We've always wanted to visit Reelfoot Lake, so earlier in the week we decided to go to the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge to see the eagles. Apparently, January and February are the best months, so that worked out and we were lucky to have perfect weather. They have guided and self-guided tours. We opted for the self-guided tour.

We stopped by the visitor center and talked with the ranger and a volunteer. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They went over the route and told us what to look for and where. (The volunteer is a nice retired lady who travels with her husband in a camper trailer, volunteering at US Fisheries and Wildlife sites all over the country, spending three to six months at each site.)

Along the approx. 30-40 mile route we saw 20+ eagles, hawks (including several harrier hawks), a few kestrel falcons, herons, a bunch of small unidentified birds, vultures, an otter, and about a million ducks and snow geese (and they were loud!). The highlight was driving atop a levee along the Mississippi River where we had great views of three nesting pairs of eagles.

We stayed in Union City, which is the closest town with newer hotels. There aren't many restaurants there, though. Mostly fast food and an Applebee's. There was a local place downtown that sounded decent, but it was closed for the week.

The Reelfoot State Park is on the south side of Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville. There are picnic areas, boat launches and a few cabins. There are also some "fish camp" type places. If you want to see birds and wildlife, though, my advice is to visit the National Wildlife Refuge.

Anyway, here are some photos. Click the image for the gallery, and click the gallery thumbnails for larger images...