Anyone photographing Bald Eagles on the Mississippi River? We went through Keokuk last Thursday and there were dozens of bald eagles in the trees on the east end of the bridge. The...

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

We went through Keokuk last Thursday and there were dozens of bald eagles in the trees on the east end of the bridge. The snow cover and frozen ponds had brought them to the river. But with the extreme cold since then, I'm guessing the river may be frozen enough to really make them congregate at the open water below the locks and dams.

I'm just wondering if anyone has been there in the last day or so. I'm about 3 hours away and would like to plan a trip there. I've checked the army corps of engineers website (link below) but the last count was on Dec. 20. They do it every Wednesday but must have taken the 27th off for the holidays.

Keokuk and Quincy are the handiest for me, but are there even better spots for photography? Keokuk especially doesn't offer the best background with all the buildings on the west side of the river.

http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Mississippi-River-Project/Education/Eagle-Watching/Eagle-Counts/

Thanks all. Have a Happy New Year and keep warm.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

GregWCIL wrote:

We went through Keokuk last Thursday and there wer... (show quote)

Greg, Happy New Year to you.

This is my favorite place to travel to from Chicago to Iowa is:
https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/iowa/placesweprotect/lock-and-dam-no-14-eagle-area.xml

Usually Mid January. You can find counts on line.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Thanks, I'll check it out. I see there is another eagle preserve (Elton Hawkes Nature Preserve) almost across from that one on the Illinois side.

Edit to add: Looking on Google maps, I see the Elton Hawkes site is upstream from the dam and there are houses along the river. Still, perhaps a good spot to see them resting in trees.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

GregWCIL wrote:

Thanks, I'll check it out. I see there is another eagle preserve (Elton Hawkes Nature Preserve) almost across from that one on the Illinois side.

Edit to add: Looking on Google maps, I see the Elton Hawkes site is upstream from the dam and there are houses along the river. Still, perhaps a good spot to see them resting in trees.

Greg, At Lock and Dam 14 you see them in trees and fishing. Light is best from 11:30 on unless you cross over to the other side of the river.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

PixelStan77 wrote:

Greg, At Lock and Dam 14 you see them in trees and fishing. Light is best from 11:30 on unless you cross over to the other side of the river.

Stan, do you usually shoot from the platform? I read where it can get pretty crowded but I can go on a weekday which might help. I'd be heading up there from the south so it might work to go to Keokuk for early morning, then head north to L&D 14 for midday on.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

GregWCIL wrote:

Stan, do you usually shoot from the platform? I read where it can get pretty crowded but I can go on a weekday which might help. I'd be heading up there from the south so it might work to go to Keokuk for early morning, then head north to L&D 14 for midday on.

I shoot from the platform and surrounding area. In the 3 years I have been going in Mid-January which is peak time, it never has been a problem for me to setting up my tripod and shooting.

SonyBug

I have been to Ottawa at Starved Rock. There is a visitor center with platform on the North side. Great to warm up when it gets too cold, and the platform is just higher than the dam and locks and right along side it. Been meaning to go back, but I just reserved 12 days in AirBnB in Fort Walton Beach for Feb. I had to pick between warm and cold. Since it is so cold right now the dog won't go out to pee, I took Florida!

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Come to Central Florida, Eagles everywhere.....and its usually cool or even warm this time of year

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Nikonbug and blaster, can't argue the benefits of sunny Florida. But it's not so bad if you dress for the cold. I just went out at dawn this morning looking for a possible Snowy Owl I heard was around. It was -10 when I left the house. It was even warmer as the heater in my pickup kicked in, lol. I found an owl but it wasn't a snowy. Oh well. Time to get a fresh cup of coffee.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Happy New Year, Greg!

I saw a posting yesterday on Upper Mississippi River Refuge site, stating there were several hundred bald eagles at Lock & Dam 13 in Fulton, IL. As cold as it's supposed to be this week, I'm sure those eagles will keep fishing at the dams, or those few places where they can find open water. Good luck! Keep those fingers warm!!

Patty

GregWCIL wrote:

We went through Keokuk last Thursday and there wer... (show quote)

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

GregWCIL wrote:

Nikonbug and blaster, can't argue the benefits of sunny Florida. But it's not so bad if you dress for the cold. I just went out at dawn this morning looking for a possible Snowy Owl I heard was around. It was -10 when I left the house. It was even warmer as the heater in my pickup kicked in, lol. I found an owl but it wasn't a snowy. Oh well. Time to get a fresh cup of coffee.

Wow! I'm on a mission to find a Snowy Owl this year!! They are sooooo beautiful!! Our thermostat reads -12 right now...coffee is happening! lol Greg, I'm in Freeport, IL., and there has been a snowy owl that frequents the Shannon area every year (at least for the past 6 or 7 years, anyway).

williejoha

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha Minnesota is at the south end of Lake Pepin were the water stays open all year. The other day the count was close to 400 birds. I was there this past Friday and counted around 12 birds flying and fishing. When it is as cold as the last few days, the birds seem to roost half way up the bluffs to stay out of the harsh wind.
This way they can still watch the water and fish as needed. Lots of opportunities to shoot BIF around here. Happy New Year.
WJH

Bayertake2 Loc: Alton, Illinois

Alton Il. Lock 26 is full of Eagles and Snowy Owl was spotted... Also West Alton, MO.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

PattyW60 wrote:

Wow! I'm on a mission to find a Snowy Owl this year!! They are sooooo beautiful!! Our thermostat reads -12 right now...coffee is happening! lol Greg, I'm in Freeport, IL., and there has been a snowy owl that frequents the Shannon area every year (at least for the past 6 or 7 years, anyway).

I saw my first Snowy a couple of weeks ago - and got some nice shots. I didn't find one today. But it turned out to be a Short-eared Owl which is endangered in Illinois. Too far for pics but still really cool. Good luck with your quest.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Willie, I can't imagine how cold it is up there. Supposed to be -14 here in central Illinois tonight. Stay warm and good luck.