Bald Eagles Returning To Colorado-Where To See Them
The eagles are coming, and we don't mean football.
At one time, there were approximately ten pairs of nesting bald eagles left in Colorado, due to overuse of the pesticide DDT and the bald eagle was considered endangered.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there are now approximately 125 nesting pairs and this year, over 1,200 eagles are expected to descend on Colorado.
You will have until around mid-February to view these majestic birds, as most leave the state.
There are a few places you can go to sit and watch bald eagles in Colorado:
Fossil CreekReservoir Natural Area - Fort Collins
The cottonwood trees found here are some of their favorite places to bed and breakfast, as the milder winters suit the bald eagle just fine. Take exit 392 off of I-25 and head west. Don't forget your video camera.
Barr Lake State Park - Brighton
Juvenile bald eagles, as well as adult ones, can be spotted here. They also offer bald eagle watch training. Their bald eagle festival is February 2. Home to the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Barr Lake is probably the best place in the state to watch these magnificent birds.
Standley Lake Regional Park - Westminster
Home to several programs about eagles, they also offer a free class. You can register for it online.
If you would rather try to find them on your own, here are a few tips to possibly make it easier for you to do so.
Eagles rarely stray far from water, so lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are a good place to set up. Tall trees such as cottonwoods make an area even better for eagles and, as a result, viewing them becomes more of a possibility.
Sunrise and just before sunset is the best viewing times and eagles prefer to roost together, so look up into the trees.
One final thought. Never approach nesting eagles or advance too close. The eagles will let you know when you have done that, as their entire attitude changes. If they seem agitated, back off.
Enjoy viewing our national bird and remember to take a lot of pictures and videos.