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Eagle watching at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. ~ Photo by Mississippi Greenway.
The Eagles have Now Landed in the Bi-State
Eagle Viewing Begins This Month
The beginning months of the year are the best times to view wild bald eagles. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and its partners offer the chance to discover a close connection with the breathtaking birds of prey. The Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Festival took place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18-19.
Visitors viewed eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers at any time from the vantage point of the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The bridge is part of the Mississippi Greenway, also known as the Riverfront Trail.
On both days, the World Bird Sanctuary presented an educational program featuring a live bald eagle, repeated every 20 minutes from 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Programming included a hands-on exhibit of local birds presented by St. Louis Audubon, a full-size replica of an eagle’s nest, and warming tent activities, including children’s crafts. On Saturday, the Illinois entrance of the bridge featured living history re-enactors from the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Ill.
Visitors were encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes (eagle viewing occurs at the center of the bridge, a half-mile walk from each bridge entrance), and leave their pets at home. Hot food and drink were available for purchase.
Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is produced through a partnership between MDC, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Great Rivers Greenway. For more about Bald Eagles from MDC, visit mdc.mo.gov/blogs/discover-nature-notes/bald-eagles.
Other Bald Eagle Events
• Eagle Meet and Greet at Alton Visitor Center
Jan. 11, 18, & 25, 10 am to 2 pm
Call (800) 258-6645
• Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
Jan. 10, 25, 27, 28, & 30, 8:30 am to 2 pm
Call (618) 786-3323
• Birds of Winter Raptor Saturdays at Audubon Center
Jan. 11, 18, & 25, 10 am to 2 pm
Call (636) 899-0090
• Eagle Shuttle Tours at Alton Visitor Center
Jan. 11, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, & 1:30 pm
Call (800) 258-6645
• Scout Eagle Day at National Great Rivers Museum
Saturday, Jan. 18, noon to 4 pm
Call (618) 462-6979
• Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Festival at the Lodge
Sunday, Jan. 26, 11 am to 3 pm
