Missouri – As the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces its yearly Eagle Days festivities, Missouri is getting ready for an amazing winter of eagle viewing. Missouri is among the top places in the continental United States for eagle viewing each year from December to February when nature lovers are welcome to enjoy the majestic beauty of bald eagles in numerous locations throughout the state.
Thousands of bald eagles go south from Canada and the Great Lakes to Missouri’s plenty of rivers, lakes, and wetlands during the colder months. The broad rivers and plenty of food sources in the Show-Me State attract these magnificent birds, which provides the perfect environment for eagle viewing. For those who enjoy wildlife viewing, the state reports an average sighting of more than 2,000 eagles every winter provides an amazing show.
Over Missouri, the MDC has coordinated several Eagle Days activities. Through live eagle programs, educational exhibits, and guided viewing possibilities, these events provide the public an opportunity to learn about eagles and their natural habitat. Activities appropriate for all ages abound for participants, including movies and live demonstrations by professionals carrying spotting scopes to assist in the natural setting of these amazing birds.
Some events might call for registration for individuals who might want to attend. The MDC’s website has specifics and schedules for all Eagle Days events, thus guaranteeing enthusiasts know just where and when to engage.
Early mornings are especially spectacular for observations of eagles since the birds are often observed swooping in quest of fish or resting in big trees along the water’s edge. Visitors are urged to pack cameras and binoculars to record the occasion and to dress warmly.
Missouri offers numerous hot spots for eagle watching, including:
- Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia,
- Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell,
- Lock & Dam 20 in Canton,
- Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville,
- Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield,
- Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City,
- Mingo National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Puxico,
- Moses Eagle Park in Stella,
- Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off of Riverview Drive in St. Louis,
- Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area east of West Alton,
- Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs,
- Smithville Lake north of Kansas City,
- Stockton Lake near Stockton,
- Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner,
- Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson, and
- Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw.
These sites offer some of the best viewpoints for visitors and are well-known for their high eagle counts.
The MDC offers an online Field Guide to help anybody want to learn more about bald eagles. Rich with amazing information about the life cycle, habitat, and behavior of the bald eagle, this material enhances the experience of eagle viewing.
Eagle Days is more than just an opportunity to observe these powerful raptors; it’s a chance to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation efforts in Missouri. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned birdwatcher, the Eagle Days events provide everyone an interesting and instructive outdoor recreational activity.
