Birdwatching

Amazing Numbers Of Tundra Swans and Bald Eagles

The majority of people who visit the Upper Mississippi come to see eagles. On a summer day, you can watch bald eagles soar in the blue sky all up and down the river.

 Just north of Lansing, the Brownsville (Minnesota) Overlook, dedicated in November 2009, provides a magnificent panorama giving visitors an opportunity to witness extraordinary events on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. From eagles and pelicans, coots and ducks, to tundra swans and geese, it’s a birdwatchers’ bounty. The map shows the tundra swan breeding range far north in Canada. When you see them at this lookout, they will likely be dining on the starchy roots close to shore- just look for the ‘bottoms-up’ swans!

The Overlook, which is not too far from the Iowa border, offers visitors amazing wildlife sights, including the annual cycle of the tundra swans blanketing the river in a sea of white. Annually, more than 40,000 people visit the site to witness the magic of migration and to listen to the unique song of the tundra swan echo across the river and bounce off the bluffs. The tundra swans number in the 50 thousand range during the November migration and the sounds of that many swans is deafening and recommended! The Brownsville overlook is on Highway #26 about 15 miles north of Lansing along The River.