Bald Eagles Flock To The Mississippi In Record Numbers: Here’s Where To Spot Them!
🚨 Attention bird lovers! 🦅 The bald eagles are putting on a show along the upper Mississippi River, and you won’t want to miss it! 😍 Get the inside scoop on where to spot these majestic creatures in record numbers! 🌟 #EagleWatching #MississippiRiver #NatureLovers
La Crosse, Wisconsin – Calling all bird lovers and nature enthusiasts! It’s that magical time of year when the majestic bald eagles make their grand appearance along the upper Mississippi River. And let me tell you, this year is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle!
My hubby Jack and I spotted three bald eagles just a few blocks from our home in Winona, Minnesota yesterday. They were just hanging out on Lake Winona. It was such a majestic sight!
A Bald Eagle Bonanza
Picture this: hundreds of these incredible birds, our very own American emblem, soaring through the skies and perching on the riverbanks. It’s a sight that will take your breath away! The upper Mississippi River has become a hotspot for bald eagles during their annual migration, and the numbers just keep growing.
So, what’s the secret behind this eagle explosion? Well, the folks at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge have been working hard to restore the habitat, and it’s paying off big time. Plus, with the banning of that nasty pesticide DDT, these magnificent creatures are thriving like never before.
Prime Fishing Spots for Feathered Friends
Now, you might be wondering what makes the upper Mississippi so darn appealing to bald eagles. It all comes down to one thing: food! The river is teeming with tasty fish, and the eagles just can’t resist. They’ve got their pick of the freshest catch, and sometimes they even snack on small ducks and other critters.
But it’s not just about the grub. The Mississippi’s floodplain forests are like luxury condos for eagles, providing the perfect spots to perch and nest. And if you head over to the Black River near La Crosse, Wisconsin, you’ll find eagles keeping a keen eye on their next meal from the trees along the narrower waterway.
Where to Spot These Feathered Wonders
So, you’re ready to embark on your own eagle-watching adventure? You’re in luck! There are prime viewing spots all along the river. Just pull over at any overlook, and chances are you’ll spot some of these incredible birds.
But if you want to up your eagle-spotting game, there are a few hotspots you won’t want to miss. Check out the eagle-watching wayside near Exit 3 on Interstate 90 in La Crosse, where you can even use viewing scopes to get a closer look. French Island, nestled between the Mississippi and Black rivers, is another eagle paradise.
And get this: Pool 9, stretching from Genoa to Lynxville, Wisconsin, is like the Beverly Hills of eagle nesting. We’re talking 300 to 400 eagle nests! It’s a sight that will leave you in awe.
Can’t make it to the river? No worries! You can still join in on the eagle-watching fun from the comfort of your own home. Just tune in to the Raptor Resource Project’s Mississippi River flyway cam here or the National Eagle Center’s Eaglewatch cam here for a front-row seat to all the action.
Tips for Eagle-Spotting Success
Now, here’s the inside scoop on when to catch these eagles in action. The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the fish! Head out between 8 and 11 a.m. to watch them swoop in for their morning meal. And if you’re more of a sunset enthusiast, plan your visit a few hours before dusk to witness their majestic return to their roosts.
Oh, and if you spot a brown eagle, don’t be fooled! It’s not a different species – just a youngster who hasn’t quite earned its iconic white head yet. Give them a few years, and they’ll be rocking that classic bald eagle look.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your binoculars, round up your nature-loving pals, and head to the upper Mississippi River for an eagle-watching experience you’ll never forget!
🗣 Love bird watching? Ever spotted a bald eagle in the wild? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. We LOVE hearing from you! ⬇️
