Experience Missouri's Eagle Days: A Winter Spectacle
It's a winter tradition in Missouri to view the bald eagles that make the state home. The Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles. Every January, visitors come to favorite spots across Missouri to watch as bald eagles soar gracefully above the state’s waterways. Eagle Days, a seasonal event hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Missouri State Parks, provides a great opportunity to learn about and observe America's national birds in their natural habitat.
Why Winter is Eagle Season in Missouri
Missouri's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs create an ideal winter habitat for bald eagles. From late December to early February, frozen waterways in the northern U.S. drive bald eagles south in pursuit of open water and food. Eagles are attracted to open water areas to find fish. Throughout the winter, birdwatchers spot bald eagles in Missouri fishing, riding ice floes, soaring above, and roosting in nearby trees.
January Eagle Days Events Across Missouri
The MDC hosts a series of Eagle Days events at various conservation areas and state parks in January. These family-friendly events include educational programs, live eagle presentations, and guided viewing opportunities. Conservation experts share fascinating insights into eagle behavior, migration, and their role in the ecosystem.
Locations include:
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Twin Pines Conservation Education Center
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Puxico Activity Center (FEMA Building)
St. Louis Eagle Days
Audubon Center at Riverlands
Missouri State Parks Bald Eagle Events in December and January
Missouri State Parks also hosts eagle-themed events, such as the annual Bald Eagle Days at Roaring River State Park. Roaring River State Park offers guided walks for eagle viewing along the river in December and January. During Bald Eagle Days, the park provides both indoor activities and outdoor trips to watch eagles in their natural habitats. Visitors are advised to arrive early for optimal sightings.
Tips for Eagle Watching
Go Early: Early morning is the best time to see eagles actively hunting and roosting.
Dress Warmly: Layer up to stay comfortable during outdoor viewing.
Bring Binoculars or a Spotting Scope: Enhance your viewing experience with optical gear.
Respect Nature: Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing the eagles. Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints.
Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep yourself energized and warm during your adventure.
Planning Your Trip
Best places for winter eagle viewing
Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access, east of Bagnell
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K, southwest of Columbia
Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville
Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Puxico
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270, off of Riverview Drive, St. Louis
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary east of West Alton
Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs
Smithville Lake north of Kansas City
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner
Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson
Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw
Recommended Reading & Resources:
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website or Missouri State Parks’ event pages for updated schedules, locations, and additional tips for enjoying Eagle Days.
This book is my favorite reference for Missouri's State Parks. Written by four skilled writers and lifelong conservationists, this beautiful book showcases the captivating history, beauty, and recreational importance of Missouri's state park system, which is ranked among the top four nationwide. The book includes hundreds of photographs and provides details on all 88 state parks and historic sites, featuring the nation's longest developed rails-to-trail project, homes of notable Missourians, Civil War battlefields, and other historical landmarks such as mills and covered bridges. The authors narrate the complete story of the park system, from its beginning in 1917 to the newest state park established in 2015, covering much of Missouri's history and its scenic and diverse landscape.
Curious about Missouri's state bird or the extinct bird observed by Lewis and Clark? Interested in the harmful birds introduced to the state? If so, "Fifty Things to Know About Birds in Missouri" by Stephen L. Reinbold is for you. This book offers insights often overlooked in traditional bird identification guides, presenting surprising answers from top experts. Discover the largest, smallest, fastest, and most unusual bird species in Missouri, enhancing your appreciation of the state's rich natural history.
The Bald Eagle, designated as America’s official bird in 1782, symbolizes freedom and patriotism. Once nearly extinct, it is now a protected species experiencing a resurgence. In this book, wildlife photographer Jeffrey Rich showcases over 150 photographs of Bald Eagles, offering insights into their habitat, feeding, mating behaviors, and care of young. Readers will be captivated by images of these majestic birds in flight, at rest, and engaged in daily activities.
The Adasion 12x42 HD Binoculars are perfect for bird watching, stargazing, travel, and sports, offering a wide field of view (367/1000 yards) and a lightweight design (1.25 lbs) with an 18mm eyepiece for clarity. They feature a BAK4 prism for enhanced color and reduced dark edges, along with fully multi-coated lenses for better light transmission in low light. The 2023 universal phone adapter fits all phones, and the included 360° swivel tripod ensures stable photography, ideal for bird watching and hiking. With a non-slip rubber grip, IPX7 waterproof and fogproof ratings, and a padded crossbody case, these binoculars are travel-friendly. Adjustable eyecups accommodate glasses wearers, with an eye relief of 13.6mm to 19.6mm and an easy center focus wheel for adjustments.
Conclusion
Missouri’s Eagle Days is a winter tradition that celebrates the beauty and resilience of one of America’s national birds. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a curious nature lover, these events offer a great way to connect with nature and make winter memories.
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