Watching Bald Eagles

The recovery of the bald eagle has given more Nebraskans the opportunity to watch this magnificent bird. Thirty-four bald eagle pairs nested successfully in the state in 2005. More than 1,000 migratory eagles winter here. Some follow waterfowl to places like Harlan County Lake, where 402 eagles were counted one day six years ago. Others congregate below dams to fish in the winter.

At the Kingsley and J-2 hydroelectric plants, the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District operates viewing centers that provide a warm place for people to watch eagles feed on fish that are injured or killed when passing through the plants.

Eagle counts are down at both locations due to drought-related factors, but birds are present most mornings. Counts peak in late December or early January at the J-2 facility and in February at Kingsley. In 1994, 368 eagles were counted one morning near the Kingsley facility.

Both facilities will open to the public on weekends from January 7 at 8 a.m. through late February. The best time to watch eagles feed is early in the morning. For more on Central’s viewing sites, visit www.cnppid.com/Eagle-viewing.htm.

A few bald eagle nests in Nebraska are visible from county roads. Don’t disturb nesting eagles. Doing so is a violation of several federal laws. Always use binoculars or a spotting scope and watch the birds from a distance. Eagles typically aren’t alarmed by vehicles, so stay inside yours if possible.

Good places to view eagles in and near Nebraska include:

2. Bayard: Nest visible from Highway 26 ¼ mile north of North Platte River bridge, west of highway.

3. Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Nest on north side of Crane Lake visible from road on south side lake. Four-wheel drive recommended.

4. Kingsley Dam: CNPPID viewing facility near spillway. Call (308) 284-2332 for hours and eagle counts.

5. Sutherland Reservoir: Warm water discharged from NPPD power plant into cooling pond on east side of lake provides open water in cold weather.

6. J-2 Power Plant: CNPPID Viewing facility located south of Lexington. Follow signs. Call (308) 324-2811 for hours and eagle counts.

7. Odessa: Nest visible west of Platte River bridge on south bank.

8. Harlan County Reservoir: An average of 150 eagles present in early January. Most viewed from distance, binoculars a must. Dam area and Patterson Harbor best spots.

9. Deweese: Nest visible from county road, 12 south of Clay Center on Highway 14 and ½ west.

10. Scotia: Communal roost on North Loup River visible from Nebraska Highway 11 near Happy Jack Chalk Mine southeast of Scotia. Evenings best.

11. Arcadia Diversion Dam WMA: 4 south of Comstock, nest located near southeast corner of WMA, west of Middle Loup River bridge on south side of river.

12. Calamus Reservoir SRA: Nest visible from highway turnout on north side of lake between Gracie Creek and Valleyview Flat.

13. Fort Randall Dam: Pickstown, South Dakota. Up to 200 eagles are counted here in January or February. Viewing deck located in tailwaters area.

14. Gavins Point Dam: Twenty to 30 eagles winter in the area, visible below dam around Missouri River and Lake Yankton.

15. Niobrara State Park: Nest on east side of Niobrara River south of Highway 14 bridge. Visible from park campground and county road south of highway on west side of river.

16. Pierce: Nest visible from county road ½ mile east and ½ south of Pierce.

17. Rogers: Nest located 1 1/2 miles east of Rogers along Highway 30, north bank of Platte River.

18. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge: More than 100 eagles join snow geese in November, up to 243 in March. Watch from visitor center, viewing area or vehicle. Nest visible from road. (701) 642-4121.

19. Schramm Park SRA: 9 south of Gretna. Nest along Platte River south of Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium visible from parking lot.

20. Squaw Creek NWR: Mound City, Missouri. Eagles at refuge from mid-November through February. Average peak is 300 with high of 476. Watch from towers, viewing stations and roads. Nest visible from one station. (660) 442-3187.