Missouri: The Bald Eagle Capital of the Lower 48?

[#1]

When we think of majestic migrations on the water, we tend to picture humpback whales traveling thousands of miles across the ocean. But central Missouri has its own majestic migration, peaking around this time of year.

Specifically, bald eagles are drawn to the rivers and lakes of Missouri as they move south from Canada and the Great Lakes during the winter. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, more than 2,000 bald eagles are regularly reported in the state during the winter, which makes Missouri a leading attraction for this feathered symbol of freedom.

And the birds are a leading attraction as well:

This weekend is the 12th annual Lake of the Ozark Eagle Days.

When: Saturday, January 7th, and Sunday, January 8th

What: Wild eagle viewing at Willmore Lodge and below Bagnell Dam at the River Access, as well as hourly live eagle programs by the World Bird Sanctuary at Osage National Golf Resort. Weather permitting, Paddlewheeler Tom Sawyer Cruises will offer eagle viewing cruises.

Cost: Free to the public; Eagle viewing cruises are $5/person.

Don’t forget: Your camera and binoculars

According to Michelle Cook, director of marketing with the Lake Area Chamber, the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis rehabs injured and sick birds. The group will bring three raptors — a bald eagle, one other type of eagle, and another raptor — for live viewings and brief educational programs (free) throughout the day.

“We also have great viewing spots arranged for the public. Nature willing and weather permitting, we will see wild eagles throughout the weekend as well,” she says. “Typically early morning and late afternoon are the best times for sightings.”

For a list of other bald eagle winter viewing areas across Missouri, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.

But you don’t need an official event to spot an eagle. A boat does help though! “Eagles roost in the trees near rivers and lakes. They are best seen from the water — especially is less developed areas,” says Dave Bigge, director of operations with MarineMax’s Lake of the Ozarks store. “We see them regularly throughout the season. Some locals watch the same birds return to nearby nests year after year.” 

So, while you’re out on the lake this winter, don’t forget to look up from your fishing pole every once in a while. And take a second look at large birds. “Many people see a large bird and assume it is a vulture,” Cook says. “They just don’t realize that Missouri is a winter home to so many eagles. When expanded in flight an eagle's wingspan will make a straight line; a vulture will make a V near the head.”

Fun Facts about Bald Eagles:

• Bald eagles can see 6x better than humans with 20/20 vision.
• Eagles generally fly at speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour, but can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour while diving. 
• From tip of beak to tip of tail, an adult eagle measures approximately 36 inches and has a wingspan of 7 feet.
• Bald eagles mate for life.
• Annually, each pair of eagles will produce one to three eggs, which they raise in nests that range up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide, though nests in Missouri average 3 feet deep and 5 feet wide.
• Each year, eagles add to their nest. The largest U.S. eagle nest on record was 20 feet deep and 10 feet wide — and it weighed 2 tons.
• Today, there are approximately 7,000 nesting pairs of eagles in the lower 48 states. This is more than double the number of birds in the lower 48 states before the bald eagle was declared an endangered species in 1978.

* Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation. Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days is planned by Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, Lake Area Chamber, Osage National Golf Resort and Lake of the Ozarks Master Naturalists Chapter.

[#2]

Very interesting read, Jaime. Our 2005 Alaska hike was just one town over from Haines, which bills itself as the home of the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.