Sunday, January 5, 2014

Mississippi River Trip–January 4, 2014 (Day 2)

We began our morning at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.  They have several resident bald eagles on display as well as a male golden eagle along with a number of exhibits.  Three times a day they do a presentation plus they are in an ideal location to view eagles in the colder months.  They are located right on the Mississippi in a location that never freezes over in the winter giving the eagles ample fishing opportunities.

The educational presentation was very interesting and we got to meet Columbia who enjoyed a meal of rabbit.

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Here is a picture of Donald, their golden eagle:

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We were able to see eagles just outside the National Eagle Center, about five miles north at Reeds Landing, MN, at Lock and Dam No. 4 in Alma, WI, and at Lock and Dam No. 6 in Trempealeau, WI.  The viewing at the National Eagle Center was the best as they are clearly set up for people to view the eagles.  In addition to have binoculars and scopes, there is a river walk and various observation spots.  Reads Landing has the largest population but had limited parking and really had no observation area.  Most were just standing on the railroad tracks to view the birds which probably wasn’t the safest option.  Reeds Landing had a bunch of swans and ducks as well.  Here are some pictures:

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The locks and dams are always interesting to me so here are a few pictures of them and the ice around them.

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This night we stayed at the Inn on the River where our balcony over looked the Mississippi and Lock and Dam No. 6.  Unfortunately there was no open ice up river from the lock and dam so we didn’t see any eagles from our room.  Plus it was a bit cold to truly enjoy the balcony. 

We had dinner at Ed Sullivan’s Supper Club where the food wasn’t bad but the people watching was quite entertaining.

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