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Each winter, eagles migrate to areas near St. Louis between January and early March, as rivers freeze in northern states and the majestic birds of prey look for new water sources. The nice part about eagle-watching near the city: Most of the sites are located nearby, near Alton and Grafton, Illinois, making for an enjoyable day trip. Here's what to know before you go.
Upcoming Events
On January 7 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Alton Eagle Ice Festival 2023 at the FLOCK Food Truck Park (210 Ridge, Alton) hosts a meet-and-greet with a bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, as well as tours, talks, kids’ activities, and more.
Throughout the month, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and the World Bird Sanctuary will be hosting additional Eagle Meet and Greet events on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. On January 14 and 28, the events will be held at the Grafton Visitor Center, and it will take place at the Alton Visitor Center on January 21.
And the Missouri Department of Conservation provides a host of other opportunities to see the national symbol during Eagle Days. Among the forthcoming options near St. Louis: "Birds: Ellis Island has Eagles and Swans and Geese, Oh My" at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area on February 4 from 10–11:30 a.m., as well as Eagle Days at Audubon Center at Riverlands on February 11. Check out the details here.
Where to Go
Beyond the aforementioned events, a number of places offer prime perches to spots eagles, whether on your own or during a tour.
Audubon Center at Riverlands: The center works to connect people to the wildlife around the Mississippi River and Great Rivers confluence. It's open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. While you're there, be sure to check out the modern Heron Pond Avian Observatory. 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton.
National Great River Museum: The museum offers free public tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, a great place to spot eagles fishing for an easy catch. Tours are available daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. 1 Locks and Dam Way, Alton.
Great River Road: On the scenic route between Grafton and Alton, keep your eyes peeled—you might see eagles perched in trees or flying overhead.
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge: There are several trails for hiking at this stop. Some are less than a mile in length, and others range from three to eight miles. No matter the length, all trails list birding and wildlife watching as activities. 364 Wildlife Conservation, Brussels.
Grafton Visitor Center and Alton Visitor Center: On Saturdays in January and February, there are two 45-minute shuttle tours that begin and end at the Alton Visitor Center. Each tour accommodates 20 passengers, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. If you’re wanting a longer experience, there's also a two-and-a-half-hour shuttle tour that begins and ends at Grafton SkyTour at 9 a.m.; tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online. 950 E. Main, Grafton; 200 Piasa, Alton.
Pere Marquette Visitor Center: In addition to Pere Marquette State Park's numerous hiking trails, the park near Grafton also offers eagle-watching tours from mid-January through early March. (Or if you prefer to learn more about eagle watching from the comfort of your own home, check out this 10-minute video.)
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Eagle-Watching Tips
Hoping to see a bald eagle in its natural habitat? Chances are pretty good you can with a little luck and by following a few expert tips below.
Do your research. Visit the River and Routes website, where you can find suggested viewing routes, an updated eagle count for each viewing spot, and information on how to download the Eagle Watcher’s Passport. (The mobile passport can help you find the best spots—and if you check in at five of the 10 hot spots, you’ll be entered into a raffle for a free overnight stay during the summer months.)
World Bird Sanctuary executive director and CFO Roger Holloway also advises studying a guidebook's birds of prey section. “They may be soaring pretty high up, so just looking and memorizing what that shape is like can help you confirm the identity.”
Pack binoculars, and scan like a pro. Binoculars can really enhance the experience of finding eagles, determining if they are adults or juveniles, and seeing what they’re up to, says Holloway. And what, exactly, are you looking for once you start scanning the rivers? "From far away, you’re looking for dark specks,” he says. “Zero in, and see if you can get a count.” Adults will look like the picture you have in your mind of the patriotic icons. Juveniles won’t yet have the distinctive white head or tail, nor the fully yellow beak.
Be patient. “Spotting eagles requires patience,” says Holloway. “Sometimes people hear about it and think there’s going to be huge swarms of eagles.” Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it takes a little work.
Study the eagles' behavior. If you spot eagles in the wild, just what are they likely to be up to? “Arguing, fighting, yelling, whining!” says Holloway. “The eagles sometimes can be loud. They are territorial. When you see a cluster of them in the trees or circling around over the water, it’s not like they want to be together—they’re not a flock bird. But when the winter comes around, this is where they have food available, so they’ll tolerate each other.”
Appreciate other waterfowl. Be ready to pivot and be wowed by other birds while you’re looking along the river. Many other interesting waterfowl will be on the scene, such as ducks, geese, swans, and even pelicans, says Holloway. Short-eared owls, which can be active during the day, may also be around.
