Rock Island District / Missions / Recreation / Illinois Waterway / Eagle Watching

Eagle Watching on the Illinois Waterway

Every year tens of thousands of people flock to the Midwest to view bald eagles gathering to feed along major waterways. They have come to catch a glimpse, perhaps for the first time, of our national symbol.

Thousands of bald eagles over-winter along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers near the lock and dams because the turbulence created below the dams provides open water and a smorgasbord of stunned fish to feast on. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the rivers are excellent habitat for roosting and nesting. 

Bald eagle watches take place in many areas across the Midwest throughout January and February, but eagles can be seen from mid December through early March, depending on the weather conditions. As warm weather arrives, many eagles begin their journey back north to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada to prepare for the nesting season.

Lock & Dam Eagle Counts

Each winter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, conducts eagle counts to monitor the presence of the American bald eagle near locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The surveys are conducted at 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday and published to the web for public information.

Click the title of the lock and dam in the list below to view this year's count information. 

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 Marseilles Lock & Dam - Marseilles, Illinois

Date

Adults

Juveniles

12/7/22

 1 0

12/14/22

 0 0
12/21/22 2 0

12/28/22

 2 0
1/4/23 1 1
1/11/23 2 2
1/18/23 1 0
1/25/23 2 0
2/1/23 1 1
2/8/23 3 0
2/15/23 no report no report
2/22/23 no report no report
 Peoria Lock & Dam - Creve Coeur, Illinois

Date

Adults

Juveniles

12/7/22

 no report no report

12/14/22

 no report no report
12/21/22 no report no report

12/28/22

 no report no report
1/4/23 no report no report
1/11/23 no report no report
1/18/23 no report no report
1/25/23 no report no report
2/1/23 no report no report
2/8/23 no report no report
2/15/23 no report no report
2/22/23 no report no report
 Starved Rock Lock & Dam - Ottawa, Illinois

 

Date

Adults

Juveniles

12/7/22

 0 0

12/14/22

 1 1
12/21/22 2 4

12/28/22

 2 10
1/4/23 no report no report
1/11/23 4 2
1/18/23 2 1
1/25/23 3 1
2/1/23 4 5
2/8/23 2 1
2/15/23 1 4
2/22/23 2 7
 LaGrange Lock & Dam - Versailles, Illinois
 

Date

Adults

Juveniles

12/7/22

 no report no report

12/14/22

 no report no report
12/21/22 no report no report

12/28/22

 no report no report
1/4/23 no report no report
1/11/23 no report no report
1/18/23 no report no report
1/25/23 no report no report
2/1/23 no report no report
2/8/23 no report no report
2/15/23 no report no report
2/22/23 no report no report

Resources

Jan. 27-28, 2024

 

ALL WEEKEND: 
Starved Rock Audubon Society members will have viewing scopes set up at the Illinois Waterway Vistor Center and be available to answer all eagle questions.

SATURDAY-January 27, 2024

“Raptor Awareness”
Showtimes: 10:00 am,1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Description: 45-minute, live Birds of Prey Show
Presented by: Stillman Nature Center
Theater capacity: 75 people maximum

SUNDAY-January 28, 2024

Photographing Raptors & Wildlife
Showtime: 10:00am – 10:45am
Presented by: David Anderson, Professional Photographer
Bio: David is an Ottawa native, has been photographing natural beauty in the area since 2001, where he first encountered the wildflowers found at Starved Rock State Park.
Description: Improve your skills as a nature photographer. Bring your own camera. Part of session will be outdoors.
Theater capacity: 75 people maximum

A Partnership with Birds of Prey
Showtime: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Presented by: Great Lakes Falconry Association
Description: Birds of prey & the ancient art of falconry.
Theater capacity: 75 people maximum

Bald Eagle Craft and Storytime
Event time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Presented by: Park Ranger Sarah Fisher
Description: Children will make an eagle headband & enjoy storytime. A costumed eagle will be in attendance!
Theater capacity: 25 people maximum

 

Events will also take place at: 

Starved Rock Lodge
Gym at Utica Village Hall
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center

 

For a complete listing of weekend activities and times visit: 
Eagle Watch Weekend 2024 
or CLICK HERE to download a printable brochure.