In South Dakota, winter is the best time to view the large numbers of bald
eagles that roost in state recreation areas below the Missouri River dams.
Bald eagles concentrate below the large Missouri River dams, where the birds
take advantage of open water and waterfowl concentrations. Eagles can be found
and watched below Gavins Point Dam at Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Fort
Randall Dam at Randall Creek Recreation Area, Big Bend Dam and Oahe Dam at Oahe
Downstream Recreation Area.
Recent winter counts indicate that approximately 140 bald eagles are
currently using these areas, with the majority of eagles on the lower river
below Fort Randall Dam and Gavins Point Dam.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best viewing times, though eagles
can be seen any time of the day. As spring approaches, watch for the eagles'
pair bonding displays, as eagle mates lock talons and tumble through the air.
As you visit recreation areas below the dams, remember to follow the rules of
eagle watching:
- Bald eagles are sensitive to human disturbance. If birds are disturbed at
a nest site, the adults may abandon their eggs or young in the nest. The pair
may not renest or produce any young until the following year. Watching eagles
during the winter has less impact on the birds, especially if done in a safe
and responsible way.
- Do not disturb or harass wintering eagles as they are already stressed by
the cold and scarcity of food. Scaring eagles from their food could deprive
them of energy they need to maintain their body temperature through the cold
night. Unhealthy eagles generally do not successfully raise young the
following spring.
- Stay at least 300 yards or further from perched eagles, especially during
severe weather.
- Stay in your vehicle when eagle watching or use some other obstruction,
such as a blind or tree.
- When visiting a recreation area to view the eagles, please observe any
closings. Areas in parks below the dam may be closed to vehicle traffic to
leave eagles undisturbed.
Governor Mike Rounds declared Feb. 23-29 as Bald Eagle Awareness Week in
South Dakota. Events include an evening program at the SDGFP Outdoor Campus in
Sioux Falls on Feb. 26, an evening program at the Pierre Mall on Feb. 27 and
three programs at the Ramkota Inn in Pierre on Feb. 28. The bald eagle steering
committee is also sponsoring a bald eagle poster contest for South Dakota sixth
graders, with entries due on Feb. 18. Find more information about eagles and
Bald Eagle Awareness Week by visiting
