Milt’s Corner – Bald Eagle With a Broken Wing?

This is a tough one. The eagle appears to be holding on to the branch by its left leg and holding an object in its other foot that obscures the action of the wing, which I don’t think is broken. I’ll see how wrong I am tomorrow when another fun mystery is divulged.

Must be pretty cold there as the tree has not leafed out yet. Mystery # 2, what kind of tree is it? Cottonwood?

Tom, There is a cottonwood or poplar in Maine, balsam cottonwood or Populus tacamahacca , there was one in the field in North Baldwin, Maine; in the summer after a heavy rain, an indigo bunting would often sing from the top. The range of this tree extends from western Alaska to Labrador and south into Mass, and NY in eastern NA.

I considered maple but it looks as though the branching is alternate rather than opposite as in maples. My choice of cottonwood was because of the curved branches and rather large, pointy tipped terminal buds.

I think the problem lies in what we each consider to be cottonwoods or poplars. That is a problem with common names. Aspens are also in the genus populus but differ from the others in having fewer stamen, a thin capsule and non resinous buds. I am sure when it leafs out there will be no question as to its identity – birch, maple, populus, or – - -?. The cottonwoods are just this week leafing out here – very late! The European birches are also gowing a new covering of leaves. My favorite season in Maine was when the aspen turned the hillsides their new green in the spring; it was at least on a par with autum coloring.

Thanks, Milt, for the pictures.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7369577_poplar-trees-maine.html