Take in Some Eagle Watching from the Sam Vadalabene Trail

2009-11-29 20:34:59

ALTON – As the cold temperatures begin to set in, a few of Alton’s favorite winter guests have been spotted in the region.

Every January, experts anticipate nearly 1,000 eagles will migrate to the region, many reclaiming their winter nests along the Great River Road (Illinois Route 100) from Alton to Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park.

Beginning in late December and January, visitors can plan their own eagle-watching adventures, or they can take advantage of the numerous eagle meet-and-greets and touring opportunities available every day of the 2010 eagle season.

The Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau has released the 2010 Eagle Watcher’s Guide to lead the way for visitors. The guide features information about the American bald eagle, tips for eagle-watching, a series of driving routes for viewing the eagles, eagle-watching hot spots, photography workshops and opportunities, “eagle caching” adventures and a listing of all the eagle-watching events happening throughout the winter months.

Visitors can request the guide online at http://www.VisitAlton.com, call (800) ALTON-IL or pick it up in person at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St. in Downtown Alton.

Eagle Meet and Greets happen every Saturday in January from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau. As part of a partnership with the World Bird Sanctuary again this year, visitors can learn more about this beautiful bird of prey from a professional handler. Demonstrations are free, and each visitor will receive a free postcard. While at the Visitor Center, eagle enthusiasts also can pick up a free Eagle Watcher’s Guide, area information and restaurant and lodging options. Call (800) 258-6645 or go to http://www.VisitAlton.com for information.

For visitors and eagle enthusiasts looking for professionally guided eagle experiences and educational programming, there are a number of eagle tours and events happening from January through February:

Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Days, Grafton

Scott Isringhausen, site interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park, will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. There will be a short video presentation followed by an observational drive to view the eagles. All programs will begin at the park’s visitor center on Illinois Route 100 at 8:30 a.m. Reservations are required. Dress warmly. For information or reservations, call (618) 786-3323.

Dates: Dec. 28 and 29; Jan. 9, 10, 11, 25, 26 and 27; Feb. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 24 and 28; March 3, 6 and 7.

A Day in Eagle Country, Alton and Grafton

Take a daylong adventure of eagle and wildlife spotting with Bluff City Tours. The tour includes transportation by motor coach or trolley, professional tour guide, continental breakfast and lunch at Pere Marquette. All tours depart from and return to the Upper Level Parking Lot at Alton Square mall off Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. Tours last from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required. For reservations, call (618) 466-8693.

Dates: Jan. 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30; Feb. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17 and 20.

Bald Eagle Festival, Grafton

Come and enjoy the splendor of eagle season at Pere Marquette Lodge for the inaugural Bald Eagle Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10. The event is free. For information, call (618) 786-2331 ext. 0.

Eagle Meet and Greet Sundays, Alton

Come see a live bald eagle up close and personal at the National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock and Dam Way. Ask and learn about their species and habitats. Enjoy this free program from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, 24 and 31, and Sunday, Feb. 7. For information, call (877) 462-6979.

Sample of Eagle Country Tours

Enjoy a 75-minute tour viewing bald eagles in their habitat. Tours will be departing from both the National Great Rivers Museum and Alton Visitor Center on weekends in January and February. The cost for this “sample” tour is $5 per person. Tours are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Go to http://www.VisitAlton.com for tour times. For information, call Bluff City Tours at (618) 466-8693.

Masters of the Sky, Alton

Witness the “Masters of the Sky” birds of prey demonstration at the National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock and Dam Way, on Presidents Day Weekend, Feb. 13, 14 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come see eagles, falcons, owls and other birds of prey at this educational and informational program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. Admission fee: $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under; 3 and under are free. Three shows each day: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. For information, call the National Great Rivers Museum at (877) 462-6979.

Most eagle-watchers plan all-day adventures all around Alton, including watching the eagles in the early-morning hours, breaking for lunch at a restaurant and spending the afternoon browsing shops in Grafton and Alton. For those wishing to spend extra time and make eagle-watching a winter getaway, there are numerous eagle-watching getaway packages at hotels and bed and breakfast inns in Alton, Grafton and Elsah, viewable online at http://www.VisitAlton.com.