In introducing his top 10, author Kenn Kaufman of Ohio, wrote: “Incongruous as [...]]]> No surprises here. The Mississippi River basin is an incredible ecosystem, with the river acting as a 2,300-mile superhighway for migratory species. The Upper Mississippi area was awash with eagles, herons, egrets, red-wing blackbirds when we started down the river in May, 2005.

In introducing his top 10, author Kenn Kaufman of Ohio, wrote: “Incongruous as it might seem, the center of the continent funnels millions of migrating birds, providing vital rest stops for weary shorebirds wading in its wetlands and for woodland species retiring where the prairies give way to forests.”

Audubon’s Great River Birding Trail is being set up to follow the Mississippi River, and will eventually have maps, trails, and other resources all the way from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.

Bruce Nelson’s trip down the Mississippi River

Guy Haglund’s [...]]]> Here are a few links from other folks that have paddled the Mississippi River. I’ve also included a towboat captian, and Martin Strel, who SWAM the Mississippi River!

Bruce Nelson’s trip down the Mississippi River

Guy Haglund’s 101 Days on the Mississippi 

Corrado Filipponi’s journey down the Mississippi River

Martin Strel swims the length of the Mississippi River

David Estrada, Towboat Captain