Bald eagle sightings in Regina not as rare as some might think
It’s not going to be every day a person spots a bald eagle flying over their head or sitting in a tree while going for a walk around Regina’s Wascana Lake, but according to a University of Regina Professor of Biology, it’s more common than many might think.
Dr. Mark Brigham said he’s seen both golden and bald eagles himself while out for walks around the lake in the winter time.
“It’s actually not what I would call rare,” he said. “Believe it or not, eagles are actually pretty common around Saskatchewan.”
The question about commonality was asked after pictures of a bald eagle spotted along Wascana Lake were sent to CTV News Regina.
Dr. Brigham said in southern Saskatchewan, golden eagles are more common than bald eagles, but added both are around the area.
“They [golden and bald eagles] can be hard to tell apart because when bald eagles are juveniles and for the first few years of their life, they do not have the white heads,” Brigham said.
Brigham said it’s possible the animals could be nesting in the region, but more than likely would be juveniles and not at that stage of life yet.
Although bald eagles are more common in the area than many think and are out hunting anything from fish to small rodents, Brigham said owners of small dogs and other pets that may be alone in the backyard, should not have to worry about the bird of prey hunting them.
“Because their [bald eagle’s] wingspan is so big they’re not really maneuverable. They need lots of space to do things and a backyard isn’t generally big enough for them to do that.”
Brigham said he would not call it impossible, but highly unlikely.
(Submitted by Amber Pirie)
When fully grown, bald eagles have an average wingspan of six to seven-and-a-half feet.
If people want to venture out to see if they can spot the bird of prey for themselves, Brigham said it’s possible to see one at any point in the day.
“They’re certainly going to be most commonly roosting in a tree sort of early in the morning and towards the sunset when they can’t be hunting, but you can see them at all times of the day,” Brigham said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.