Bald eagles have returned

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 | 10:34 a.m.

They fancy the cattle ranch of Arnold Settlemeyer for what's left over after the cows give birth.

Settlemeyer saw his first pair in December, which is early. And he added that the early arrival tells him "something" is going on.

That something is part of the cows' natural birthing season. Eagles can fly 20 to 40 mph and can dive 100 mph. But at heart, they are scavengers, preferring an easy meal to chasing down a fish or running hare.

Settelmeyer said five bald eagles circled over his property Tuesday, catching a thermal after presumably feeding on the ground.

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