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Bald Eagles at Lock and Dam 14

1/5/2013

8 Comments

 
Picture
Click for more Eagle pictures
It was a great day of taking Eagle pictures at Lock and Dam 14 on the Mississippi River near LeClaire, IA (near Bettendorf and Davenport). This is undoubtedly one of the better places to photograph Eagles in the lower 48 states. People come from all over the country. I have been there the first week of March, the end of February, and this year the first week of January. This week was by far the best with the most Eagles. At one point I counted close to 50 either perching in trees (12 in one tree), flying over the dam or catching fish in the river. There were also about 70 photographers lined up shoulder to shoulder - lots of big lenses. This is an odd spot in the river because it isn't North-South, but turns to the Southwest. So it takes the sun a long time to get around to the best lighting position for taking photos of the flying birds. Generally, at this time of year, from about 1:00 PM until 3:30 PM is the best time. Earlier, there are a lot of shadows; later and the sun is below the trees on the West side of the river. However, to get a good parking spot and position for tripod set up you may want to get there earlier. Telephoto or long zoom lenses are a must for getting close-up pictures and a fast shutter speed to stop the action. Some photographers hand-held their cameras and others used a tripod. You need to be able to pan quickly as the birds are flying.

Watch the weather when planning your trip. It seems like the colder the better. If much of the river is frozen over the Eagles will concentrate below the dam. The best conditions are a bright sunny day with the wind coming from the West-Southwest or from the Southwest. The Eagles will fly in to the wind as they swoop down to grab a fish from the river and this will put them facing toward  the sun or with the sun slightly to their right, and facing the right direction for photography from the viewing platform. At some times the action is very fast with several Eagles fishing at the same time. At other times you may sit for a long time with no action. Bring a stool or you'll be standing a long time.

I had a good day photographing Bald Eagles and got many shots that I liked. I especially liked the one below of the Eagle looking at the fish that he had just snared. You can see more Eagle pictures here.

Getting there: Take I-80 to the Le Claire, IA exit just before the bridge crosses the river to Illinois. It is exit 308. Go south on US Highway 67 (S. Cody Rd) for a couple of miles and turn left (East) in to a drive for the Lock and Dam 14. There is a large parking area below the lock next to the river and a long paved sidewalk for viewing and photography.


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8 Comments
Samuel
2/13/2013 11:34:13 pm

Sir
I am planning on a visit to photograph eagles on 18th or 20th Feb 2013, do you think the eagles will be still there.
Thanks
Sam

Reply
Bruce McKee
2/14/2013 01:15:13 am

I have been to Lock and Dam 14 the first week of March and the last week of February in years past and found Eagles along the river, but in fewer numbers than January. As the temperature becomes warmer and the river opens up more they will tend to disperse. It is hard to say what it might be like next week.

Reply
David Staff link
1/14/2015 03:03:47 pm

I am thinking of going to lock and dam 14 this weekend to photograph some eagles. I notice the counts are still a little low. What are your thoughts on possibilities this weekend?

Reply
Bruce McKee
1/16/2015 06:15:44 am

Sorry about the late response to your question. LD14 is usually pretty good this time of year as there are people who throw out fish to attract them at that location. It helps when it is very cold and much of the river is frozen because the Eagles hang out below the dam. I haven't been over there recently but I have seen photos from others so there are Eagles around.
-Bruce McKee

Reply
jean
2/18/2015 03:16:42 pm

Bruce, thx for the article, very nice shots! we wonder if this time of the year is still good or not to visit. 2/18/15's weekend.

Reply
Bruce
2/18/2015 04:05:23 pm

I'm guessing that there will still be Eagles at Lock and Dam 14 in mid-February. I've seen many in early March in previous years. They are usually starting to head North at this time of year, but it has been very cold and there are very likely many hanging around. (I haven't been there for awhile). You may have to wait for awhile to see them catching fish in the river.
- Bruce

Reply
Alan Forshee
12/26/2016 08:15:10 am

Do they only throw fish out on weekends or is this done also during the week. I am thinking of coming up the week between Christmas and New Years this year.

Reply
balon
2/13/2017 09:55:30 am

Hi, if I plan to go down, where is the best spot to park and take phpto, please advise

Reply



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