From December through February, Missouri's winter eagle watching is at its peak.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding Eagle Days events across the state to allow people to enjoy watching bald eagles.
According to MDC officials, the Show-Me State is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing because of its big rivers, many lakes and abundant wetlands.
Each fall, thousands of these birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri. Eagles take residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.
Some Eagle Days events include live eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos and guides with spotting scopes. Some events require registration.
The Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City will host its activities 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 22. Preregistration is required. For more info on Eagle Days events, visit MDC at mdc.mo.gov/events and search Eagle Days.
Those who can't get to an Eagle Days event can still find spots to watch the birds, including Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K southwest of Columbia and Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell.
Eagles often perch in large trees along the water's edge. Early in the morning, they can be seen flying and fishing.
For more information on bald eagles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle.