It is prime winter bird watching season, and Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz tells KNIA/KRLS News that many birds have already returned to the area.

“There are quite a few eagles down below the dam. I was there this morning and counted about 60 eagles along the river. So, taking a walk down along the trails, along the river, and Horns Ferry Bridge Area, there is thousands of geese there, pelicans, trumpeter swans, goldeneyes, and mallards so it gives a lively little vocal outside. It kind of gets you in the mood to be outside a little bit more and gets you away from the winter blahs.”

Marion County has the most public land of any county in the state of Iowa.