Bald eagle on the Lower Wisconsin River
photo by Ted Nelson
Bald Eagles were absent in the usual numbers at Eagle Days 2010 at Starved Rock State Park, which is the closest eagle day event to Chicago. Perhaps they missed the memo? Maybe they did not get the subscription notice on my article written previously to promote the event? Maybe their email crashed on Friday and the IT department was already on vacation for the weekend? Maybe they just had other fish to fry?
The actual reason is the warm weather that has descended upon the Midwest. The Illinois River is ice free as are other large rivers in the area. The bald eagles winter at Starved Rock State Park because of the Starved Rock Dam keeps the water open right below the overlooks at the state park even in extreme cold weather. This gives them year round access to fish, which is their primary food making up 90% of their diet. With the open water they can spread out and fish anywhere and have no need to congregate at the dam.
Last year, according to the Illinois Audubon Society, there were 130 bald eagles at the park for the event. This year there are about 15-20 and they are spread out over miles upon miles of trees along the shore of the river. The 13th annual event turned out to be unlucky for those hoping to see large numbers of eagles.
There were two bald eagles spotted later in the day at Plum Island and others were seen flying, so most visitors saw at least one. Despite the paucity of eagles, the event was far from a bust as people came out in droves to the Illinois Waterway Riverway Center, the Starved Rock Lodge, the Starved Rock Visitor Center, and the park trails.
The event is just as much about raising awareness about eagles and birds of prey as it is about seeing them en masse. It is great when the two events coincide, but this did not happen this year. However, the turn out Saturday was amazing. People flocked to displays and The World Bird Sanctuary awed them with a 45 minute presentation with live birds of prey flying all over the room. Sam the Bald Eagle also was on hand to give out some love.
The Starved Rock State Park is a great place to hold the event because if the eagles do not cooperate it is always great to take a walk around the park. People were all over the trails enjoying the canyons, waterfalls, and the icicle formations. Everyone on the trails seemed in good spirits despite the lack of bald eagle participation and seemed to enjoy the mild weather and spending time with the family outside.
One bald eagle was spotted by many and hugged by a fortunate few including the author
photo taken by the World Bird Sanctuary presentators
If seeing eagles is your goal then come to the park when it is really cold. If there is a cold snap in February the eagles will return to the park in larger numbers. In the meantime if venturing to the area it is necessary to spread out in order to find them. Hike the trails along the river and also get in the car and drive along road near the river and scan the treetops along the shore.
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Comments
How disappointing! But at least you got to meet a giant eagle and got a hug out of it ;)
You think being 'eagle-eyed' would help them read the memos. Oh well, next year.
Starved Rock is one of my favorite places in the Midwest. Great article Ted, but next time ask the World Bird Sanctuary presenters to take your photo BEFORE they start drinking.
Good first photo, funny second one, and I love the tongue-in-cheek here. Great article.
I hate it when wildlife don't know they are supposed to show up. Happens all the time. Drat.
Glad it was good anyway - and it sounds like a great place.
I would have enjoyed the presentation - great slideshow Ted.
Eagles and birds of prey are awe-inspiring to see and learn about. I got excited just seeing some turkey vultures today along the side of the road! :-)
I'm pretty sure most eagles prefer their fish sashimi style rather than fried. ;-) And, I'm pleased to read the event had a good turnout; interestingly, I suspect that correlates with the weather being warm(ish), too.
Some of your eagles are here on Cape Cod.
Mighty independent, those eagles!
Hi, loved the photo of the icicles, makes me shiver! Nice piece, thanks for this.
Yea, the photo of me with Sam did not turn out like I would have liked, but the fault was mine as I did not have the flash on. I felt I still had to use it though.
Maybe they were Philadelphia Eagles and thought the season was over?
So, all anybody has to do to get a hug is show up in an eagle costume? wait till the ladies learn this!
Enjoyed this article..a fan of eagles. Good job,Ted...
Cheers...
Love the photo you took at the top of the article. Unfortunate turnout but a facinating read.
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