Ladies and gentlemen - Missouri's own - John Ashcroft:
We trekked over to the Land of Lincoln today in search of our nation's symbol - the Bald Eagle. Just prior to crossing the Mississippi River, we spotted our first eagle just roosting in a tree on the Missouri side. As we started to pull away from the parking lot, it took flight - WOW!
We continued over to the Illinois river town of Alton, laughed at the Rod Blagojevich sign, and headed North on the Great Rivers Road to Pere Marquette State Park. We saw many eagles roosting on the side of the river in trees and some sitting on ice blocks in the river. Emily and her "eagle eyes" spotted one flying as well. Did you know that during the winter, eagles only spend about 5% of their day flying or fishing?
After watching a brief movie on Bald Eagles at the visitors center, we headed to an early lunch and then to the free ferry to cross the Illinois River. We were able to exit the car while the ferry was on the river and just before getting back in the car, we spotted an eagle take off from the ice and give us a flying display. Pretty cool.
We then drove to the Winfield Ferry to cross the Mississippi River and while waiting for that ferry (this time, a ferry we had to pay to ride on), we spotted many eagle roosting in the trees, swooping around and flying about our heads. We were just south of Lock and Dam 25 on the Mississippi. The water here has virtually no ice in it and the fishing is plentiful for the eagles.
What an incredible day for not only us, but the kids as well. The eagles will be here until the end of the month and then will fly back North for mating season.
A young Bald Eagle (below). The feathers have yet to change colors. Based on the information we've read, we believe this bird to be about 2 years old.
1 comment:
Wonderful pictures. Sounds like you had a great family day.
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