OTTUMWA — With weather like what is currently in place in Iowa, it isn’t the time most people think about water activities.
But at least two species are focusing on that right now.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the cold weather is bringing bald eagles back into the state from their northern grounds. It is also drawing people onto lakes as ice fishing becomes possible.
Doug Harr, the department’s wildlife diversity coordinator for non-game animals, said experts expect a large number of eagles this year.
“Around 2,300 pairs of eagles were reported in Minnesota this summer, and Canada has even more,” Harr said. “As harsh weather forces birds south, Iowa becomes a winter destination as eagles collect around open fishing waters.”
Harr specifically cited the Des Moines River and Mississippi River as popular spots for the visiting eagles.
Ottumwa eagle watchers benefit from the migration. When colder air arrives, it freezes most surface water in the area. But the hydro dam in downtown creates an area of open water that looks like a buffet line to migrating eagles.
And the colder it gets, the more eagles will likely arrive.
“As fast as the big waters are currently freezing to our north, I’d expect to see a huge influx of bald eagles move into Iowa during the next few days,” Harr said. “Most of these birds are coming straight down the chute from Minnesota and Canada, and viewing opportunities are occurring statewide.”
Eagles aren’t the only ones watching the weather.
Ice fishing is only possible after the temperatures take a winter plunge. Last week’s snow was actually bad news for those enthusiasts. The snow insulates the ice, which means it does not grow thicker as quickly as if it was exposed.
The basic guidelines from the DNR warn anglers to stay off ice if it is less than 2 inches thick. Two inches can support a single person under good conditions. Three inches of ice can support a group if the people spread out and four inches of ice supports general use. The DNR says only ice in the northern two-thirds of Iowa is currently thick enough for ice fishing.
Even if the ice is thick in one part of the surface, it doesn’t guarantee thickness elsewhere.
“Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water and there is no such thing as safe ice. There is always risk associated with going out on ice,” said Mick Klemesrud of the DNR.
Still, experts warn that even experienced ice fishermen should pack emergency items in case of an accident. The DNR recommends bringing ice picks and 50 feet of rope. Inflatable cushions can keep anglers from sitting on the ice while also providing an emergency float should someone break through.
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