Note To Our Readers

Best Winter Show in Missouri

December always seems to be a flurry of days that passes swiftly by amid gatherings of family and friends, holiday traditions, brisk winter walks, and even the possibility of snowflakes falling. It is truly a magical season. But while holiday festivities may keep us indoors, the splendor of Missouri’s winter season is about to be on full display outside.

The bald eagle is one of our country’s greatest conservation success stories. The eagle has made a dramatic comeback across the U.S., with Missouri being one of the leading bald eagle states. Every December through February, more than 2,000 eagles take up residence near Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands to find food.

The Department hosts several Eagle Days events around the state to take advantage of this winter viewing treasure. These free events include live captive-eagle programs, exhibits, kids activities, and guides with spotting scopes. The best part is watching these magnificent birds perched high in trees along the water’s edge take flight to capture food in the water. It is such a glorious sight to behold. The full list of Eagle Days events and locations can be found at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJA. Learn more about our eagle monitoring efforts on Page 10.

During this season of celebration, I hope you and your family will make time to get outside, bundled up in coats and hats, to see the best winter show in Missouri. It is an outdoor tradition you won’t want to miss this December.

Happy holidays!

—Sara Parker Pauley, director