On my way back from a family visit to LaCrosse today I counted Eagles along the river. The ice has taken hold of the shore line. Only a few eagles were seen south of Wabasha. At the first pull-off north of Reads Landing, 15 Bald Eagles, most sitting on the ice or actively hunting. A large raft of C. Mergansers made a nice backdrop for them. At the second pull-off north of Reads Landing, 23 on ice, in trees, and actively hunting. Another 32 high above kettling south. Again a huge, huge, raft of C. Mergansers out in mid channel. I made several other stops, including Lake City, Frontenac and Red Wing's Colville Park (none there). I counted a total 92 Bald Eagles between Reads Landing and Frontenac.
Also, 1 Belted Kingfisher, cty 2 at Wells Creek bridge (Villa Maria) in Frontenac, Goodhue County. At my feeders in Red Wing A new high count of 5 Tufted Titmice. The pair that first appeared in Oct. 2003 stuck around all summer and raised a family. I have enjoyed a flock of 2 dozen Pine Sisken for 4 weeks. They have driven off most of the Goldfinch with their aggressive table manners. I'm feeding a custom blend of chip sunflower, nyjer and hemp! After 10 months of trying to appease the woodpecker gods the local pair of Pileated are now daily visitors to my large suet feeder and a mammoth pole mounted peanut cage. Red-breasted Nuthatches move in and out to fast to count. Still waiting for Redpolls... Moving to Bemidji on New Years Eve! -- Kelly Larson Feathered Friend Wild Bird Store Red Wing, MN