Where to find concentrations of Bald eagles in Colorado

was reading a magazine about bald eagles on the Gunnison river and that they came in in winter when the river ices up and hunt in the open areas of the river. I was looking at maybe going to the Mississippi river to photgraph them as several hundred come in to the locks there but thought maybe Colorado was as good and closer ?
anyone been up to the Gunnison to see ?

No but there are tens of BE's at Fossil Creek Reservoir in Ft Collins in the winter, the issue is that when roosting they are visible but a long way from the access points. Probably visible in lots of other NoCo locations.

I know they nest near Grand Lake between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain over the winter. The problem is the area is blocked off during they nesting period (like Nov-mid March or something like that.) There is a viewing platform you could use, but like the above poster mentioned, you'd be a long way off.

While I don't doubt that there's areas in CO to find decent concentrations of eagles, I don't think anywhere in the state can compare to what can be found at the locks and dams along the Mississippi in Iowa...especially if the weather is cold (and it's been all of that). Here's a scene that dropped my jaw a couple of years back when I drove down to L&D #18 (near Burlington, Iowa) a couple years ago. Also, here's a link to the current eagle counts along the various Iowa lock and dams. You'll need to click on "Bald Eagle Days" in the lower left panel and then click on "Lock and Dam Eagle Counts - 2009". It looks like the Burlington area is once again a hot spot this year.

Thanks everyone, I think the Mississippi is what I'm looking for, I'm sure they are in Colorado just not in high numbers like the Burlington area.

Guy that scene is one I would love to just see ! nice images ! Thanks

Here's some other places that will have a few...no big populations like the Mississippi, though.

Eleven-Mile Canyon, south of Lake George (off Hwy 24) - check early in the morning until about 10-11 AM.
The upper end of Pueblo Reservoir (in the snags) - the dirt access road peals off just prior to the north entry gate)
Rocky Mountain Arsenal: http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/wildlife/eaglets.htm
Bird Observatory: http://www.rmbo.org/aboutus/eagle.html
Standley Lake - Westminster: http://www.ci.westminster.co.us/216.htm
Barr Lake State Park: http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/BarrLake/ - click on "eagles".

Gary,

I've been along the Gunnison several times over the winter, and while the Eagles there are plentiful, they're nothing like that shot that Guy posted.

If you do go, just watch the trees along the river. There's a USFS campground along the road which has some choice trees right by the riverside, and the Fish Hatchery is also a good spot. Other than those two you'll probably have to hike it down to the river unless you get lucky. Sit in the campground or by the river near the hatchery and the Eagles will pretty much come to your location. A 400mm lens and APS-C sized digital sensor will make your job relatively easy.

Eagles are definitely making a strong comeback. I'm down here in Capitol Reef and saw a BE sitting by an eagle nest. I don't think it's fishing for most of its food, unless someone's stocking a pond - the Fremont just doesn't have that many fish, and the mountain lakes are too far away!

Thanks Les

It isn't much but Barr Lake has a few. We were birding out there about 3 weeks ago and saw 3 adults and probably 5 or 6 juvenilles. They typically hang out in the Northwest quandrant of the lake. Too far away for me and a 70-200 + 1.4x but if you're toting big glass it might be worth a look.
To reduce your walk don't go to the main enterance, head to the wild bird conservator just off of Bromley lane and US-76.

You my also want to try Cherry Creek Rsvr. and Cheesman Rsvr, but again you're talking a handful at most. Nothing close to the Mississippi counts. Colorado doesn't have a Lockand Dam type setup, where lots of fish are killed in the turbines or by boats. There are only sporadic pockets of eagles, 2-3 here maybe 3 more over in that valley, etc.

Hey guys just a quick note Lock& Dam #18 is North of Burlinton and the access is from the IL side. Cross the river at Burlington on US 34 and go about 3 miles East it is marked where to turn back North (left). I have been posting shots from there on midwest forum. BLessed with living just 15 miles South. Spend a lot of time there this time of year.