While resident eagles abound in Minnesota, each year the Mississippi River Valley becomes a migration corridor for many species of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds that move back and forth from their northern summer homes to the warmer southern wintering grounds of our area. During this time, southeastern Minnesota is host to significant numbers of Bald Eagles making their way south. Many Bald Eagles prefer to over-winter in the Wabasha and Reads Landing area of the Mississippi River.

Eagles are attracted to open water areas of the river during the winter because food is plentiful and easy to find.

The Chippewa River enters the Mississippi at Reads Landing, which is at the foot of Lake Pepin, causing the river to remain unfrozen throughout the winter.

The eagles begin to congregate here along the river in early November, with the best viewing opportunities during December through March. Eagles can be seen soaring and diving for fish during morning and early evening hours. Midday, they typically perch on tall trees at the river’s edge.