NEWS RELEASES
Illinois Eagle Watch 2019 Features Events Across The State
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's website.
Over 3,000 bald eagles converge on Illinois rivers every winter and this year the Illinois Office of Tourism is partnering with Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau to showcase bald eagles in their natural habitat. Events continue through February, with special viewing opportunities planned for the Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge in Marion, Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown. Eagle oriented events include Great River Eagle Days in Quincy (Jan. 27-28) and the annual Lake Shelbyville Eagle Day (Feb. 2), as well as programs through March 4 at Pere Marquette State Park on the Illinois River. Shuttle tours to eagle watching sites on the Mississippi River are offered in Alton.
“The confluence of our three great rivers, the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi, is a natural draw for wintering bald eagles,” Brett Stawar, President and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, said in a press release. “American Bald Eagles are a sight people never grow tired of seeing. Thousands of people come to our region each year to get a glimpse of the birds in the wild and enjoy our winter eagle activities.”
For more on bald eagle watching as well as camping and other touring options, visit the Illinois Office of Tourism website.