Staff scouting the drained mill pond site with a representative of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife in late May were delighted to see a bald eagle gracefully soar overhead. A harbinger of the wildlife viewing opportunities ahead for the restoration site in downtown Springfield, the eagle was probably seeking a meal in the form of the non-native carp attempting to escape the shallowing waters.
After the 2010 construction season, the mill pond will be rejuvenated as a habitat-rich meandering stream with off-channel backwaters and wetlands. As the wildlife benefits from this resource and increases in population, the site promises to emerge as a premier nature watching location. This bald eagle is certainly not the last to be seen soaring overhead.
Bald eagle shown in inset soars over the drained mill pond (center). Click to enlarge.
