ie ie tee ArU, DeUe BtOsNY BOUL LE TUN 3 
sippi. Many Bald Eagles were counted more than once in this all-winter 
survey. Extreme care was taken to separate the immature and adult birds. 
The total Bald Eagle count for the winter of 1958-59 was 590. Of these, 
487 were adults and 108 immatures, the percentages being 82.5424 to 
17.4576. In the winter of 1959-60, we counted 1,327 Bald Eagles. There 
were 1,128 adults and 204 immatures, the percentages being 84.6237 and 
15.3763. We did not actually have more eagles than in the previous winter, 
but simply made more counts. 
Additional eagles were counted outside the study area and others were 
reported to us. When these are added, we have a total of 1,827 eagles, of 
which 1,556 are adults and 271 immatures — percentages, 85.167 to 14.833. 
Specific areas in the count region were studied for unusual factors. Thus, 
it appeared that immatures favored certain open watch points over others. 
Some percentages varied to a marked degree. A recent report from Neb- 
raska listed more immatures than adults. Weekly records show that we 
have more immatures early and late in the season. Perhaps young eagles 
migrate farther south in midwinter. The Jan. 31, 1960 count reported in 
the Audubon Bulletin showed 104 Bald Eagles, 82 adults and 22 imma- 
tures, giving percentages of 78.75 to 21.25. Separating the areas from 
Dubuque, Iowa to Tri-Cities, and Tri-Cities to Keokuk, we found: north 
half, 35 adults to 7 immatures, percentages 83.3 to 16.7; south half, 47 
adults to 15 immatures, percentages 75.8 to 24.2. 
Our proposed winter surveys will be of two types. One will be an all- 
season count as reported here. The other will be an intensive all-day count 
over the complete area. This will be on the week-end after the Fish and 
Wildlife Service Annual Duck Count. Eagles are also noted on this aerial 
survey, but not separated as to age. The aerial count covers only part of 
the winter eagle range. These counts would supplement each other and 
give us more accurate data on Bald Eagles. It appears that we have 500 
to 750 eagles here during most winters. 
Although these alarming ratios indicate that eagles are declining in 
numbers, we must realize that the total of Bald Eagles has not decreased 
in fact; evidently we have had more eagles all through the 50’s than in 
other decades. We hope to answer other questions through these surveys. 
Where do the eagles roost? On what do they feed? How does plumage 
change as winter progresses? When do eagles arrive and depart? Peak 
dates? What dangers do they face, and what causes death? We have pre- 
pared a work sheet which will be mailed to observers on request. 
Volunteers are needed throughout the Mississippi Valley. Here is a 
chance to learn more about Bald Eagles. Let’s find out if the present ratios 
are truly alarming. For instance, from 1985 to 1940 the ratios for Bald 
Eagles passing over Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was 62% adults to 38% 
immatures. Figures for past years in our area are badly needed. Will you 
help us? 
Route #1, Box 112, East Moline, IIl. 
I.A.S. CAMP-OUT AND N.R.C.I. CONFERENCE 
As Tuts IssukE of the Bulletin goes to press, plans have been completed for 
two important Illinois conferences to be held on succeeding week-ends in 
September. The Annual Camp-Out of the Illinois Audubon Society, under 
the chairmanship of Ted Greer of Joy, Ill., will be held at White Pines 
State Park on Sept. 17-18. He has arranged a full program of lectures, a 
meeting on Hawk and Owl Protection, slide talks, and a field trip. 
