Bald Eagles and Their Wing‑Drying Ritual

 

Bald Eagles and Their Wing‑Drying Ritual

After a Bald Eagle splashes in a puddle or gets caught in rain, you’ll often see it perched high with its wings stretched wide. This dramatic pose isn’t just for show, it’s a practical drying technique. Unlike many water birds, eagles don’t have fully waterproof feathers, so soaking can weigh them down and make flying harder. By spreading their wings in the open air and sun, they speed up drying, warm their bodies, and realign their feathers for the next flight. It’s one of those moments where the eagle looks both powerful and peaceful, simply using nature’s tools to stay in top form.

More About the Bald Eagle’s Wings

A Bald Eagle’s wings are built for strength and soaring efficiency. With a wingspan that can stretch from 6 to 7.5 feet, they rely on long, broad wings to ride thermals and glide with minimal effort. Each eagle carries roughly 7,000 feathers, from the stiff primaries that steer and power flight to the layered contour feathers that insulate and shape the wing. Despite their size, these birds can reach top speeds of around 30–40 mph in level flight, and even faster when diving. Their power is just as impressive: a healthy adult can lift about 3 to 4 pounds, enough to carry fish or small mammals back to a perch. All of this makes keeping their wings dry and perfectly aligned essential for survival.

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier