I passed the gate a little before 7:00 AM. It was poor light, but things would improve with the clear sky and the sun’s rays in the east. There was a dusting of snow, just enough to show any critters that might have crossed the road. The morning start was crisp with the temperature just about 17 degrees. Roaming a number of roads showed an occasional coyote track, one small deer, one moose and one set of bobcat tracks.
In the previous post I shared the finding of where it appeared an eagle was killed. I had reported the eagle feathers to MFW and was asked if I had found any legs bands. I didn't even give the leg band a thought with the initial find.
This day was getting away from me and I wanted to re-visit the eagle site before finishing my hike. Upon returning to the sight and slowing down there was a lot to see. Clearly this was an area that eagles frequented when feeding. Several bones that looked to be a deer, the shell of a painted turtle were lying out in the open. Looking the area completely over showed feathers strewn everywhere. Wanting to be sure I didn’t leave anything behind that might identify the eagle; I started walking a circle around what appeared to be the most feathers. After a short distance there a skull of the eagle laid next to a cattail reed.   I thought, what would be the chances of finding the leg band. Water was only a few yards from the eagle’s last stand. I continued on with my circles and to my surprise lying amongst the swamp grass and weathered reeds was a gold leg band
My days hike would take me twelve plus miles through the eastside woods with no photo opportunities. However, finding the eagle band and being able to provide MFW with factual information made for a good day.
Jim

Quabbin Eastern Shoreline. Low water level.

Bobcat Track