Eagle picture

Hannibal’s code enforcement officer Susan Osterhout is sharing her love of eagles in a unique way during this time of social distancing.

Her photographs of eagles will be displayed on signs in Huckleberry Park starting Tuesday, April 7.

Osterhout said the photographs were all taken in the last four months near the lock and dam in Canton. She said she enjoys taking photographs of eagles. “They have so much personality, they never look the same way twice.”

She said she sees the eagles at all times of day. “An eagle will remain in the tree for hours if not disturbed; unexpected noise will cause them to leave the tree as will constant annoying sounds that they can’t locate. I have watched eagles stay in the same tree for more than 2 hours. When they leave to catch a fish they will come right back to where they left.”

Osterhout takes photos in all types of weather. “The best pictures often come from the days when the wind is pretty strong,” she said. And their multiple layers of feathers keep the eagles warm and dry so they are often out in full force during rain and snow.

She uses a long zoom lens on her camera to capture the eagles’ photographs. “The pictures appear as though I’m within a few feet of the eagle, in reality I’m in my vehicle 20 to 30 feet away most of the time.

Mary Lynne Richards, recreation supervisor at Hannibal Parks & Recreation, said the artwork will be available for a few weeks to give Hannibal residents a chance to enjoy artwork outdoors. Viewers will be able to see the artwork without getting out of their cars. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens the chance of catching COVID-19.