sausageheavenoutdoors Enjoy making homemade sausage, Tasty way's to BBQ, smoking meats and poultry. See how northern Minnesota was settled and the life early homesteader's lived their lives and more!!

Bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota and may be seen in large numbers across parts of the state over the next few weeks, according to the Department of Natural Resources. ”  Ice is breaking up along the rivers, so it’s definitely time for folks to keep their eyes out,” said Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer, DNR regional nongame wildlife specialist.  “It all depends on the weather. It’s typical to see eagles coming through our area in mid-to-late March, as waters begin to open up and snow melts.”

Only two states, Florida and Alaska, have greater nesting populations of bald eagles than Minnesota.  In 2005, researchers estimated there are more than 1,300 active nests in Minnesota.  Fall migration typically occors as lakes and rivers freeze over, since most eagles prefer a diet of fish.  Bald eagle wintering grounds ideally contain open water, ample food, limited human disturbance and protective roosting sites.

Not all bald eagles migrate southward in the fall, Gelvin-Innvaer said.  In southern Minnesota, it’s common for some eagles to find.  Bald eagles that stay local may begin courting and nesting as early as December or January.  Other bald eagles return to their breeding territories, as soon as a food source is available.  ” 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.”

Adult bald eagles are easily identified by a white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body.  Bald eagles attain full adult plumage in their fourth or fifth year.  In flight, bald eagles are sometimes confused with turkey vultures.  However, bald eagles have a tendency to soar on flat, board-like wings, while turkey vultures fly with their wings in a v-shape.  Great to have these majestic birds of prey back here in Minnesota!!!