This morning, I’m writing a simple Bald Eagle post about a well-known Bald Eagle post at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City, Utah.
Bald Eagle post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/6400, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This morning, I saw someone ask in a local Facebook group how to go about finding Bald Eagles to photograph at the refuge and nearby locations like Willard Bay SP.
I start looking for Bald Eagles at the refuge around November and keep looking until they head to their breeding grounds in Utah and beyond in late winter.
During this time of the year, I have found Bald Eagles sitting on fence posts starting at the I-15 exit and on ramps. The eagles can be found resting on the ground, perched on power poles, on the banks of the Bear River, and practically anywhere in the marshes of the auto tour loop.
When it is colder than it is now, the eagles will rest on the ice on the river and wetlands. Look for the eagles in the few trees that can be found near the Bear River on the drive out to the auto tour loop.
One of the most well-known spots to look for a Bald Eagle at the refuge is a leaning wooden post west of the duck club and east of the entrance to the auto tour loop. Personally, I’ve been photographing Bald Eagles on that post since March of 2010, near the end of my first full winter in Utah.
The leaning post is far enough away from the road that any eagle perched on it is typically comfortable with people stopping their vehicles to take photos by using them as a mobile blind. I will say that I’ve seen people pile out of their cars at this location, which usually causes the eagle to take off.
Winter Bald Eagles roost in trees along Willard Bay but sadly I’ve noticed that large trees there close to the water and campsites have been chopped down this year. I don’t know why those mature trees that the eagles used to perch in have been removed at Willard Bay State Park and I won’t be asking them. I do hope those trees are being replaced.
It is a great time of the year to find Bald Eagles in northern Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bald Eagle photos plus facts and information about this species.
Majestic – and marvellous. Sigh at the loss of yet more trees.
Love the Bald Eagle post post. 😉