A bald eagle in Brookhaven
Published 10:15 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Mississippi can see up to 2,500 bald eagles each winter along the Mississippi River, especially near dams, locks, and flooded areas. Several lakes in North Mississippi have ideal habitats for the birds, and more than 100 nesting pairs have been documented.
Still, it’s not often a bald eagle is spotted in Southwest Mississippi, specifically in Lincoln County. One was sighted at Hurricane Lake in West Lincoln in early January, likely a good place for the raptor to rest and find food. Another was spotted in the city of Brookhaven Tuesday.
Charles Richardson spotted the bird in a field near his home on North Second Street. He was able to capture a photo of it before it flew away. Several other people stopped as they drove by and got pictures, as well, he said.
“I’ve never seen one the whole time I’ve lived here,” said Richardson.
The novelty of seeing the national bird adds to the excitement one has in spying one — the only eagle that lives exclusively in North America. Bald eagles are dark brown with long wings, and by age five have white heads and tails, no matter male or female. Their call is a high-pitched series of “kaks,” and they range in size from 28 to 40 inches long, a wingspan of 5-1/2 to 8 feet, and a weight of 8 to 14 pounds. Females are typically larger than males.
Anyone who spies a bald eagle or another seldomly-seen animal is asked to share photos and their story by emailing news@dailyleader.com.