PIERRE - In South Dakota, winter is the best time to view the large numbers of bald eagles that roost in state recreation areas below the Missouri River dams.
Bald eagles concentrate below the large Missouri River dams, where the birds take advantage of open water and waterfowl concentrations. Eagles can be found and watched below Gavins Point Dam at Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Fort Randall Dam at Randall Creek Recreation Area, Big Bend Dam and Oahe Dam at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Recent winter counts indicate that approximately 140 bald eagles are currently using these areas, with the majority of eagles on the lower river below Fort Randall Dam and Gavins Point Dam.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best viewing times, though eagles can be seen any time of the day. As spring approaches, watch for the eagles' pair bonding displays, as eagle mates lock talons and tumble through the air.
As you visit recreation areas below the dams, remember to follow the rules of eagle watching:
 | Bald eagles are sensitive to human disturbance. If birds are disturbed at a nest site, the adults may abandon their eggs or young in the nest. The pair may not renest or produce any young until the following year. Watching eagles during the winter has less impact on the birds, especially if done in a safe and responsible way. |
| Do not disturb or harass wintering eagles as they are already stressed by the cold and scarcity of food. Scaring eagles from their food could deprive them of energy they need to maintain their body temperature through the cold night. Unhealthy eagles generally do not successfully raise young the following spring. |
| Stay at least 300 yards or further from perched eagles, especially during severe weather. |
| Stay in your vehicle when eagle watching or use some other obstruction, such as a blind or tree. |
| When visiting a recreation area to view the eagles, please observe any closings. Areas in parks below the dam may be closed to vehicle traffic to leave eagles undisturbed. |
Governor Mike Rounds declared Feb. 23-29 as Bald Eagle Awareness Week in South Dakota. Events include an evening program at the SDGFP Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls on Feb. 26, an evening program at the Pierre Mall on Feb. 27 and three programs at the Ramkota Inn in Pierre on Feb. 28. The bald eagle steering committee is also sponsoring a bald eagle poster contest for South Dakota sixth graders, with entries due on Feb. 18. Find more information about eagles and Bald Eagle Awareness Week by visiting
http://www.state.sd.us/doa/das/bead/beadmenu.htm.More information on South Dakota state parks and recreation areas can also be found online at
www.sdgfp.info/Parks or by calling (605) 773-3391.-GFP-
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