Posted by Ron Metz on December 14, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Can anyone give me some information about the best location along the Mississippi to shoot Bald Eagles in January and February? My research so far is leading me to LeClaire, IA, Lock and Dam 14. Thanks.
Posted by Alan Olander on December 14, 2011 at 2:04 PM
Posted by David Graham on December 15, 2011 at 8:42 AM
This maybe...probably is...ridiculous to bring up but... I've been an avid photographer since 1947 apbut have always been been antipathetically burdened a bit by our propensity to use the term "shoot" metaphorically for the verb " to photograph". As a veterinarian and falconer who spent over 30 years in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured raptors, particularly threatened and endangered species thereof I spent an inordinate amount of volunteer time devoted to care of gunshot bald eagles, not a few of which were "shot" along the Missippi and Missouri Rivers. So imagine, if you can, the autonomic and literally visceral reaction elicited by the phrase "...shooting bald eagles along the Mississippi....". I know I'm whistling in the wind, but it would be wonderful if wildlife photographers could...would...eschew the term "...shoot..." and embrace "snap", "catch", or even "grab" or even "... photograph..." when referring to our passion for the visual beauty and impact of our "prey".
There. I know that, in the face of eternity, it will have been to absolutely no effect, but...I said it and I'm glad!
Dave Graham, East River, SD
Posted by William Gillis on December 15, 2011 at 2:34 PM
The National Eagle center is located in Wabasha Minnesota.The Center is an excellent source for information. Large numbers of Bald Eagles winter over from Lake City Minnesota to Winona Minnesota. Many observation areas are located along Hwy 61 South. Eagles can be seen on the ice in January and Feb. This year has been unusual however since we have no snow at present. Solid ice on the Mississippi is below normal due to the unusual warm temps.
Good Luck.
William Gillis
Posted by Mark Seaver on December 16, 2011 at 7:04 PM
I'm with Dave on the language use. While I understood, the context. I figured there was at least 50% chance that this topic was going to be a rant about some idiot shooting eagles....it happens regularly!
I'm glad that when the original poster mentioned shooting Bald Eagles that he didn't make any mention of them tasting like chicken. A comment like that would really be in poor taste!
On a more serious note, I traveled to Wabasha this past winter to photograph the Bald Eagles and really didn't have much luck. Most were well out of range and because I could not get across the railroad tracks to get to a better viewing area. The warmer winter weather did not help attract the same number of Eagles to the area either. Next winter you might have some luck just looking in trees in Lake City, Red Wing or Wabasha.
Discussion
5 replieshttp://www.greatriver.com/Birding/Eagleevents.htm
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/eagles/winter.html
There. I know that, in the face of eternity, it will have been to absolutely no effect, but...I said it and I'm glad!
Dave Graham, East River, SD
Good Luck.
William Gillis
On a more serious note, I traveled to Wabasha this past winter to photograph the Bald Eagles and really didn't have much luck. Most were well out of range and because I could not get across the railroad tracks to get to a better viewing area. The warmer winter weather did not help attract the same number of Eagles to the area either. Next winter you might have some luck just looking in trees in Lake City, Red Wing or Wabasha.