It's not unusual to see bald eagles soaring overhead at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Soon visitors will be able to see a golden eagle when they come to the park.
A taxidermy mount of a golden eagle will be on display thanks to Ron Haymon, formerly of Prairie Creek, who donated the eagle mount to the park Sept. 23. It's in terrific condition for being more than 80 years old.
The golden eagle was shot in 1931, years before they were protected, Haymon said. He ended up with the eagle when it was given to him in 1991.
The owner of the mount was moving into a nursing home and knew Haymon collected eagle memorabilia, including photos, eagle sculptures and clothing. If it has an eagle on it, it gets Haymon's attention.
Did Haymon want the eagle? Heck yes, but first he did research to make sure he could legally accept it. No money could be exchanged, Haymon found out. The golden eagle had to be a gift, and it was.
The golden eagle was a prized display for Haymon and his wife, Sheila, at their home in the Prairie Creek community east of Rogers. Not long ago the Haymons decided to move to a smaller home out of state to be closer to family. There wouldn't be room for the golden eagle mount.
Haymon searched for a new home for his beloved golden eagle, but not any home would do. "It needs to be seen and enjoyed," he said.
The Haymons visited Hobbs frequently and enjoy the park's programs and exhibits. Maybe the park would display the golden eagle in the visitor center. They talked to Steve Chyrchel, an interpretive naturalist at Hobbs. The park would love to have the mount, Chyrchel said, if it was legal.
"The first thing that came to my mind was the legality," Chyrchel said. He contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about it. Yes, the park could accept the eagle, a representative said. Paperwork that says so is on file at Hobbs.
Soon the golden eagle will be on display with the many other wildlife mounts at the visitor center, but first the eagle mount will get spruced up a little. The plan is to have a taxidermist clean the 80-year-old mount so it looks like new. After that, the golden eagle will be on prominent display.
It's possible to see live golden eagles in our region, said Joe Neal with the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society. Golden eagles are most common in western states, but are occasionally seen in Arkansas.
"Compared to bald eagles, golden eagles are rare," said Neal of Fayetteville, who has written several books about birds. "Someone reports seeing one once or twice each winter. I saw two last winter, and years ago I did see one at Hobbs State Park."
He's seen several golden eagles and golden eagle nests in western Oklahoma.
Golden eagles appear similar to juvenile bald eagles that have not developed white head feathers. The two are difficult to tell apart, Neal said. One difference is a golden eagle's legs have feathers down to its feet. A bald eagle's feathers stop above the feet.
The Haymons moved Sept. 30, but hope to return one day to admire the golden eagle they gave to the park and see it displayed for all to admire.
Flip Putthoff may be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NWAFlip
Sports on 10/06/2015