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News Release No. 471
BALD EAGLES ARE WINTER RESIDENTS
IN MISSOURI STATE PARKS
Volume 33-471 |
Contact: Sue Holst |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-6510 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 17, 2005 -- Nature lovers can continue to observe nature even in the winter months, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In Missouri, mid-November through March in Missouri is the opportune time to view an American symbol -- the bald eagle. These state-endangered birds are common migrants and winter residents in Missouri and can be seen at many of Missouri's state parks.
During the winter months, bald eagles congregate near rivers and lakes and occupy river habitats. They roost in large cottonwood, sycamore and riparian trees. Nesting activity begins in January, with incubation and the rearing of the young taking place March through mid-May. Nests usually rest in the branches of very tall trees.
Missouri state parks that border rivers or lakes attract bald eagles during the winter months, providing them a place to reside where there is limited human activity. These birds can be seen taking up residence in the following state parks and historic sites.
- Battle of Athens State Historic Site, Revere, 660-877-3871 -- Bald eagles are frequently seen at this site, which borders the Des Moines River.
- Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon, 417-532-4338 -- The spring branch and Niangua River provide great viewing spots.
- Big Lake State Park, Craig, 660-442-3770 -- The birds tend to travel back and forth from this state park to the nearby Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, with the peak viewing time being when the ice is thawing in February.
- Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones -- Confluence Point State Park, West Alton, 636-899-1135 -- The confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers is one of the best places to watch bald eagles and other migratory birds as well.
- Katy Trail State Park, Clinton to St. Charles, 660-882-8196 -- Hop on your bicycle and get some exercise on your way. Good viewing spots lie between Blufton and Portland and Providence and Hartsburg and in the Bernheimer area.
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Kaiser, 573-348-2696 -- Bald eagles can be seen anywhere along the shoreline of Lake of the Ozarks during the winter. Get some exercise while trying to spot the birds by hiking the park's Rocky Top or Lake View Bend trails, which traverse near the lake.
- Lewis and Clark State Park, Rushville, 816-579-5564 -- Eagles can be seen along Lewis and Clark Lake, which borders the park, from around Nov. 1 until the lake freezes.
- Meramec State Park, Sullivan, 573-468-6072 -- December and January are peak eagle-viewing months at this park, which lies along the Meramec River.
- Montauk State Park, Salem, 573-548-2201 -- A few bald eagles winter at this park.
- Pershing State Park, Laclede, 660-963-2299 -- Missouri Field, which is a wetland area that borders Highway 36, is the park's best location to spot bald eagles.
- Roaring River State Park, Cassville, 417-847-2539 -- Attend one of three eagle-viewing events at this state park on Nov. 19, Dec. 17 or Jan. 21. A park naturalist will present information about bald eagles followed by a trip outside to watch them come in to roost for the evening.
- Stockton State Park, Dadeville, 417-276-4259 -- Stockton Lake normally has more than 100 bald eagles spend the winter. The Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Conservation work together to host an eagle-viewing day.
- Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson, 573-334-1711 -- The park's location on the Mississippi River flyway makes it an ideal place for bird watching, including bald eagles.
- Wakonda State Park, La Grange, 573-655-2280 -- The park's several lakes and its location between two of the lock and dams on the Mississippi River make it a great place to see numerous species of migrating birds.
Visitors should be aware that it is illegal to harm or harass bald eagles and their nests, eggs and young. Bring your binoculars to get an up-close look without disturbing the birds.
For more information about viewing opportunities, contact the individual state parks or historic sites or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/parkssearch.do.
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