BEATRICE – Motorists traveling near the Big Blue River bridge in west Beatrice has no doubt noticed the large number of bald eagles perched in trees…..and perhaps the somewhat nervous Canada geese congregating in the water below.

With cold temperatures freezing area lakes and ponds, the open water river channel provides a good fishing area for bald eagles.  The low level of the Big Blue generally provides much more clarity in the water.

Bald eagles will eat geese and ducks….flying low over flocks of waterfowl…often looking for injured birds.

The geese seem to be employing a “strength in numbers” approach, making a lot of noise when the raptors are in the area.

Nebraska Game and Parks officials say Nebraska’s bald eagle population fluctuates from year-to-year.  During the critical wintering period, eagles often congregate in areas where water remains free of ice and where there is abundant food.  Nesting activity, officials say, generally increases from December to February.