SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is inviting families, wildlife watchers, and nature lovers to experience eagle-watching events across the state this winter.

The best time to see a bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when they seek open water areas for fishing. Certain Illinois state parks and locations, including Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County and the Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds Museum in Fulton County, host eagle-watching programs during this period.

“Illinoisans can take advantage of numerous opportunities this winter to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring over our scenic waterways and river bluffs. Learning more about our national bird is especially relevant this year as the United States prepares to commemorate its founding 250 years ago,” said IDNR director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Illinois is an excellent place to observe eagles. Bundle up, grab some binoculars and head outdoors for the awe-inspiring sight of our beloved and respected national symbol.”

Visitors can enjoy the following eagle-watching events:

Bald Eagle Festival and Bird Show

• Jersey County 
• Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Visit the Pere Marquette State Park Lodge and Conference Center near Grafton to learn all about eagles. This event will feature hands-on educational activities, vendors, opportunities to view eagles and more.

Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend

• LaSalle County
• Jan. 24-25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Enjoy guided hikes, programs, activities and exhibits at four locations in Starved Rock Country: Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Village Hall Gym and Illinois Waterway Visitors.

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park

• Jersey County
• Jan. 30, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Feb. 19, Feb. 20, Feb. 25, Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 6
• Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton will welcome visitors for its annual Bald Eagle Days program in January, February and early March. Learn how to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in Illinois and more. Programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s visitors center. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 618-786-3323, ext. 1. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.  

Fulton-Mason Eagle Day

• Fulton and Mason counties
• Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Visit the Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds Museum and other sites throughout Fulton and Mason counties for the region’s annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day. Activities include live raptor programs, hands-on activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, hikes and more. In addition to the museum, activities will take place at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve wetland observatory, the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, the Lewistown Visitors Center, Havana Riverfront Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

Bald Eagle Days at the Audubon Center at Riverlands

• West Alton, Missouri
• Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri, will host its annual Bald Eagle Days on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event features an eagle presentation, a life-sized bald eagle replica nest, educational tables, food and drinks. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is a partner in hosting the event with the Missouri Department of Conservation and others.

Flock to the Rock

• Whiteside County
• Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Visit Rock Falls for a day of eagle watching. Kick off the morning at the lower dam of the Rock River to watch eagles soaring over the waterway, then visit the Rock Falls American Legion, 712 Fourth Ave., for speakers, live demonstrations and nature-focused activities, including wildlife photography, a professional ice carver and more.