The Winnipesaukee River contains Eager Island, which is located approximately 1,500 feet upstream from Winnisquam Lake and 1,200 feet below the Avery Dam behind City Hall. Flooding and erosion are experienced on an annual basis. Due to this harsh floodplain environment, plant life is challenged with mostly scrub-shrub and herbaceous species. Eager Island is a unique feature in Laconia used by a variety of wildlife species. Beaver activities were observed on Eager Island, as were ducks, sandpipers, and songbirds. Bald Eagle sightings are common just downstream of Eager Island, adjacent to the former sewage treatment plant. During the winter, the open water below the Lakeport Dam and along the Winnipesaukee River between Avery Dam and the outlet to Lake Winnisquam provides important winter feeding areas and habitats for a variety of waterfowl and bald eagles.