Back in the late 1970s, bald eagles were well on their way to extinction in the lower 48 states – it was rare to see one in the wild. Thanks to good environmental management in the years that followed, bald eagles have made a comeback.
Missouri is known for its beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife. Because of this, there are many opportunities for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers to witness bald eagles in their natural habitat. In fact, there are about 500 active nests in the state.
Best Times for Eagle Watching
December to February mark the peak of bald eagle viewing in Missouri. During the winter, the Show-Me State is an eagle magnet as the birds move south following open water. Because the locks, dams and power stations on the state’s rivers and lakes, especially the Mississippi River, keep some water from freezing and have a tendency to stun fish – eagles’ favorite food – the majestic birds find Missouri the perfect winter getaway. So, bundle up, grab your binoculars, and head outside to catch a glimpse of our national symbol soaring through the skies.
While bald eagle watching in Missouri is an awe-inspiring experience, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and welfare of the birds. Observers should stay on designated paths, minimize noise and avoid behaviors that could stress or disrupt the eagles.
Eagle Days
Eagle watching is a big draw for residents and visitors alike. The Missouri Department of Conservation hosts Eagle Days events at locations throughout the state from December through February. Activities include special programs and eagle viewing with assistance from volunteers and spotting scopes.
Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days features live eagle programs, a photography contest and two locations for viewing eagles in the wild.
Places to See Bald Eagles in Missouri
In addition to Eagle Days events, there are many places in Missouri to see eagles during the winter. Some of the best viewing spots include:
- Bagnell Dam Access at the Lake of the Ozarks, east of Bagnell
- Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, 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, St. Louis
- Audubon Center at Riverlands, 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 Lake, west of Warsaw
- Roaring River State Park, near Cassville
How to Spot Bald Eagles
Many people can recognize bald eagles at close range due to their distinguishable white head, neck and tail. However, when they fly at a distance or perch in dense trees, it can be much more difficult to identify.
Look for bald eagles near bodies of water – their preferred hunting grounds. Scan treetops for high points with clear views of the surrounding landscape for nests. Nests are generally quite large and composed of thin branches. They’re often located near the top of mature trees. For your best chance at spotting the birds, bring binoculars or a spotting scope.
While bald eagle watching in Missouri is an awe-inspiring experience, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and welfare of the birds. Observers should stay on designated paths, minimize noise and avoid behaviors that could stress or disrupt the eagles.