Yes, there are bald eagles in Iowa. In fact, bald eagle populations in Iowa have been rebounding in recent years, with sightings becoming increasingly common across the state.
Bald Eagle Population in Iowa
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the annual bald eagle count conducted in January 2024 showed that there were 2,217 bald eagles counted in the state during the midwinter survey. This is a significant increase from just a few decades ago, when bald eagle populations in Iowa were severely impacted by habitat loss, pollution, and the use of the pesticide DDT.
Best Bald Eagle Viewing Locations in Iowa
Image source: Pexels by Anrita Krause
Bald eagles are particularly common along the Des Moines River and Saylorville Lake, where they can be seen perched in trees or soaring overhead in search of fish. In the Des Moines metro area, some of the best spots for bald eagle watching include the Sycamore Access boat ramp and Saylorville Lake. In Iowa City and the surrounding area, there are several locations where bald eagles can be spotted, including the spillways by Iowa River Power and the power plant downtown on the river, as well as near the Burlington St. bridge and the Iowa River Power Restaurant in Coralville.
Seasonal Bald Eagle Sightings in Iowa
Bald eagles are most commonly seen in Iowa during the winter months, when the birds migrate south from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States in search of open water and food. However, in recent years, there have been increasing reports of bald eagles staying in Iowa year-round, particularly in areas with abundant food sources and suitable nesting habitat.
Bald Eagle Photography Opportunities in Iowa
For those interested in photographing bald eagles, there are several locations in Iowa where the birds can be observed up close. In Muscatine, for example, there is a park near the lock and dam that offers great opportunities for taking pictures of eagles. In Iowa City, there are several locations along the Iowa River where eagles can be seen flying and resting in the trees. The Raptor Center at Lake Macbride is also a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers interested in seeing bald eagles up close.
In summary, bald eagles are a common sight in Iowa, particularly during the winter months. With increasing populations and abundant food sources, there are many opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and photograph these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
References:
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources. (2024, January 4). Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual bald eagle count begins today. Des Moines Register. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/des-moines-polk-county/2024/01/04/iowa-department-of-natural-resources-dnr-begins-annual-bald-eagle-count-bald-eagle-midwinter-survey/72087667007/
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources. (2023, December 20). Where to watch bald eagles in the Des Moines metro. Des Moines Register. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2023/12/20/bald-eagle-watching-des-moines-river-saylorville-lake-eagle-populations-rebounding-iowa-dnr/71960671007/
- Reddit. (2023, January 3). Where to view Bald Eagles in the area. r/IowaCity. https://www.reddit.com/r/IowaCity/comments/101sut4/where_to_view_bald_eagles_in_the_area/?rdt=65294
- Explore.org. (n.d.). Decorah Eagles Cam. https://explore.org/livecams/bald-eagles/decorah-eagles
- Axios. (2022, January 21). Bald eagles are everywhere in Iowa. Here’s how to see one. Axios Des Moines. https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/01/21/how-to-spot-bald-eagle-in-iowa
