Minnesota River Virtual Tour - Marsh Lake
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Stop 2 - Marsh Lake (River Mile 307) |
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The first 45 miles of the river are a series of reservoirs that create massive shallow marshes and lakes. The river meanders through a marshy expanse. There are unbroken miles of cattails, grasses and amazing wildlife. |
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Lakes and Wildlife The upper portion of the Minnesota River flows through a chain of lakes—from Big Stone Lake near Ortonville to Marsh Lake to Lac qui Parle Reservoir near Montevideo. This region offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. You might see deer, mink, beavers, muskrats, raccoons, snapping turtles, or even catch a glimpse of river otters that have been recently reintroduced.
Birders flock to the area. This stretch is located in one of the major waterfowl flyways in North America. You can see thousands of birds such as blue-winged teal, mallards, pintails, and wood ducks. Marsh Lake has the largest pelican rookery in Minnesota—one of only two nesting colonies of the white pelican in the state. As many as 10,000 pelicans (photo, below), tundra swans, snow geese, and sandhill cranes can be seen migrating through here. Lac qui Parle is the major stop for hundreds of thousands of Canada Geese. |
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Did you know that Minnesota has the largest population of bald eagles in the 48 contiguous states except for Florida? Minnesota has more than 650 nesting pairs. Recently, eagles have spread throughout the Minnesota River valley (map). Keep your eyes peeled for nests at the top of white or red pines or in tall aspen or cottonwood trees. | |||
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Flock of white pelicans |
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