Plan your visit: Where to see bald eagles in Missouri from December to February

Mingo Wildlife Refuge offers a prime viewing location from now through February to see bald eagles.

From December through February, Missouri becomes a prime destination for eagle watching, thanks to its vast rivers, lakes, and wetlands, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

These natural features make the state one of the leading locations in the contiguous United States for observing these majestic birds. Each fall, thousands of bald eagles migrate south from Canada and the Great Lakes to Missouri, drawn by the open water and abundant food sources.

Typically, more than 2,000 bald eagles are reported in Missouri during this season.

Eagle Days events

MDC is hosting a series of Eagle Days events across the state, offering a variety of activities to enhance the eagle-watching experience. These events may include live eagle programs, educational exhibits, interactive activities, and guided viewing with spotting scopes. Some events require registration, so it’s advisable to check the details in advance.

An event will be hosted from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Puxico Activity Center. It will include a live bald eagles show from the World Bird Sanctuary.

Volunteers will also be out with spotting scopes from 8 .m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1 at Lake Wappapello, Mingo and Duck Creek Conservation Area, according to the MDC.

Viewing locations

For those eager to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds, several hotspots across Missouri offer excellent viewing opportunities. Notable locations include not only Mingo Wildlife Refuge, but also Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access, and Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City. Other popular sites include the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis and the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area near West Alton.

Eagle enthusiasts are encouraged to dress warmly for the winter weather and bring cameras and binoculars to capture the experience. Early mornings are particularly rewarding, as eagles can often be seen flying and fishing along the water’s edge.

For more information on Eagle Days and other conservation events, visit mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days.