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Missouri offers spectacular winter eagle watching opportunities between December and February each year. The first Eagle Days event this year is at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge on Dec. 5. The Missouri Department of Conservation invites everyone to enjoy nature during the Eagle Days or simply go see the eagles on their own.

Because of its big rivers, multiple lakes, and abundant wetlands, Missouri is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in the Show-Me State. Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.

   MDC offers Eagle Days events throughout the state. During the events there will be live captive-eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos and guides with spotting scopes. Visitors should watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. Early in the morning it’s possible to see eagles flying and fishing. Essentials for eagle viewing are warm winter clothing, cameras and binoculars.

In the St. Louis area, Eagle Days will be held Jan. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off Riverview Drive in St. Louis. More information is available at 314-877-1309.

Eagles can also be viewed any day at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, east of West Alton. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.

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