'There were 30 eagles on the carcass'

By KVAL News Published: Mar 20, 2012 at 9:31 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM PDT
'There were 30 eagles on the carcass'
Photos by KVAL YouNews reporter Springfielder

ALBANY, Ore. - A dead sheep gave a KVAL YouNews reporter a front seat to bald eagle behavior on March 17.

"We were looking for raptors to photograph and came upon this carcass in a field on Central School Road," KVAL YouNews reporter Springfielder said. "When we arrived there were approximately 30 eagles on the carcass.

"We watched as these two commandeered the carcass with the adult winning in the end. The juvenile stayed for a while but soon gave up and left the area."

The bald eagle is no longer considered threatened or endangered in Oregon.

The birds still enjoy the protection of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and the migratory bird act, which outlaw the killing or disturbing of eagles except by permit.