What's going on at the River Refuge:
 Summer Job Opportunities
2009 Fall Flight Surveys (previously called Waterfowl Surveys)
Fall flights include more than just waterfowl estimates. Great blue heron, and bald eagle estimates are in these surveys.
A Little History About the River Refuge
This 261 mile Refuge was established by an
Act of Congress on
June 7, 1924, as a
refuge and breeding place for migratory birds, fish, wildlife, and plants.
The north end begins at the confluence
of the Mississippi and
Chippewa rivers near
Wabasha, Minnesota and the south end
is near Rock Island, Illinois.
Just over
240,000 acres of wooded
islands, marshes,
and backwaters comprise the Refuge.
It's an anglers paradise, a waterfowl hunters dream,
and a birdwatchers bounty.
Come visit your national wildlife refuge.
Looking for something to do?
|
Bald Eagle Watching on the River Refuge
As the river freezes our thoughts turn from white birds to black and white birds. Bald eagles feed below the locks and dams snatching fish from the open water. Many neighboring river communities offer Eagle Watch events throughout Jan - March. You can take a drive on the Great River Road bordering the refuge and pull off at any lock and dam to view our national bird.
Banded Bald Eagle Almost 30 Years Old When It Died
A banded bald eagle was struck by a vehicle near Prairie du Chien, WI on November 11, 2009 when it swooped down for a meal of road-killed raccoon. McGregor District staff recovered this bird and sent the leg band information to the U.S. Geological Survey.
This was an extraordinary bird! It was banded almost thirty years ago, making it one of the oldest known wild bald eagle ever recovered since banding began in 1904. The U.S. Geological Survey even requested a photograph of the band for verification.
Records show this bird was banded at Steven’s Point, WI on June 8, 1980. It was too young to fly making it less than 2.5 months old when it was banded.
Opportunities to become an Eagle Watcher yourself:
Winter: January 4-8, 2010 mid-winter waterfowl and bald eagle survey
Spring: Bald eagle nest survey
Contact anyone of the refuge offices to volunteer.
How to navigate on the River Refuge:
Learning about the River Refuge:
|
