Cooler temps are still here in the Upper Midwest, winter is not yet over, and it is peak eagle viewing season. The National Eagle Center is prepared with its initial schedule of field trip dates!
During the winter months, you can see hundreds more Bald Eagles as they migrate to the region and gather around open water on the river. It is truly peak eagle-viewing season! But it isn’t just Bald Eagles. The more secretive and elusive Golden Eagles spend their winters in the blufflands and are harder to spot. These famous and award-winning National Eagle Center expert-guided field trips provide a personal learning experience and are a great way to learn how to identify Golden Eagles, distinguish them from juvenile Bald Eagles, and better spot them on your own. We are kicking off this season with a series of Tundra Swan and waterfowl migration field trips in October and November beginning on Saturday, October 18.
The addition of the eagle shuttle bus offers a new experience for field trip attendees. While capacity per trip is smaller (8 attendees), the seating is spacious with large windows for wildlife viewing, provides ample space for scopes and personal items, and has wheelchair accessibility for up to two chairs. Additionally, the smaller bus allows field trips to explore some locations off-limits to a full-sized coach bus.
“We’re very excited about the experience now available to our field trip attendees,” said Scott Mehus, Director of Education at the Center. “The smaller group sizes allow for an even more personalized learning experience, and are on par with our private Habitat Tours. Our field trips will truly feel like private safaris and emphasize personal attention, allowing our educators the time to answer each attendee’s questions in depth. This is an extension of the personalized learning the Center has long been known for.”
Field trips begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Center in downtown Wabasha and return between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. Attendees travel to pre-scouted locations and receive a classroom-style educational program from an expert guide. Minimal walking is required, and guests are encouraged to dress for conditions. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars and cameras. Communal spotting scopes and binoculars are available.
Due to smaller bus capacity, the Center has listed initial field trip dates on the website with plans to announce additional dates as field trips fill up. Interested individuals should monitor the website or contact the Center for an up-to-date field trip schedule.
Tickets are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Seating is limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to reserve seats as soon as possible. A waiting list is available.