The American Bald Eagle visits the Upper Mississippi River and National Wildlife & Fish Refuge lands each year from late fall through early spring. 

As many as 2,500 bald eagles winter along the Upper Mississippi River
from St. Paul, MN to
St. Louis, MO.

The River Cities Area of Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois, are located on the Mississippi River near one of its widest points. This area is a popular wintering area for bald eagles because of the abundant food, open water and tall trees that are available here. 

Lock and Dam 13, located five miles north of Fulton, IL, keeps the river from freezing and provides the eagles with an area to hunt their primary food source – fish.

The best time to watch eagles is in the early morning. This is their prime feeding time when they can be seen soaring or diving for fish. 

Bald eagles roost together in large, mature trees surrounded by a buffer of small trees. These roosts are chosen by the eagles to provide protection from the weather and avoid disturbances from outsiders. 

These perches are found close to the eagles' source of food and are usually within 60 yards of the water’s edge. On mild days, eagles may be seen standing on the ice or soaring overhead.