Sandy Island Bald Eagle Sanctuary
Wed, Jul 28 2010 at 3:10 PM EST
By The Nature Conservancy
The majority of Sandy Island Eagle Sanctuary was donated by Missouri photographer Frank Oberle and his wife Judy in 1992 as a safe habitat for bald eagles. This area provides a wonderful natural area only miles from St. Louis, making it an accessible and reliable place to observe these majestic birds in their winter habitat.
Why You Should Visit:
Sandy Island provides critical habitat for wintering bald eagles that visit this region of the Mississippi River. The Mary Chambers Wiese platform located adjacent to the preserve, provides close-range viewing (complete with mounted scope) of the eagles and other birds.
Sandy Island provides critical habitat for wintering bald eagles that visit this region of the Mississippi River. The Mary Chambers Wiese platform located adjacent to the preserve, provides close-range viewing (complete with mounted scope) of the eagles and other birds.
Location:
Minutes from the St. Louis metropolitan area, just south of Winfield Lock and Dam, three miles east of Winfield, Missouri on Highway N.
Minutes from the St. Louis metropolitan area, just south of Winfield Lock and Dam, three miles east of Winfield, Missouri on Highway N.
Hours:
Daylight
Daylight
Size:
28 acres (includes a quarter mile of frontage along the Mississippi River just below the dam)
28 acres (includes a quarter mile of frontage along the Mississippi River just below the dam)
Conditions:
The preserve itself is closed to all visitation from November 1 to March 1, when the eagles are present.
The preserve itself is closed to all visitation from November 1 to March 1, when the eagles are present.
How to Prepare for Your Visit:
Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. No special gear or clothing is recommended.
Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly. No special gear or clothing is recommended.
What to See: Animals
During the winter months, up to several hundred bald eagles use the preserve's cottonwood and silver maples trees for roosting. January and February are prime viewing times.
During the winter months, up to several hundred bald eagles use the preserve's cottonwood and silver maples trees for roosting. January and February are prime viewing times.
What to See: Plants
From the tall trees, the eagles scan the open water below the dam, where they dive to catch fish.
From the tall trees, the eagles scan the open water below the dam, where they dive to catch fish.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing:
The Mary Wiese Observation Platform is located on Corps of Engineers property at the south end of Lock and Dam #25.
The Mary Wiese Observation Platform is located on Corps of Engineers property at the south end of Lock and Dam #25.
MNN is working with The Nature Conservancy to bring you state-by-state environmental information.
