Angel

On Sunday I went to Alma, WI to a lecture / demonstration at Wings Over Alma which is located in downtown Alma on the Mississippi River.

Wings Over Alma, Inc. is a multi-purpose organization seeking to enhance and promote awareness of the Upper Mississippi River environment, eagles and wildlife by advocating conservation ethics through educational programs; and raise the level of arts and crafts appreciation through demonstrations and exhibitions by area artisans. 

An eagle from the Wabasha Eagle Center was displayed while 2 of the volunteers from the eagle center gave an informational lecture about bald eagles.  Angel was the eagle's name.  It was a very interesting talk and a rare opportunity to see an eagle that close up.

Kris is on the Board of Directors at WOA.  One of their projects right now is to raise enough funding for a web cam on the Mississippi so that the eagles can be viewed from anywhere, visit their website for a donation form, WOA.

Angel

We were encouraged to have our photo taken with the big bird.  She's tethered and used to this, but nonetheless, it is very unnerving to look her in the eye.

I was glad to have glasses on, that beak could be deadly.

Anders was very interested in the bird, off an on, he's only 18 months old afterall.

Angel, Wanda, Anders

The handler advised me to hold Anders' hands to keep his little fingers safe, geesh! that made me nervous.

Angel, Kris, Anders & Lora

The eagle was getting warm so a sort of 'pant' through her mouth and tongue.

Angel, what a beauty!