Every winter, America’s national bird puts on a big show in Iowa. The state is located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, a major migration route for countless birds. In fact, about 40 percent of North American migrating waterfowl and shorebirds use this route.

You’ll also find large raptors along the flyway, including thousands of bald eagles that winter along the river. You‘ll find them gathered near the river’s system of locks and dams and Clinton, Iowa is a prime place to view these majestic birds.

Clinton, Iowa is located along the Mississippi River, about 30 miles northeast of the Quad Cities. It's adjacent to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a vast area of protected wildlife habitat.
Visit Clinton Iowa
Many of the eagles gather near Lock and Dam 13 on the river. A good viewing location nearby is Eagle Point Park. This 200-acre park offers panoramic views of this wide stretch of the river.
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While the eagles are huge, the vistas along the river are expansive, allowing you to see birds hundreds of yards away. To truly take in all the details of these majestic birds, consider bringing along a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.
Visit Clinton, Iowa / Facebook

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The river provides a plentiful food source for the birds. They can find open water to fish near the locks and dams.
Jeff R. Clow / Getty Images
Wild areas along the shore give the birds protection from Iowa's cold winter winds. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge include more than 240,000 acres of protected habitat.
Jeff R Clow / Getty Images
In the late 1970s, the Bald Eagle was on the verge of extinction. Today, it thrives in places like Clinton. They are incredible to see in flight, with wingspans that can approach eight feet.
Dale Lorenzen / 500px / Getty Images

Looking for more places to see bald eagles? Consider a trip to the riverside Iowa Town of Le Claire.

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