24th Annual Bald Eagle Watch set for January 5
Mark your calendar for the 24th Annual Bald Eagle Watch on Saturday, January 5, 2008. Always a family favorite, visit Clinton Community College to learn more about our majestic neighbors then tour the lock and dam to see the eagles in their native habitat.
The American Bald Eagle visits the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge each year from late fall through early spring. As many as 25,000 bald eagles winter along the Upper Mississippi River from St. Paul, MN to St. Louis, MO. Our program is dedicated to the understanding, appreciation and protection of our national symbol. Naturalists will be on hand to share their enthusiasm and knowledge of these and other grand birds of prey.
The program will include exhibits and educational programs including:
- “On the Wings of the Wind” video presented by Thomson Park Ranger Jim Homann & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- “Eagles on the Upper Mississippi” presented by FWS Refuge Ranger Pam Steinhaus
- “Birds of Prey” presented by Naturalist Brian Fruechtenicht
- “Capturing Moments in Nature” presented by Nature Photographer Stan Bousson
- “Falconer Program” by Mike Hunter of Prophetstown, and Nature Music by Naturalist Chuck Jacobsen.
The Exhibit Hall at Clinton Community College will feature wildlife exhibits, children’s activities and door prizes, food and drinks.
Eagle Watching at Lock #13, Fulton, IL will take place from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Naturalists will be on hand with spotting scopes available to aid in viewing the bald eagles. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras, and to wear warm clothing to the viewing sites.
Due to limited parking and additional security, participants are encouraged to use the free courtesy Bus Service sponsored by local businesses and provided by the Municipal Transit Administration of the City of Clinton. The bus will travel between the viewing site and the college, departing and arriving every half hour beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Plans are underway for the 25th Annual Bald Eagle Watch scheduled for January 3, 2009. The main speaker for the day will be from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota.
You can help support the 2009 celebration by purchasing raffle tickets for a custom-framed photo of our national symbol of freedom – the Bald Eagle. The photo was taken by Stan Bousson, a nature photographer from Moline, Illinois. Tickets may be purchased at the Eagle Watch this year, so look for the booth in the college auditorium.
For more information contact the Thomson Park Rangers at 815-259-3628 or Clinton Community College at 563-244-7050 or Bald Eagle Watch online.