3 Things to Know About Keith County's Bald Eagles
Updated: Aug 15, 2019
Winter may be months away, but plan now to catch a glance of Amerca’s iconic symbol as they gather to feed on the open waters of Lake Ogallala and Lake McConaughy. So don't miss your chance to see these majestic creatures in Keith County: Coming to a hole in the ice near us, this winter!
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1. Small Fact About Nebraska’s Bald Eagles: Bald Eagles visit Nebraska in the winter after migrating from their summer nesting grounds in the northern United States, Canada and even Alaska. As our national bird, they are special, and protected. In fact, thanks to conservation efforts, Bald Eagles were brought back from near extinction. We are blessed to have a uniquely large wintering population here in Keith County.
2. Identification: Adult Bald Eagles are 35-40 inches long with dark brown feathers, and a signature bald head and white tail. It takes 4-5 years for young eagles to display their adult feathers, so when you see a dark eagle without the signature white head and tail, it could very well be a juvenile Bald Eagle still learning the ropes in Keith County.
3. Best Viewing Times: While do have a sparse year-round population, most of our Bald Eagles come to the area as early as October, and stay as late as March. As with most birds, eagles are active primarily in the early morning or late afternoon. For an optimal eagle (or any bird) experience, get up early. To see large numbers of eagles, take advantage of viewing eagles at Lake Ogallala those rare years when Lake McConaughy completely freezes over. Locations near Kingsley Dam can offer spectacles of Bald Eagles when the conditions are right.
About CNPPD's Eagle Viewing Facility
Nebraska's winters may be cold, but you don't have to freeze to see Bald Eagles during their December - February peak. We encourage you to get to the viewing blind as soon as they open for opportunities to see hunting behavior. Instead, just visit the Central Nebraska Public Power District's Eagle Viewing Facility at Kingsley Dam.
Location: the southwest side of Lake Ogallala
Estimated 2019-2020 Facility Dates: December 21, 2019 - February 29, 2020.
Please note, CNPPD has not announced its 2020.
Eagle Viewing Facility Times: Saturdays & Sundays from 8 AM - 2 PM, or by appt.
For more facility information, or to schedule group tours,
please call CNPPD at: 308-324-2811
Please stay tuned for an article about how you can stay safe while enjoying
Keith County's winter wonderland!
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