Catch The Bald Eagles At Cedar City’s Free Viewing Event

I mentioned this the other day on the radio show. I was recently driving down Main Street a while back and kind of in a funk, when I happen to see two large birds flying together in the air. I could not determine of they were eagles, but they weren't small. As I watched their antics in the air, I couldn't help to think how many things are placed before us to give us pleasure.

They were not at all combative towards one another, and I imagined if I could see closely, I would have noticed a huge smile on their beaks. Watching nature can bring enrichment to the soul, and we have an event coming up to give us such an experience.

January And February Are Prime Months To See Eagles

February is often considered the prime month to see America’s national bird in Utah, as bald eagles arrive in large numbers to take advantage of open water and reliable food sources during the winter. Fleeing harsher conditions farther north, these impressive raptors typically begin appearing in late January, and by February, hundreds can be found across the state.

To help residents and visitors take advantage of this seasonal spectacle, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will host a free bald eagle viewing event in southern Utah on Friday, Jan. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., just outside of Cedar City.

Johnny Neil, an Outreach Specialist from the Utah Division of Wildlife resources was on the radio with us on the Wildside program, and explained why we were having the event in January as opposed to February, which is Bald Eagle Month.

“In the past we used to do it in February, which is the whole Bald Eagle Month,” Neil said. “We've kind of changed that in our region just because we are so far south. Our bald eagle population tends to start migrating up north by the time we get to February. We switched our event to January so we could, hopefully, have a higher population of the eagles in our valley.”

Adam Kavalunas, Outreach Manager for the Southern Region of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources was also on the Wildside program, and he told us you can see eagles year round in southern Utah, but they are not necessarily bald eagles.

“We have Golden Eagles year round. They don't migrate. But, we do have Bald Eagles year round, not very many of them. We have had a successful nesting pair, kind of on the southwest side of town, and they do stick around here all summer,” Kavalunas told us.

The event will give participants the chance to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat and to learn more about their behavior and biology from DWR biologists who will be on site. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly for winter conditions and to bring their own binoculars or spotting scopes to get a better view of the birds.

The viewing location is easy to access from Interstate 15. Travelers should take exit 59, head west on Highway 56 for approximately three miles, then turn right onto North 3900 West. From there, continue north for about three miles until reaching the viewing area, which will be located along the side of the road.

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In addition to seeing bald eagles up close, attendees can receive a free, collectible Bald Eagle Month pin while supplies last. Although the event is free, advance registration on Eventbrite is encouraged to help organizers plan accordingly.

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For those unable to attend the southern Utah event, bald eagles can be found at various locations throughout the state during the winter months. Wildlife officials remind eagle watchers to observe from public areas only, avoid trespassing on private property, and use binoculars or spotting scopes to minimize disturbance. Free Bald Eagle Month pins are also available at all six DWR offices and at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, while supplies last.