Winter, early spring are prime times for bald eagle viewing

Bald eagles can be seen year-round across Nebraska, but winter and early spring are the best times of year to see large numbers of bald eagles.

Large concentrations of bald eagles arrive in winter to hunt for fish and ducks in the open waters of rivers and large reservoirs where ice has formed. Their keen eyesight, large talons and elegant hunting strategies make them a fascinating bird to watch.

View them by visiting any large reservoir in late February or early March when some water is open and migrating waterfowl have arrived.

Favored sites include Sutherland Reservoir near North Platte, Harlan County Reservoir near Alma, and below Gavin’s Point Dam near Yankton, S.D.

Also favored are Lake Ogallala and Lake McConaughy, where Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District maintains a viewing building near the dam spillway. The power district also facilitates viewing at its J-2 power plant south of Lexington (cnppid.com/resources/eagle-viewing-facilities).

Other locations to view eagles are Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, Niobrara State Park, Lake Wanahoo, Branched Oak SRA, Pawnee SRA and the Platte River Valley.

Learn more about bald eagles or wildlife viewing at OutdoorNebraska.gov.