Paddling with Eagles
Can you imagine yourself paddling along the Aroostook river on a bright sunny summer day and all of a sudden you look up to see majestic Bald Eagles?
Well, you’re in luck!
A local “Fort Fairfieldian” mentioned that he has seen up to 14 eagles along this river! No guarantees that you will see that many, but hopefully you will see a few while leisurely paddling on this lovely river.,, what can be better than that?
Bald Eagles have been the national emblem of the United States and are an incredible sight for any birdwatcher in North America, These birds are often found along coasts, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
For bird watchers, Maine provides an abundance of habitats for varies bird species, so your lovely paddle should provide you with many bird sightings.
Fun Facts about Eagles
“T
he Bald Eagle is a very large raptor with a dark brown body and wings and a white head and tail. Its legs and feet are bright yellow, as is its large, hooked bill. Its eyes are light yellow. Immature eagles are mostly brown from head to tail with mottled brown and white feathers on the chest. The sharp hooked bill is gray and their eyes are light brown .”
“Females are larger than males, weigh from 10-14 pounds, and have a 6½- to 7-foot wingspan. Males usually weigh from 8-10 pounds and have a 6- to 6½-foot wingspan.”
“The Bald Eagle is found only in North America, primarily in coastal areas or near large inland lakes and rivers that have abundant fish. Eagles can be found perched in large trees along the shores.”
“Bald eagles feed on live fish that they snatch out of the water using their sharp talons. The undersides of eagle’s feet are rough, and keep the fish from slipping from the eagle’s grasp. They also feed on dead spawned salmon along the stream banks. Bald eagles eat ducks and other birds in addition to small mammals.”
Boat launch areas
There are a few boat launch places in Fort Fairfield.
From Maine Trail Finder:
“Heading north on US-1A, take the first right after the bridge in Fort Fairfield onto Riverside Ave. Go 0.2 miles to the boat launch on the right.”
This one is often known as “Giggy’s landing: 32-62 River Side Ave, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
“FORBES PIT BOAT LAUNCH: an alternative access point is a hand-carry launch near the Caribou/Fort Fairfield town line. It is located 4.9 miles west on ME-161 from the junction with US-1 in the center of Caribou. Known locally as the Forbes Pit Boat Launch, the site has ample parking.”
Packing Checklist
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.
