in a fairly low branch in a tree right next to the street. My husband turned around and parked directly across from the tree and we watched the majestic bird for some time. It was totally oblivious to the traffic going back and forth in front of it. With binoculars (which I always carry) it was like viewing the bird at arm's length. We were hoping it would fly so that we could see the bird in flight, but it merely sat quite still only swiveling its head back and forth. Eventually we had to leave as we had company coming for dinner. Our only regret is that our camera with the zoom lens was at home. We have proof positive that eagles do sit in trees in the middle of a town. What a treat! Courtesy of LEA GRAU
This morning, December 14, 2005, my wife and I witnessed a bald eagle scavenging a wild goose that had been caught in the ice and had since died on Coldwater Lake in southern Michigan (Branch County). Courtesy of Chick Gerber
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