Eagle Viewing

I'm looking to head out to the Lock & Dam's in a week or two. Most likely the 15-17th as it looks like the next two weeks are suppose to be really cold and I'm hoping the river will freeze up. Couple of questions to you eagle viewers.

Is there a better place on to view them? I've seen that L&D #18 seems to have the most eagles but I've heard that L&D #14 was the best for photography as they are very close to you. I've got a 400mm and 1.4 telecoverter.

I'm assuming that morning is the best time for photos, but is there still opportunities during midday and afternoon?

Thanks for any info.

Brian, I just got home from the river and it's just starting to freeze. There were about 17 eagles @ Bellevue(12) and maybe another 16 @ 13 in Fulton. Last year there were a lot of birds at all of them. Fulton has an elevated viewing platform which is nice for shooting over the fence. Down at the Quad cities, birds can be viewed from both sides of the river. It's about a 30 - 40 minute drive from #12 to #13. Watch your speed! My observation is that the birds tend to call it a day about an hour or so before dusk(4:00 p.m.) to roost further inland.

Hey Brian check back before you head out and we may have a better idea where is best. #14 is an afternoon spot but depending on what is going on anytime can be alright. The conditions are the biggest factor. Nice bright days make the light direction more important than if you have bright overcast.I shoot at 18 because it is the closest to me but it hasn't frozen yet bacausse of high water levels. That should change in the next few days. The numbers are not up yet but should get there.

I booked my flight today so I'm going to be out there (somewhere on Mississippi) the 16th - 18th. I'll be interested to hear how the next 10 days progress with the cold weather coming in.

Thanks again for the info and I look forward to hearing more info in a week or so.

Brian tried to E-mail you but link didn't work. E=mail me and we can touch base off line.