The magnificent bald eagle, our national bird, is the only eagle unique to North America. Bald eagles are renowned for their excellent eyesight - they can see forward and to the side at the same time. They spot fish from hundreds of feet above a river and can identify a rabbit about a mile away.

Eagles often use the same nest every year. Over years some nests become enormous, as much as nine feet in diameter and weighing two tons! The young grow rapidly; in six weeks the eaglets are nearly as large as their parents. About 40% of young eagles do not survive their first flight.

Once paired, bald eagles remain together until one dies. Bald eagles live about 15 - 20 years, and are found over most of North America. About half of the world's 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska. Eagles sit at the top of the food chain, making them more vulnerable to toxic chemicals in the environment.

Icicle Creek (near the home of KOHO Radio), the Wenatchee River and along the Columbia River, are all great places to view bald eagles year round.