Have you ever been on a fishing trip in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan or Canada and got a glimpse of an American Bald Eagle flying overhead?

There’s no doubt that they are spectacular birds to see as they soar over the water. While watching these huge birds you can’t help but think that you’re in the Northwoods.

But now is the time when you don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Right here, right now, they are wintering in northern Illinois about an hour west of suburban Chicagoland.

Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles.

The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The tour includes lunch (Brunch on Sundays) in the main dining room and a trolley ride to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for eagle viewing. To top it off, there is a very informative presentation about these birds given as well.

Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room.

If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock.

I’ve seen many eagles at Starved Rock while fishing the Illinois River from my boat. What a great sight to see while only a few yards off shore. Being able to observe the birds from a boat would be a bit difficult now.

For a day trip or weekend stay at Starved Rock, let me start by suggesting that you dig out your binoculars and/or telephoto lens on your camera for a closer look at these birds. Head over to the Starved Rock Lodge which is always a great place to start.

My trips to see these birds always start with breakfast or lunch at the lodge. From there I’ll walk out onto the Veranda for a quick view from above the Illinois River and Plum Island. When it gets a bit too chilly, I’ll come back inside to warm up. The trolley tour has given my wife and I a fantastic education about these birds. We enjoy visiting the Waterway Visitor Center as well as the visitor’s center at Starved Rock State Park.

Dress in layers with warm clothing and take a nice walk on one of the trails for a number of different vantage points overlooking the River. You’ll be amazed to see so many birds.

I’ve been fortunate enough see so many bald eagles here in northern Illinois nesting along the Illinois River or flying over the bluffs at Starved Rock. One very unique sight to see is a bird swooping down on a fish that’s close to the water’s surface and plucking it right out of the river.

For more information on the Bald Eagle Trolley Tours contact the Starved Rock Lodge by calling 800-868-7625 or visit www.StarvedRockLodge.com. For information on the Illinois River Waterway Visitors Center call (815) 667.4054.

The majority of the eagles will be here during January and February so plan on taking a ride to the river soon. The Waterway Visitors Center and Starved Rock are great for a one day excursion, but consider a weekend trip if you can. The eagles you’ve seen in the Northwoods are here in our own back yard right now. Enjoy their visit here in Illinois.
Visit Don’s blog at www.IllinoisOutdoors.com.