Bald eagle photo ops in the midwest?

In a few months, the BEs will be gathering along the Mississippi... Iowa, IL, MO, etc.

I have not made this trip in January/February but plan to this year (2010)...

Can any one recommend specific bald eagle photography spots (locks/dams/ cities) along the Mississippi river? Where to stay? etc.

Thanks
Mark

Here is some information from the National Eagle Center. If you are in the area it is worth a visit. http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/learn-about-eagles

It is not on the Mississippi, but the locks at Starved Rock State Park, south of Chicago, on the Illinois River, have a gang of eagles during the winter, plus other waterfowl and raptors. Last year there were at least 80 in the region. The visitor center is a good place to shoot from, gives you some elevation, and is the best place I have found to watch for eagles fishing in the open water. You will need a long lens for sure.

Thanks Phil and John. I wasn't aware of the Starved Rock source for eagles. I am in Chicago area OFTEN on business so this would be a option. I have a 500mm f4 (and 1.4x - 700mm) so this should do it? I was told about Clarksville, MO as a good spot. Someone told me they visited there in January and there were "thousands of eagles" in eye sight...

Mark

On the Rock River at Oregon, Dixon, Sterling Illinois - sometimes a lot, sometimes a few; also the locks on the Mississippi River at Fulton Illinois - there are usually quite a few there and you will need a long lens. On the other hand, I've had them diving 20 yards in front of me on the the Rock River in Dixon depending on the wind direction.

Hi Mark,

Dubuque, Iowa is a good place for eagles, as is Sauk City/Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, along the Wisconsin River.

Basically, think about rivers and dams and roosts. The outflows beneath/beyond the dams are usually sufficiently turbulent and warm that there's open water downstream of the dams, as well as well-oxygenated water for the fish. The eagles congregrate at these places because of the open water and easy fishing when everything else is frozen over. And, the eagles also need a decent place to roost, so if there are bluffs and woods around, that sorta completes their day (and night)...

Good luck,

Tim!

Mark, the eagles have made a remarkable recovery and are just about everywhere in the winter.Anywhere from Dubuque to Alton will work The weather is the key, as Tim said in his post they need food and shelter. The weather needs to be cold enough to concentrate them in areas where there is open water like the lock& dams. The worse the weather the better the eagle photography. Jan-Feb usually provide those conditions. How long a trip are you planing?

Also along the Miss River near Pere Marquette Park down to Alton, Illinois...several spots all along that area in the bluffs.

Try this website for the weekly eagle count (there will be a new page in 2010) by Lock & Dam on the Mississippi. It is just the eagle count, and it can take some time to update the count each week Only an indicator, but a good one.

http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/bedweb/EagleNumbers09.htm

In addition to the other ideas already posted, the Quad Cities and North along the Mississippi towards Clinton, IA and Thomson, IL can be very good, especially when the river freezes over.

I probably should not tell this...but, The absolute best place to photograph Eagles along the Mississippi River is Lock & Dam 14 in Le Claire, IA. Other areas nearby are Concord Street in Davenport, IA, RI Arsenal Clock Tower Pond. Starved Rock has Eagles but they are too far away for good shots. Lock & Dam 13 at Fulton, IL also has lots of Eagles but they are on the Iowa side of the river and too far away.
L&D 14 is about 4 miles South of I80 Exit in Le Claire. Le Claire has good Motel and Eateries. Best shooting time is afternoons when the sun will be at your back.

hey guys i have been watching your great posts,,, I have shot many photos of bald eagles the best areas were from davenport iowa to bellvue iowa.....

some of the shots that i took can be seen on my website.. www.wephotography.net
Go to the eagle behavior gallery.. Talk to you guys later, Wally Emmert

Thanks for the replies folks! You have been very helpful.