Bald Eagles Migrate to Eastern Missouri

Where do you go to spot Bald Eagles? Well, if it's January you go to Eastern Missouri. Every winter the Missouri Department of Conservation hosts Eagle Days at several prime eagle-spotting locations throughout the state, including the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge in Eastern Missouri. Located just outside St. Louis, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is a favorite birding venue, and on January 19-20, 2002 it's the site of Eagle Days.

Eagle Days allows participants to observe Bald Eagles in their natural habitat, while naturalists present interpretive programs and educational information about the protected birds. Missouri is a favorite wintering spot for eagles, and in past years upwards of 2,000 birds were spotted during the winter migration.

During Eagle Days, spotting scopes are set up midway across the Chain of Rocks Bridge, and eagle experts are on-hand to field questions from the public. There is no charge for this program and it's one of the few times the Chain of Rocks Bridge is open in the winter. Remember, eagle-spotting is an outdoor activity, so be sure and bundle up. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars. For more information about Eagle Days, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 751-4115.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the United States. Once a part of historic Route 66, the bridge connected Saint Louis, Missouri and Edwardsville, Illinois. After the new interstate was built, traffic on the Chain of Rocks Bridge dramatically decreased, until the bridge was finally closed to vehicle traffic in 1968. In 1999 it was reopened to pedestrian traffic. Today it's open to pedestrian traffic from April to November, and for special winter events like Eagle Days.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge features level access and a cement surface. It's an easy half-mile roll to the midpoint of the bridge. There is an accessible porta-potty in the parking lot. Parking is available in a dirt parking area on the Missouri side of the bridge, however there are no designated accessible parking spaces there. For more information about the Chain of Rocks Bridge, contact Trailnet at (314) 416-9930.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge is located 100 yards south of the intersection of Interstate 270 and Riverview Road, just north of Saint Louis. Consult the Winter 2002 issue of Emerging Horizons for more information about accessible tourist attractions throughout the St. Louis area.