There's no mistaking them. The size, the wingstroke; the treetop perch over a stream or farm field. Of course, the snow-white head and tail are dead giveaways. Bald eagles are back...and in record numbers.

Nearly extinct in the continental U.S. a few decades ago, our nation's symbol is now a frequent flyer throughout much of Iowa each winter. A dozen communities celebrate with midwinter programs, attracting visitors from around the Midwest. Conservationists celebrate a success story. Winter anglers, hunters, skiers and others outdoors often get an up close look-and listen-as eagles fly low overhead, their wing-beats just audible in the cold air.

Eagle-watchers are tallying results from this month's Midwest survey of bald eagles. Wildlife diversity biologist Bruce Ehresman, from the Department of Natural Resources expects Iowa's tally to match or exceed last year's record of more than 4,400. "We typically have about 2,000 in Iowa over the last few years," says Ehresman. "But they have been going up dramatically."

Part of the climb is the weather. Eagles, and other migratory birds, push only as far south as they have to in the winter. Mild weather keeps them closer to home. A quick cold snap then, like we've had since the first of the year then concentrates them around areas of open water. Fish are their primary food, but our nation's symbol is not above making a meal out of dead pigs hauled out to the fields in manure spreaders or other landlocked delicacies.

Each year, the numbers edge upwards. "I saw 234 eagles on my count; from Coralville down to the Tri-County area on the Iowa River. That's the most ever for that route," reports DNR wildlife biologist Tim Thompson. Conservationists tackle their routes over a predetermined several day window, to get the most accurate 'snapshot' of eagle activity across the Midwest.

The Iowa River, at Coralville, is a good spot for watching eagle activity in this area; especially if the weather is extra cold and other water sources are frozen over. With two major rivers nearby, though, a few are usually visible throughout the area if you keep your eyes to the skies. For maximum eagle watching, though, your best bet is at a lock and dam along the Mississippi River. Bellevue and Guttenberg are prime locations; probably due to thick cottonwood trees across the river from the towns. I've seen dozens, sometimes 100 or more perched in the big trees, swooping over the open water to snatch a fish or loafing on the ice between meals.

But counts in the thousands? Ehresman certainly didn't expect that 20 years ago. "Absolutely not," he admits. "In the 80s we were excited about it going from 383 (1983) to 700 (1988). We certainly didn't anticipate the rate of increase. The number of eagles seems to be going up about eight percent a year."

Perhaps most gratifying, is the number of juvenile eagles in the mix. A couple decades ago, it was uncommon to see more than a couple of the mottled dark-white mix birds. That still reached back to the 'pesticide years,' when DDT built up in the systems of mature eagles, causing paper-thin eggshells. Consequently, very few young eagles ever hatched. Now, about one-third of the eagles you see will be sub-adults. They attain full plumage and reach breeding age at age four or five.

Most of the winter eagles you see are migrants, but that phenomenom spills over into nesting season, too. "We know of 175 active bald eagle nests in Iowa (in 2004). We are gaining 15 or 20 each year," applauds Ehresman. "That means 150 to 175 young eagles are fledging each year. That should continue the increase." Nests have been reported in 69 Iowa counties; great news since the very first one was documented, in the late 1970s.

As numbers grow, people still want to see them. Ehresman advises keeping a good distance; 200-300 yards or more, to avoid pushing the eagles off their roosts or perches and expending extra energy in the cold winter. Spotting scopes are the best way to get up close. He also suggests remaining in a vehicle, where the human intrusion isn't quite as noticeable.

Bald Eagle Days

Various communities in Iowa, mainly along the Mississippi River, host Bald Eagle Days. They often include eagle viewing, with spotting scopes, programs with live birds, interpretative sessions and other activities. Some of the dates include:

January 22, LeClaire
January 30, Quincy
February 18-19, Red Rock (Pella) 641-828-7522
February 27, Saylorville (central Iowa) 515-276-4656

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