The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites the public to eagle-watching events across the state in January and February.  The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Illinois has more than 3,000 bald eagles during winter – more than any other state outside of Alaska. Certain Illinois state parks and locations, including Starved Rock State Park and Illinois State Museum’s Dickson Mounds, host eagle-watching programs during this period.  Visitors can participate in eagle-watches at the following locations:

Jersey County
• Jan. 30-31: Pere Marquette State Park Bald Eagle Days, Grafton
• Feb. 4, 7, 11, 21, 24, 26, and 28: Pere Marquette State Park Bald Eagle Days, Grafton
• March 7: Pere Marquette State Park Bald Eagle Days, Grafton

Madison County
• Feb. 1: Eagle Saturdays, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Madison 

Marion County 
• Feb. 1-2: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Eagle Watch, Marion 

For more information about Illinois eagle-watching events, visit the Illinois Save Our Eagles website.