ight around 175 eagle nests in the state and the population is well over 3,000. Missouri is one of the best states to see bald eagles in the lower 48.” Most of the eagles seen during the state’s 2011 annual winter eagle count were counted near Table Rock Lake, the Mississippi River and the Osage River. Roaring River State Park’s proximity to Table Rock Lake makes it a prime location for wintering bald eagles. The birds are known to roost on the hillside west of Campground #3 in the park. “The open water draws the eagles to Roaring River,” said Smith. “They like to eat fish. They will occasionally catch trout out of the stream, but that has not been a big issue. “The lack of development in the park also draws them to Roaring River,” continued Smith. Although no known nests are located in Roaring River State Park at this time, nesting birds have made their homes in the park in the past. “That’s how Eagle Nest Trail got its name,” said Smith. “That is still where the eagles roost in the evenings. The trail closes at 3 p.m. due to the eagles roosting
DECEMBER 2012
on the hillside.” Area residents have the opportunity to learn about and view eagles at Roaring River State Park’s annual eagle viewing events, which are held on the third Saturday of December, January and February. This year’s events will be held on Dec. 15, Jan. 19, 2013, and Feb. 16, 2013. “These are fairly popular events,” said Smith. “It is the
only program we traditionally offer to the public in the winter months. “We offer education about bald eagles, information on the history and recovery in the state of Missouri and an opportunity to see eagles,” said Smith. “I would say 98 percent of the time we see at least one eagle, but even if we don’t see one, they are still wonderful programs.”
Eagle viewing events traditionally attract a group of around 20 individuals, but the number of attendees is highly dependent on the weather, said Smith. “We may have two or three people here if it is really cold and wet, but sometimes we have 60 people attend,” said Smith. “When it is nice, the groups really want to come out. People love to see eagles.” Each eagle viewing event starts with a short video that offers an overview on the bald eagle’s life cycle and information on how they were reintroduced in Missouri. “The staff follows with information on what has been done to protect eagles in the last few years, the history of eagles at Roaring River and good locations to see them,” said Smith.
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