Where to View Bald Eagles in the Des Moines Area

What is it about our fascination with bald eagles? Their massive size with a 6-7 foot wingspan? Their eagle eye vision that can spot a rabbit over a mile away? Their razor sharp 2 inch long talons? Or is it that they almost went extinct and now their numbers have rebounded due to conservation efforts to protect them. Whatever it is about bald eagles, we enjoy catching a glimpse of one.


The chance of seeing a bald eagle in Iowa greatly increases during the winter months. While the number of bald eagles nesting in the state is increasing, large numbers of eagles migrate into Iowa for the winter. Bald eagles migrate south as far as they need to find food and shelter.

Where can you see an eagle?
Bald eagles can be found around open patches of water. Eagles will sit in trees overlooking open water or stand on the ice near open water to hunt for fish. In typical winters there are very few areas with open water, so it’s easy to find eagles. However due to recent warm weather, ice that had formed has now melted leaving lots of open water and the eagles are spread out a bit more than usual. Eagles have been spotted in several locations but not in great numbers. 


Places To Go:
  • Saylorville Lake | Try looking at Sandpiper Recreation Area and below the dam at Bob Shetler and Cottonwood Recreation Area. 
  • Gray’s Lake
  • Easter Lake Park
  • Yellow Banks Park | Yellow Banks Park has several scenic overlooks with nice views of the Des Moines River
  • Downtown Des Moines | Look for eagles off the E. 6th bridge.


Bald Eagle Watch
On Sunday afternoon, February 24, stop by the Saylorville Visitor’s Center and/or the Jester Park Lodge to learn about bald eagles. Viewing stations will be set up around Saylorville Lake to observe eagles. The Jester Park Lodge will also host a live bald eagle used for education. Hourly programs begin at the Jester Park lodge at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

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