Quassy's Bald Eagles are having a moment

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, there may be no better place for local residents to see a living version of our national symbol than Lake Quassapaug.

After a 40 year absence, bald eagles returned to Connecticut in 1992, according to the state wildlife authorities. Sightings of bald eagles on Lake Quassapaug go back at least to 2009, according to records of the Cornell School of Ornithology. The eagles are certainly one of the distinctive features of the lake. When one appears, circling overhead or swooping down from above, you can hear boaters and people on the shore crying out, "the eagle!"

For many years there have been a mated pair of adult eagles on Lake Quassapaug producing offspring. That appears to be true again this year, as a juvenile eagle has appeared on the lake in recent weeks (see photo). Juveniles are not always recognized as bald eagles because they don't develop the distinctive white feathers on their skulls and tails until much later, and their body feathers are deep brown instead of black. But they grow to full size quickly and are formidable looking birds even when young.

The bald eagles are one of more than 160 bird species that have been sighted in and around the lake, including such distinctive water birds as the Osprey (better known to sports fans as Seahawks), the Great Blue Heron and double-crested cormorants.

A Facebook page--Quassy's Bald Eagles (and assorted other wildlife on Lake Quassapaug)--is now devoted to photos of the wonderful assortment of wildlife on the lake. Photo contributions are welcomed.