Yes, there are bald eagles in Minnesota. In fact, Minnesota is home to significant numbers of bald eagles during the winter months, particularly in the Red Wing and Wabasha areas near the Mississippi River. The current of the inflowing Chippewa River maintains open water throughout the winter, attracting hundreds of bald eagles to the area. The best viewing opportunities are from December through March, with mornings and evenings being the best times to see the eagles soaring and diving for fish.

Bald Eagle Populations in Minnesota

Bald eagles can be found throughout the United States and Canada, with larger breeding populations in Alaska, Canada, the northern Great Lakes states, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest. In Minnesota, bald eagles have adapted well to suburban environments and can be found nesting at popular lakes, as well as more traditional sites along northern lakes and the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. During the winter, they can be found in the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and lakes in the southeastern part of the state.

Bald Eagle Nesting and Breeding

Image source: Pexels by Anrita Krause

Bald eagles build large stick nests, often weighing over a ton, near the top of the largest trees near a river or lake. They start nesting in Minnesota in March when the female lays from one to three eggs, which hatch after 35 days. The young are ready to leave the nest at between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

Bald Eagle Diet and Feeding Habits

In Minnesota, bald eagles commonly feed on fish during late spring and summer, but in the winter, their diet shifts to largely scavenging on deer carcasses and gut piles, as fish are largely unavailable under frozen lakes and rivers, and waterfowl have migrated to warmer climates.

Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts in Minnesota

Unfortunately, bald eagles are now one of the most common patients at The Raptor Center in Minnesota, with between 150 and 190 admitted every year. The clinic often receives bald eagles that collide with vehicles, are shot, suffer from lead toxicity, or have injuries from undetermined causes.

Despite these challenges, bald eagle populations in Minnesota have been steadily increasing in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and the banning of the pesticide DDT, which had previously caused a decline in their numbers. In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the federal Endangered Species List, but it remains a protected species in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

Best Places to See Bald Eagles in Minnesota

Here are some of the best places to see bald eagles in Minnesota:

1. Red Wing and Wabasha: As mentioned earlier, these areas near the Mississippi River are known for their high concentrations of bald eagles during the winter months.
2. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge located in central Minnesota is home to a large bald eagle population and offers excellent viewing opportunities.
3. Duluth and the North Shore: The North Shore of Lake Superior, particularly around Duluth, is a popular spot for bald eagle sightings, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
4. Lake Minnetonka: This popular lake in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area has a growing bald eagle population, with nests located around the lake.
5. Monticello and the Mississippi River: The stretch of the Mississippi River near Monticello is another hotspot for bald eagle viewing, especially during the winter months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Minnesota is a prime destination for bald eagle enthusiasts, with significant populations of these majestic birds throughout the state, particularly during the winter months. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, there are plenty of opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring sight of bald eagles soaring over Minnesota’s waterways and forests.

References:

• Dozens of bald eagles spotted at Minnesota lake
• Minnesota photographer captures dozens of eagles in Red Wing, Minn.
• Bald Eagles in Minnesota
• Bald Eagles at The Raptor Center