In early January, 27 eagles -- 24 adults and three immature birds - were spotted along the Missouri River in central North Dakota, according to Patrick Isakson, department nongame biologist. Fifty birds were observed in 2004, Isakson said.

The number of bald eagles wintering in the state depends on the amount of open water and availability of prey. "This time of year, if waterfowl numbers are low, generally so are eagles," Isakson said. Because of cold temperatures for the last month, much of the river survey area was frozen and few ducks and geese were present, Isakson said.

The game and fish department participates in an annual nationwide mid-winter survey to determine the number of bald eagles in each state. The survey is flown at a low altitude from Bismarck to the Garrison Dam, with an observer counting both adult and immature bald eagles. Adults have a white head and tail and a dark brown body. Immature bald eagles are brown with irregular white plumage.

Eagles are relatively easy to spot as they prefer to perch in large cottonwood trees along the river, and feed on fish and waterfowl.

Bald eagles are unique to North America. Once an endangered species, bald eagles were reclassified as threatened in 1995 because of successful recovery efforts. "A number of bald eagles were observed close to the Garrison Dam," Isakson said. "Annually, that area seems to be the best location to view eagles."