Monday, November 17, 2008

It's Almost that Time of Year for Bald Eagles!

Not a whole lot was happening on Saturday morning, with the weather laying heavy under rainy/cloudy skies. I did my usual route, and was surprised to see a few Bald Eagles at the dam, scanning the horizon and passing the time. I do see them from time to time throughout the year, but its a pretty rare sight. There are a few residents scattered around the counties, as American Bald Eagles have been taken off the endangered list, just last year. It's awesome to see them populating back into Illinois!



The best time of year for eagles in Illinois, is in the winter when it is cold enough to freeze the rivers over (Jan./Feb.). Just find a dam where the water is still open, and you can bet there will be eagles looking for food. Starved Rock State Park is a famous site for attracting Eagles. One of the parks greatest features in the winter months, is the coastline along the Illinois River at the lock and dam. Two years ago I went during a particularly cold winter, and counted 104 eagles in just one single tree!

5 comments:

Marsha said...

A beautiful shot of the eagles! Does this mean we get to see more from you over the winter? I just thing they are such "regal" looking birds and two on one tree - how lucky are you?

The Birdlady said...

Now that would be a good day! This is a beautiful shot.

Don and Sher said...

That is a great shot, I have only seen two in my life an adult and a few weeks ago an immature.

Tina said...

I'm enjoying read your post and admiring that you caught both eagles looking in the same direction..and then I read your post..104! Wow, and I thought I had a good day when I saw 2! You are a lucky person to have seen than many in one tree. Did you take any shots of that tree?:)

Shelley said...

Great shot Tina! Nice to see the pair!