Fly Eagles, Fly

Near the Prairie du Sac dam. 1/31/2026 dwm

Since we moved back to Wisconsin in the summer of 2012, I've only missed the eagles in Sauk Prairie once, in 2015.

As I left Verona, the skies were cloudy, but the closer I got to the Wisconsin River, the clouds were breaking up and there was bright, even glaring, sunlight over the hills.

My first stop was the Alliant Energy dam north of the community. I saw a couple of eagles roosting high in a tree, but there weren't any eagles in the air.

Eagles roosting downtown. 1/31/2026 dwm

I drove back to town for a break at Kwik Trip, then stopped near an island in the middle of the Wisconsin River that is usually good to see at least an eagle or two.

By this time, the light was shining on the river, making it easier to see the familiar white feathers on these majestic birds.

From the viewing area in Prairie du Sac, I saw two eagles high in a tree. There was a second pair across the river from where I was standing, and a third pair on the same side of the river but with many branches between me and them (below).

A mature and immature bald eagle. 1/31/2026 dwm

Saturday was the warmest day, we've had in south Wisconsin for two weeks. Out of the light wind, the sun warmed things nicely, making it a comfortable day to be outside for 20 minutes if you were dressed properly.

Then I went back to the dam to see if more eagles had gathered.

There were more people next to the dam than earlier either using binoculars or cameras to admire the birds.

Most were roosting, but ten minutes later a few eagles took to the sky. One soared over everything, showing off an impressive wing-span; while others cruised close to the river.

Fly like an eagle. 1/31/2026 dwm

Scientists and researchers say this 30-mile stretch of the Wisconsin River sees anywhere from 50 to 400 bald eagles each winter.

It's a good place to survive the season with access to water, food, and shelter.

This was the first year I didn't notice signs advising visitors to stay in their vehicles to avoid frightening the eagles.

The viewing decks downtown had no such signs, so I'm guessing it was decided people weren't a big problem or the signs were ineffective.

Fifteen years after my first trip to Sauk Prairie to watch the eagles, it continues to be a wonderful spot to see our national emblem in flight. The pictures vary from year to year and I continue to look for the shot where everything comes together. I had photos a few years ago that remain the best I've had, but I'll keep looking and taking pictures for years to come.