Bald Eagle Watching in Nebraska
There are many opportunities to experience Nebraska wildlife in its natural habitat. Winter and early spring are the best times to see bald eagles in Nebraska, when large numbers gather near open water and river corridors.
*Please be respectful of bald eagles and other wildlife. It is illegal to disturb them in the wild. Use binoculars and observe from a safe distance to avoid spooking the birds.
Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala
Located north of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala are two of Nebraska’s top spots for bald eagle viewing in January and February. Eagles gather below Kingsley Dam, where the hydroelectric plant keeps water from freezing, creating reliable winter feeding conditions. Large numbers of bald eagles can also be seen from the shoreline of Lake Ogallala.
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
Sutherland Reservoir is another dependable winter location for bald eagle sightings in Nebraska. Similar to Lake McConaughy, a nearby power plant circulates warm water into the lake, preventing freeze-up and allowing eagles to hunt for fish. The safest and most consistent viewing areas are near the golf course and the Hershey Beach area.
Harlan County Reservoir
Bald eagle numbers at Harlan County Reservoir vary based on the amount of open water available during winter months. When conditions are right, the lake attracts significant concentrations of eagles. The Pheasant Ridge Walking Trail follows the shoreline and provides good vantage points for eagle watching.
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
The Burwell area, particularly Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, is known for winter bald eagle activity. Eagles are often seen near open water, with the north end of the lake offering a convenient pull-off for roadside viewing.
Niobrara State Park
The Niobrara River Valley provides excellent habitat for bald eagles, thanks to its network of rivers, streams and nearby lakes. With more than 12 miles of hiking trails, Niobrara State Park offers multiple opportunities to spot eagles while exploring diverse wildlife habitat.
Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
Lake Wanahoo, located north of Wahoo, is a popular bald eagle viewing site in southeast Nebraska. A wildlife viewing platform and walking trail on the north side of the lake make it easy to observe eagles, along with a wide variety of other bird species and wildlife.
Branched Oak State Recreation Area
Northwest of Lincoln, Branched Oak State Recreation Area is a reliable location for bald eagle sightings in late winter and early spring. As ice begins to break up, eagles are often seen perched in shoreline trees or flying over open water. The dam area and the north and east sides of the reservoir typically offer the best viewing opportunities. They are also commonly spotted at nearby Pawnee State Recreation Area.
Platte River Valley
Stretching across much of the state, the Platte River Valley serves as a major wintering and migration corridor for bald eagles in Nebraska. Shallow channels, sandbars and cottonwood-lined banks create ideal hunting and roosting habitat, especially where open water persists in winter. Eagles are frequently spotted near public access points and parks along the Platte River, particularly in central and eastern Nebraska.
All photos provided by Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
