Eagles in Montana
Dec 14, 2021 10:18:03 #
I'm planning a trip up to Whitefish Montana next spring (late April or early May) and want to spend a couple of days in a location with Bald Eagles. I've heard the fall is the better time of year, but wanted any input on locations and time of the year to photograph them. Thanks.
Dec 14, 2021 11:07:03 #
I live in a different area of the state, but last year most of my Eagle shots were December through March. I've done well in the Fall some previous years. Look for the nests in big trees near water, older ones will be obvious as they get very large over time. Dead Cottonwoods overlooking water are popular roosts. Be alert for carrion along the road, sometimes many eagles feeding. They also gather on ice or on the ground, no idea why but there can be many. You need to be ready to start shooting very quickly wherever you encounter them, since all but the younger ones will fly away quickly. There is a Flathead, MT Audubon Society, and Montana Wildwings Recovery Centers in NW Montana. You might get some tips either place.
Dec 14, 2021 11:51:20 #
Plano91 wrote:
I'm planning a trip up to Whitefish Montana next spring (late April or early May) and want to spend a couple of days in a location with Bald Eagles. I've heard the fall is the better time of year, but wanted any input on locations and time of the year to photograph them. Thanks.
That time of year the eagles are nesting and the chicks are just hatching, if you can find a nest to watch..it's amazing! Look along the rivers and ponds for nests, QD is right.....look in dead cottonwood trees high up. Both these shots were taken in early May.
Dec 14, 2021 11:51:21 #
Plano91 wrote:
I'm planning a trip up to Whitefish Montana next spring (late April or early May) and want to spend a couple of days in a location with Bald Eagles. I've heard the fall is the better time of year, but wanted any input on locations and time of the year to photograph them. Thanks.
I've had good luck in the Hungry Horse, and Lake Kookanusa areas in the spring and fall. And pretty much anywhere they can find fish.
Dec 14, 2021 12:33:18 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I've had good luck in the Hungry Horse, and Lake Kookanusa areas in the spring and fall. And pretty much anywhere they can find fish.
A spectacular EIF 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
Dec 14, 2021 12:34:21 #
CindyHouk wrote:
That time of year the eagles are nesting and the chicks are just hatching, if you can find a nest to watch..it's amazing! Look along the rivers and ponds for nests, QD is right.....look in dead cottonwood trees high up. Both these shots were taken in early May.
Awesome shooting, Cindy 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
Dec 14, 2021 14:15:09 #
Great images Cindy and MT. Thanks to all that replied. I had spotted Lake Kookanusa and seen some posts about good viewing below the Libby Dam, so that's where my first circle on the map went. I'll keep searching, but I am very excited. I live down in Texas and as you know, there are very few sightings down here. Thanks again!
Dec 14, 2021 14:30:31 #
Plano91 wrote:
Great images Cindy and MT. Thanks to all that replied. I had spotted Lake Kookanusa and seen some posts about good viewing below the Libby Dam, so that's where my first circle on the map went. I'll keep searching, but I am very excited. I live down in Texas and as you know, there are very few sightings down here. Thanks again!
Sent you a private message with more information on where to view them.
Dec 15, 2021 09:19:48 #
Unfortunately, the Kokanee Salmon Run has disappeared It used to be unbelievable. Around 400 Eagles nesting within a mile on the Flathead River.
Dec 15, 2021 10:47:14 #
Dec 15, 2021 11:34:19 #
ggttc wrote:
Unfortunately, the Kokanee Salmon Run has disappeared It used to be unbelievable. Around 400 Eagles nesting within a mile on the Flathead River.
I moved here in 89 and the run was already over with by that time. The FWP introduced the opossum shrimp into the rivers that flow into Flathead Lake and that was the begining of the end for the Kokanee Salmon....so sad! Once the salmon died off..the eagles left. But we still have a large population, I have seen groups of more than 50 in places...doesn't compare to 400 but it's still pretty cool.
Dec 15, 2021 17:24:12 #
Dec 15, 2021 18:22:40 #
Dec 15, 2021 21:51:45 #
CindyHouk wrote:
That time of year the eagles are nesting and the chicks are just hatching, if you can find a nest to watch..it's amazing! Look along the rivers and ponds for nests, QD is right.....look in dead cottonwood trees high up. Both these shots were taken in early May.
Great captures Cindy!
Favorite is #2!
Dec 19, 2021 20:21:53 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.