By early March, they return to warm weather haunts in southern Canada and the Great Lake States. Eagle watching is increasing in popularity in Arkansas. Every January, volunteers throughout the state participate in counting the number of bald and golden eagles here. Winter is the best season for eagle watching in Arkansas, particularly in January and February. The largest concentration and most settled populations occur during these months.
Severe weather can make eagle watching easier.
For example, in January 1984, ice covered much of the state, and bald eagles congregated along the Arkansas River taking advantage of its open water. Eagle watching in Arkansas is also greatly influenced by regional weather factors. During mild winters, bald eagles overwinter farther north and remain more dispersed than during cold winters. This results in fewer birds to observe here. Knowledge of wintering eagle numbers and distribution in Arkansas and the Nation was limited prior to 1979.