I Want to Fly Like an Eagle...

Last week I went to Starved Rock where the Eagles congregate during the winter.



I didn't expect to see any, but I thought I would take the chance...



As you can see, I saw some...



Talking to the guys over at the Army Corps. of Engineers, where they have a visitors center, only a few residents are around, because the cold temps have only now settled in to the area. The waters are still open, so the birds have fish available for the most part...



Although the waters are open, a few select eagles took advantage of the lock and dam...



...which stuns fish as they pass thru the churning waters.



Starved Rock is a special place because of the stunning backdrop for scenic photos.



Starved Rock is an erosional remnant of St. Peter Sandstone that forms a high terrace in the Illinois Valley. The rock is a historic site of a successful siege against the Illini Indians, resulting in the starvation and demise of the entire tribe.



In 1673, French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette passed through here on their way up the Illinois from the Mississippi.



Exploring the majestic bluffs and canyons is the park's primary attraction, and there are 13 miles of trails to enjoy.

Our National Symbol

I took these photos at Starved Rock in February this year (2007). I was lucky enuff to get to the parking lot early, and an eagle was in a tree right above me, which is a rare treat. There were so many great photo op's. that came out of that day, because the eagle count was up to 112. (an all time high). Eagles find open water during winter months for food, so they were feeding at the locks in a frenzy and the action was hot. There is a tree on the northwest end of the locks that the eagles perch in when not soaring, that held 81 eagles for this shot. I spent many hours of many days in the blustery single digits of temperature, but what is nice about shooting at the Army Corps. of Engineers, (which is directly across from Starved Rock) is that they have a Visitors Center for which you can go in to warm up. And...the background for all my shots is "Lovers Leap" which is a rock formation that adds for a great backdrop. They also give eagle watch tours from late Jan. thru Feb. For Illinois Eagles, Starved Rock State Park in Utica is definately the place to visit.