Frigid temperatures and plenty of ice may not make for a great outdoor experience for most. But for a handful of avian enthusiasts on Saturday, Jan. 25 at DTE Energy’s Monroe Power Plant, the colder the better.
That’s because freezing temperatures and an ice-covered Lake Erie make bald eagles flock to the plant every winter, where a discharge canal from the plant remains unfrozen and offers a feast of fish for this American icon. This unique environment sparked a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one that offers a few lucky people a chance to see hundreds of these birds in the wild with the annual Bald Eagle Tour at the plant.
A bald eagle rests on a branch at the Monroe Power Plant.
“We have hundreds of acres of wildlife habitat where the eagles can congregate,” said Kristen LeForce, an environmental engineer with DTE Energy. “It’s a unique opportunity because of the undeveloped costal habitat for these birds, as well as coyote, deer, peregrine falcons and other wildlife. It’s great to get together with members of the public who share a passion for wildlife and observe the eagles in a natural habitat while learning about them with our partners at U.S. Fish and Wildlife.”
Seeing just one bald eagle is a rarity but seeing dozens or more is almost unheard of. The birds are typically territorial, with mated pairs giving others of their kind a wide berth. But things are different when resources are scarce, the eagles taking advantage of the 800 acres of certified wildlife habitat at the plant that are isolated from human activity to fish in the relatively warm canal or nestle in the bare branches of the trees at the water’s edge.
It’s a sight to behold for the annual tour.
“I’ve never seen that many eagles out in nature together,” said Michelle Swinkey, who attended the tour. “It’s important to me to have my grandchildren see animals like that, not just the eagles but all the birds. I love that they’re out there and I want to see them protected so my grandkids can one day bring their kids and show them, too.”
Tour attendees demonstrate a bald eagle’s wingspan with Dorothy McLeer.
The yearly event is hosted by DTE, USFWS and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and 60 attendees are selected via lottery to see the birds while learning a bit more about them. The tour begins with a talk by Dorothy McLeer, an interpretive naturalist at University of Michigan – Dearborn, who shares information about the birds with the audience before everyone heads to see them up close. She shared some basic facts about eagles, how to look – and listen – for them and dispelled some common misconceptions about the birds. For the first time, this year’s talk included eagle feathers – which require special permits to possess – so tour guests could get an up-close look at the plumage of these magnificent birds.
It’s a memorable day for attendees but it’s also a highlight for the people who make it happen every year, too.
“We’ve been doing this for years now,” said McLeer. “I love that they keep inviting me back to come and spend some time with these amazing birds.”
It won’t be long before the weather warms, Lake Erie melts and the eagles return to their homes across the region, leaving just a handful of nested pairs who call the plant home and the one-of-a-kind memories of the tour behind.
“To see how many are out here, it’s just amazing,” said Kim Meggison, a tour participant. “As soon as you pulled up, there were so many eagles, I was in awe. Winning this lottery was better than winning the money lottery.”
Gulls fly overhead as tour guests find the best vantage point to view bald eagles at the Monroe Power Plant.