Will Co., IL—(ENEWSPF)— When the snow flies and creeks and rivers ice over, you know it’s time for the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual Eagle Watch event.
This year’s free, all-ages bald eagle celebration is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
“We’ve had an incredibly successful bald eagle nesting season this year in Will County. We cannot wait to celebrate them at Eagle Watch,” said Jess McQuown, a program coordinator at Four Rivers.
The event includes live bird presentations from Hoo Haven of Durand, Ill.; guided outdoor hikes; indoor Talon Talks; family crafts; an Eagle Eye Scavenger Hunt; and food from Lil’ Deb’s Mobile Eats.
“We’re thrilled to have a presenter who is new to Eagle Watch this year. She will be bringing an inspiring lineup of raptors with her,” McQuown said. “We are particularly excited about the turkey vulture, which will be a first for Four Rivers.”
Eagle Watch Hikes
The hikes will allow visitors to view the eagles that nest near Four Rivers. Other eagles may be spotted searching for fish in the river as smaller creeks freeze up in winter.
“Four Rivers is a spectacular place to see eagles,” McQuown said. “There is always a lot of activity thanks to the local nesting pairs. The immature and migratory eagles also look for food on the river.”
Eagle Watch is a great event that celebrates the return of the once-endangered bald eagle, which is now thriving in Illinois. State officials estimate that around 3,100 eagles spend the winter in Illinois. This is the largest population outside Alaska.
That’s what makes Eagle Watch so special, McQuown said. Visitors can see eagles in Will County, where they were once a rare sight.
“Nothing beats a cold winter morning with a bald eagle perched in view or soaring overhead,” she said.
Here is the schedule for the day:
Hoo Haven live presentations: 11 a.m.: Live bird presentation (45 minutes); 12:30 p.m.: meet and greet (20 minutes); 1:30 p.m.: live bird presentation (45 minutes).
Guided outdoor hikes (40 minutes on paved trails): 11:50 a.m.; 12:55 p.m.; 2:20 p.m.
Indoor Talon Talks (15 minutes): Noon: Eagles of the World; 2:30 p.m., family matters.
Family crafts and the Eagle Eye Scavenger Hunt are available throughout the event. Registration is not necessary.
