Mississippi River Flyway

The camera looks out over the open water, islands and wetlands of Lake Onalaska, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The scene is defined by the broad river channel, wooded islands and the constant presence of waterfowl. Bald eagles are often seen perched in shoreline trees or flying low over the water, while ducks, geese and swans gather in rafts on the lake.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch, when light is soft and birds are most active. Spring and autumn bring the largest concentrations of migrating waterfowl, while winter can offer views of eagles on ice. Summer mornings are quieter but still show herons, pelicans and other waterbirds. Weather changes, such as fog or storms, alter the scene quickly.

Lake Onalaska is a widened section of the Mississippi River formed by a dam and is a key stopover on the Mississippi Flyway. The surrounding refuge protects a mosaic of backwaters, marshes and floodplain forest. Visitors come to boat, fish, hunt and watch wildlife, and the area is known for its importance to migrating birds and fish.