The Bald Eagle was chosen in 1782 as the emblem of the United States of American. Believed to have only existed on this continent, the great bird was the natural choice to represent our triumphant new nation because of its long life, powerful strength and majestic stature. Since then the Bald Eagle has appeared on all official seals of the United States, as well as our money and U.S. stamps.

The Bald Eagle is one of North America’s largest birds of prey with adult females reaching 14 pounds and standing 42 inches tall. Adult males are only slightly smaller. Today, it is not at all uncommon to see one soaring above Silverock Cove. The mountainous shore elevations and the tall pines provide the massive bird with the perfect viewpoints to spot its dinner swimming in the clear water. However, had Silverock Cove existed on the shores of Smith Lake 20 years ago, the story would be different. According to outdooralabama.com and Wildlife Biologist, Kevin Pugh, while today the bald eagle is commonly seen around most of Alabama’s major waterways and lakes, two decades ago the bald eagle was seldom spotted in Alabama, except for a few migratory birds that would stay for the winter. These eagles would then return north to nest in the spring. Alabama lost all of its nesting eagles during the 1950s and 1960s when eagle numbers drastically declined.

In 1984, Alabama Nongame Wildlife Program of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources decided to make a concerted effort to restore Alabama’s nesting bald eagle population. Pugh continues, “This would not be easy because the eagles would have to be ‘hacked’ in Alabama. Hacking is the process where juvenile eagles are forced to take their first flight from an area. They become imprinted on the area and then return when sexually mature to nest. From 1985-1991, wildlife biologists hacked or released 91 juveniles in the state.” In recent years, thanks to the dedication of many wildlife biologists, conservationists and volunteers, Alabama averages about 100-150 Bald Eagles.

To Best Way to Watch Bald Eagles

• The best time is early (7 a.m.–9 a.m.) or late (4 p.m. –5 p.m.), when eagles are flying to and from roosts and are most active.
• Scan the tree line along riverbanks for eagles that are sitting in the treetops.
• Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe the eagles closely.
• Photographers should use telephoto lenses.
• Never approach an eagle or eagle nest.
• Do not make loud or sudden noises.

Les Stuedeman, Head Softball Coach for UAH

Vann Stuedeman, Softball Pitching Coach for UA

You may have already had the pleasure of meeting Silverock residents Roseanne and Vince Stuedeman. But have you met their two daughters, Les and Vann? If not, a quick google on these girls will floor most sports fans. Les and Vann both grew up amazing Southeastern softball with their athletic abilities. Today they’re simultaneously taking the Southern softball coaching world by storm.

In 1995 Les became the first softball coach at the University of Huntsville. During her notable career, she has certainly made her mark in the South Region. With more than 800 games under her belt, she has led the Chargers to an averaged 45-plus wins per season. She has taken 11 teams to the NCAA Regional playoffs, including the 1999 and 2001 teams who won the South Region Championship and advanced to the Softball World Series. In 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001, Les and her staff were named South Region Coaching Staff of the Year. Within the past month, Les completed the season with a record of 54-6, landing an impressive second place at the Division II National Championship.

The Roseanne and Vince’s younger daughter, Vann, serves as the pitching coach at the University of Alabama. Her team recently finished the season in second place at the Women’s College World Series. Bama’s head coach Patrick Murphy attributes the team’s years of success to Vann’s hard work and talented contributions. He told Rolltide.com, “Vann has been a huge part of our success on the mound the past several years. I don’t think a school in the country besides Alabama can say they have had seven 20-game winners the past four years. Our philosophy has always been to have a good “pitching staff” and Vann has accomplished that with great pitching performances by several young ladies. I think a key indicator of a good coach is the improvement of the athletes over their careers. Our pitchers have always gotten better.”

Les and Vann attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery where they both earned several athletic honors including All-America.

I have said it once, and I will say it again: Fun, cool places attract fun, cool people. The Silverock Cove pool party this past Saturday was a blast. Great weather. Hot (shocker), but a nice breeze came off the lake to keep things cool. The ice cream was perfection, and the cold beer wasn’t so bad either.

The Silverock Cove pool is complete and filled with water, and the surrounding decking area is 90% there. Just a few more landscaping final touches and it’s done. The club house is a little further behind, but it promises to be so amazing when it is finished, you’ll forget all about the wait.

Be sure to join us at Silverock Cove on Smith Lake for a special event on the third Saturday of every month all summer long. Bring the family and invite your friends. Stay tuned to www.silverocklining.com for what’s on tap in July.

Here are a few pics from the party.