Golden Eagle in Death Valley
Golden Eagle in Death Valley
On December 27, 1928, while passing through Death Valley, the writer saw a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) perched in a dead tree by Bennett's Well. The bird rose and flew away when we were still a hundred yards from it, but identification was unquestionable.
A flock of some fifteen Green-winged Teal (Nettion carolinense) was noted on one of two small ponds at this oasis, as well as a group of unidentified ducks, while along the grassy margins was an assemblage of five or six Killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus) which disported themselves in customary noisy fashion. These might have accounted for the presence of the eagle.
Bennett's Well lies some 260 feet below sea level near the south end of the valley, and appears in no way unsuited to the needs of this eagle. However, there seem to be no previous records of its occurrence there.
E. L. Sumner, Jr.
Pomona College, Claremont, Ca.lifornia, February 12, 1929
