As the ice slowly melted on the Mississippi River, we knew it was that time of year to head down to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN. Visiting the center has become a yearly tradition for us as we join in the celebration of the annual spring bald eagle migration at the Soar with the Eagles event.
Joining the celebration!
As you drive down Route 61 in the winter, you notice how the Mississippi River is frozen for miles, until you get to the quaint town of Wabasha, MN. At this location along the river, the water keeps flowing year round due to the merging of the Mississippi and Chippewa Rivers. This creates the perfect environment for the large number of Bald Eagles that spend the winter in the area.
2019 marked the 26th Annual SOAR with the Eagles festival. This years event ran every weekend in March, but the 2nd weekend when we had originally intended to attend had some challenges due to a classic Minnesota winter event with some events rescheduled.
Our team was able to visit during the March 23rd/24th weekend and were not disappointed! The crowds were the largest we had ever experienced at the site, but the atmosphere was very relaxed with many families in attendance.
TIP: Plan on arriving early if you intend to see the AM feature program. Both the AM and PM programs were fully attended.
Meeting the ambassadors
In the main learning area, four of the resident ambassadors were relaxing on their perches. We had the opportunity to meet Donald (Golden eagle), Angel, Columbia, and Was’aka (Bald eagle). Latsch (Bald eagle) was helping with classes during visit. While all the eagles were majestic looking, it was Donald’s massive talons that caught our eye. After seeing a video of a Golden eagle taking down a sika deer, you can understand how they are used to grab and hold large prey.
TIP: Be sure to check out the Meet Our Eagles section to learn more about the ambassadors!
Special guest from the Midwest Peregrine Society
The Midwest Peregrine Society brought three Falcons to the festival, a Gyrfalcon, Merlin and Peregrine falcons. Jackie Fallon presented about the history and how DDT decimated the wild populations
Want to help support the National Eagle Center (Eaglewatch, Inc.)?
The center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends heavily upon donations and support from people like you. We always like to highlight the different ways that our readers can help these organizations.
- Donations – Cash ALWAYS help!
- Membership – Unlimited free admission for a year (Bonus – $2 off admission at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and the International Owl Center)
- Amazon Smile – Select “National Eagle Center” as your charity
- Matching Gifts – Have a matching gift program at work, then click here.
- Honor a loved one – Honor their memory
- Gifts of Stock – Want to donate stock or Appreciated Assets
In closing…
We had a great time learning about the National Eagle Center during this trip. On the way home, we counted over 25 eagles enjoying the warmer weather while sitting on the still frozen Mississippi river. Always remember, s the journey is as enjoyable as the destinations.
TIP: While visiting the center during the festival is always fun, be sure to check out their calendar for unique programming opportunities.