Winter Bald Eagle Watching

The best places to find wintering Bald Eagles in Wisconsin are associated with sources of food for the birds. Lakes and rivers freeze over under winter's grip, but dams and power plants provide areas of open water in which the eagles can fish. Wintering eagles also feed on carrion and can frequently be seen searching for and feeding on dead deer and other animals in the countryside.

The cold winter months of December through February are good times to visit these feeding areas to view eagles. The greatest number of eagles can usually be seen at open water areas in the mornings as they fly back and forth, searching for their first meal of the day. Later in the day, the birds often spread out into the countryside, seeking carrion. Once a carcass is located, several eagles often congregate, Late in the afternoon, the eagles head to their favorite night roosting areas. Night roosts usually contain large trees and provide protection from cold winds and severe weather.

The Bald Eagle in Wisconsin

Bureau of Endangered Resources researchers and volunteers have monitored and documented the Bald Eagle's dramatic recovery in Wisconsin. In the early 1970's only a hundred pairs nested in the state. Protection efforts -- especially the banning of DDT -- have allowed populations of our national emblem to rebound in the state. In the summer of 2004, 992 occupied eagle territories in Wisconsin! Average production is greater than one eaglet per active nest. Biologists conduct aerial surveys of the nests in spring and summer. Eaglets are counted and some are banded. Research projects monitor contaminants and behavior. Damaged nests have been repaired or replaced with platforms. Researchers keep track of eagle injuries to determine what factors contribute to eagle mortality in Wisconsin. In the winter, biologists conduct aerial surveys along the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. The Bureau of Endangered resources coordinates Wisconsin volunteers in the national Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey.

The Bureau of Endangered Resources work with Bald Eagles is funded by tax checkoff donations on the state income tax form and by the "Adopt an Eagle Nest" program. For $100 a year donation, individuals and organizations are able to "adopt" a nest and help pay for surveys, rehabilitation, research, protection and education. Donors receive an adoption certificate, information on the state of "their" nest, educational information about eagles, and a special extra item.