Every winter in the Land of Lincoln, thousands of bald eagles choose to winter along Illinois rivers, making the state second to Alaska in terms of wintering bald eagle population. The eagles arrive in late December and stay until March, feeding off the fish in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Here are the best opportunities to experience these beautiful birds in their natural habitat during January.

Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair

Jan 5-7, Rock Island

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/events/listing/bald-eagle-days-environmental-fair

Don't miss the Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois. The show is heralded as the largest event in the Midwest dedicated to the United States' national symbol of freedom. The three-day event includes live eagle, hawk, owl, and vulture flying demonstrations along with educational programs and over 200 fun and informative exhibits.

Bald Eagle Days is open Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is Adults $6; Kids 6-15 $1; Kids under 6 get in free.

Eagle Meet and Greets

Jan 6, 13, 20 & 27, Alton

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/events/listing/eagle-meet-and-greets

Celebrate all things eagle related and see an American Bald Eagle up close and personal during a series of free meet-and-greet events at the Alton Visitor Center. Every Saturday in January, a live American Bald Eagle will be the featured guest from World Bird Sanctuary or Treehouse Wildlife Center. Ask and learn about eagles and their habitats.

Alton-Audubon Eagle Ice Festival

Jan 6, Alton

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/events/listing/alton-audubon-eagle-ice-festival-1

Head to Alton to kick-off of the much anticipated eagle watching season with this family friendly event. See a live bald eagle up close and personal at the Alton Visitor Center, then let the kids enjoy cold weather games including Ice Putt Putt Golf, Ice Cube Crush and Spin the Wheel and win great prizes. Visitors also can enjoy watching ice sculptors create works of art at the Alton Visitor Center and then head across the river to the Audubon Center at Riverlands to see finished ice sculptures, view eagles and Trumpeter Swans with the center's viewing scopes and take a shuttle ride to look for eagles. Shuttle tours are $5 per person. The Eagle Festival activities are free.

Eagle Shuttle Tours

Jan 13, 20 & 27, Alton

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/events/listing/eagle-shuttle-tours

Take a 45-minute shuttle to spots along the Mississippi River to spot eagles. Pick up will be at the Alton Visitor Center with stops scheduled for Maple Island, Heron Pond, Ellis Island and at the Audubon Center. The shuttle will return to the Alton Visitor Center for drop off. There will be a guide on board the shuttle who will provide tips on how to eagle watch this season. On January 13, 20 & 27 there will be shuttles departing at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock

Jan 28-29, Oglesby

https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/event/eagle-watch-weekend-2018/

Birds of Prey shows and family activities at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge and Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Take a short hike to the top of Starved Rock for live eagle viewing or join the park naturalist for a guided eagle viewing tour. For a full schedule of events, visit www.illinoisaudubon.org.

Bald Eagle Tours at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Jan 20-28, Marion

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/events/listing/bald-eagle-tours-at-crab-orchard-national-wildlife-refuge

Crab Orchard is home to six nesting pairs of resident bald eagles and their offspring. A few nesting sites are visible from public roads throughout the Refuge and eagles are spotted daily. Guided tours visit eagle nests and areas of the Refuge where eagles may be spotted. The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth under the age of 12. Reservations required.

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For further information, contact Fiona Pettitt, Cellet Marketing & PR on 01295 722816 or fiona@cellet.co.uk.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.