National Eagle Center

Want to see eagles up close and personal? Then come visit the new National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN! Meet Harriet, Angel, and Columbia, three educational eagles that reside in this large structure. All three of these residents can be seen clearly, as they are not in cages.

While the National Eagle Center's grand opening isn't until September 29th and 30th, you can still see many things there, now.

Sit in on a classroom session and learn interesting facts about the golden as well as the bald eagle. While we were there, we got to watch Harriet munch on lunch as we asked questions after their informative talk.

Did you know:
* A bald eagle's egg is white, while a golden eagle's is speckled brown.
* Bald eagles are opportunists. A dead rabbit, snake, or even deer(!), is welcomed fast food to them.
* Eagles will protect their prey. If you see an eagle in the road with roadkill, slow down, stop, or swerve if it's safe to do so. These birds will not leave their food, and many have been killed or injured because of this.
* Lead, the size of a pinhead, can and will kill an eagle in a matter of days. Fishermen and hunters, please take note!

At the center, you can also learn about other endangered or protected animals and what you can do to help save them from extinction. Triumphantly, the American bald eagle has officially been taken off the endangered species list as of June 2007, and with concerned citizen's efforts, other species may, too!

There are indoor and outdoor observation areas for viewing eagles. Come between November and March and witness hundreds of overwintering eagles flying, fishing, or perching above the icy waters. The waters don't freeze over, here, due to the Chippewa River's convergence slightly north on the Mississippi River. These majestic raptors are truly awesome!

The National Eagle Center is now located on Pembroke Ave. Follow it down to the river and you'll see it on the left hand side. Visit their website for more info at: http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/

Other interesting and informative sites on eagles:
Hope Rutledge's beautiful site: http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/
Journey North: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/BaldEagle.html

--LKR

Wabasha, MN

In southeastern, MN, right along the Mississippi River is the oldest community in the state. Historic Wabasha, which was established in 1830, is a quaint little town that is part of the Great River Road Bluffs Region.

Wabasha is famous for being home to the movie, Grumpy Old Men, as well as it's sequel, Grumpier Old Men, in the 1990's. It is also home to the new National Eagle Center, the perfect site since hundreds of eagles overwinter here from November to March.

Recently while visiting this town, we stopped for lunch at the Flour Mill Pizzeria, and ended up next door at the Chocolate Escape which ironically was the old home for the Eagle Center we had come to see!

We are hoping to come back this way in the fall to view the tree-lined bluffs cloaked in their fall colors, as well as to see a larger gathering of eagles. --LKR