
Fort Randall Eagle Roost
N 43° 02.569 W 098° 34.360
14T E 534807 N 4765658
Fort Randall Eagle Roost NNL at Randall Creek Recreation Area, Fort Randall Hydroelectric Dam, and the town of Pickstown, SD
Waymark Code: WMGPP
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 07/08/2006
Views: 44
The
Bald Eagles that roost here, as well as other wildlife, have made a dramatic comeback since the passage of the
Endangered Species Act.
These old-growth Cottonwood Trees stand tall in one of the last stretches of truly natural Missouri River bottomlands. Lands that attract a diversity of wildlife, from ducks and eagles to deer and songbirds.
Before the dams were built, the free-flowing river and surrounding habitats yielded fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife that the Bald Eagles preyed upon. Today, these
Karl Mundt National Wildlife Reguge lands, and the tailwaters Fort Randall Dam provide food and roosting areas for the eagles.

The Refuge is closed to protect roosting, and Randall Creek Rec Area is closed between 1 October and 30 April each year as well. The eagles will leave the roost if approached so viewing should be respectful of that. A great viewing area is at
N43 03.382 W98 33.012 which is very near the tailrace waters and can be accessed year round.
The photo on the right is taken from
N43 02.569 W98 34.360, a scenic lookout on the west side of the river. The military style cemetary in the picture is the Fort Randall Cemetary. Large stands of cottonwoods are between this vantage point and the river.