DNR: Bald Eagles Return As Sign Of The Seasons

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – As the ice on lakes, rivers and sidewalks continues to melt, another sign of spring is on the wing: bald eagles.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says bald eagles may be seen migrating back to Minnesota in large numbers in the coming weeks.

Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, a DNR regional non-game wildlife specialist, says it's time for Minnesotans to keep their eyes out.

"Usually we see these bigger pulses of migrating eagles a little later in March, but it appears that timing may be early for a lot of natural events this year due to the mild winter," she said.

Researchers estimate there are 1,300 active bald eagle nests in Minnesota, which comes in third behind Florida and Alaska in bald eagle nesting populations, the DNR said.

So where can you see them?

"Eagle migration hotspots are a bit of a moving target, so it's hard to say where the eagles are right now," Gelvin-Innvaer said. "In Minnesota, the biggest migrations tend to be along the Minnesota River corridor, the north shore of Lake Superior and around Lake Pepin in southeastern Minnesota."

Eagles can also be seen all year in southern Minnesota, the DNR said.

For more information on eagle viewing, go to the DNR's website.