MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials say conditions are excellent for bald eagle-watching parties on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.

Hundreds of bald eagles typically gather along each river every winter to feed on fish in open water below dams. The Department of Natural Resources says the rivers offer some of the best eagle watching spots in the country and early ice-up on both rivers this year has led to high concentrations of birds.

Sauk City and Prairie Du Sac on the Wisconsin River will hold their 22nd annual Bald Eagle Watching Days next Friday and Saturday.

On the Mississippi, Cassville will hold its 16th annual Bald Eagle Days on Jan. 24-25. Prairie Du Chien will hold a Bald Eagle Appreciation Day on Feb. 28.