In February, bald eagles in Colorado are typically at the peak of their winter migration.
Many eagles migrate to Colorado’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from northern states and Canada, seeking open water and abundant food sources. They join the roughly 200 nesting pairs who already call Colorado home, albeit for only briefly.
According to the Denver Gazette, "as winter hits and mountain lakes freeze, eagles are pushed to lower elevation areas in search of fish that aren't trapped beneath an icy surface. The lower elevation lakes they tend to seek out are often in places that are developed by humans, thus more accessible for hopeful bird spotters.This change of location isn't the only factor that makes spotting eagles during early February easier.
The colder temperatures also mean less overall activity for the eagles, making eagles often easily spottable on predictable roosts during particularly frigid days. Given how eagles tend to congregate in branches of shoreside trees overnight, spotting them in these areas during the coldest hours of dusk or dawn is a good strategy."
Where to See Bald Eagles in Colorado in February
Here's a good map (with other excellent information) of all locations in Colorado where bald eagles may be spotted this month.
By March and April, many bald eagles begin migrating north for the breeding season, but some stay year-round in Colorado, especially in areas with stable food sources.
According to the Denver Gazette, "as winter hits and mountain lakes freeze, eagles are pushed to lower elevation areas in search of fish that aren't trapped beneath an icy surface. The lower elevation lakes they tend to seek out are often in places that are developed by humans, thus more accessible for hopeful bird spotters.This change of location isn't the only factor that makes spotting eagles during early February easier.
The colder temperatures also mean less overall activity for the eagles, making eagles often easily spottable on predictable roosts during particularly frigid days. Given how eagles tend to congregate in branches of shoreside trees overnight, spotting them in these areas during the coldest hours of dusk or dawn is a good strategy."
Where to See Bald Eagles in Colorado in February
- Barr Lake State Park (near Denver) – One of the best spots with designated viewing areas.
- Chico Basin Ranch (southeast of Colorado Springs) – A prime winter habitat.
- South Platte River – Often hosts eagles near open water.
- John Martin Reservoir (southeast Colorado) – A key wintering site.
- Standley Lake (Westminster) – Home to a resident eagle population.
- Bingham Lake - this Pinery lake is easily accessible by car or on foot (great walking trail around the lake)
- Cherry Creek State Park
Here's a good map (with other excellent information) of all locations in Colorado where bald eagles may be spotted this month.
By March and April, many bald eagles begin migrating north for the breeding season, but some stay year-round in Colorado, especially in areas with stable food sources.