Eagle Action: Where to Watch Bald Eagles in Illinois

Once a rare sight in Illinois, bald eagles now make the state one of their favorite winter hangouts—only Alaska draws more of the birds. A top photographer shares how and where to take peeks and pics.

in Family Fun, Regional Getaways, Activities
December 26, 2018

Scroll

| words

As a kid in Galesburg, Dan Westergren didn’t exactly dream of photographing bald eagles one day. “I don’t think I ever saw an eagle when I was growing up there in the ’70s,” he says. But conservation efforts increased the regal birds’ numbers, and they now flock to Illinois for its friendly habitats, especially the open water often found around river locks and dams in winter. Dan, an outdoors photographer who spent 25 years with National Geographic, follows.

Dan Westergren looks out for eagles in Southern Illinois

Open water draws eagles looking for fish. “They move south in winter to get away from the ice up north,” Dan says. And the promise of dramatic shots beckons him. So between gigs in places like Antarctica and Australia, he spends time in Alton, Grafton and other prime eagle-watching spots.

Dan relies on two main tools: binoculars and a camera with a serious telephoto lens. He says amateurs can try a hack called digiscoping—using an adapter to connect a digital camera (or smartphone) to a bird-watching spotting scope.

Dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph eagles, especially a little before sunrise. “You can catch them as they’re starting to get active,” Dan says. Plus, “it’s the best light.”

Where to See Eagles in Illinois

Alton

The Beall Mansion bed-and-breakfast inn offers eagle getaway packages.

Gladstone

Along the Mississippi River, the sky is full of eagles at Lock and Dam 18. In 2018, the largest numbers of adults were recorded on January 3 (491) and 10 (453).

Oglesby

Both Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks attract large eagle populations in winter, thanks to the nearby Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary on the Illinois River. Watch eagles from the top of Starved Rock or catch an eagle trolley tour from the park lodge.

Quad Cities

Weekend guided tours lead groups to the top of the historic clock tower on Arsenal Island in Rock Island for prime views of eagles. You also can schedule a bald eagle safari in the area, led by retired biology teacher Bob Motz.

Love the Story?

Save to Favorites Remove from Favorites

Related Reads:

What to Do in Bourbonnais During Chicago Bears Training Camp

What to Do in Bourbonnais During Chicago Bears Training Camp
in Eat & Drink, Regional Getaways, Activities

The best places to eat, drink, stay, and enjoy the summer air while attending Be...

Chicago's Bird Watching Experience

Chicago's Bird Watching Experience
in Outdoors, Chicago, Activities

Writer Annie Turek shares the prime bird watching opportunities of a Chicago fal...

The Century-Old Lawn Party That Still Rocks

The Century-Old Lawn Party That Still Rocks
in Arts & Culture, Activities, Family Fun, Outdoors

What to expect, where to sit, and what to bring to Ravinia, a legendary music ve...

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season.

Order a Copy

Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map.

Order Print Version

Grab a Digital Copy

Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas around Illinois.

View it Online Download PDF

Send me Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.

Order a Copy!

Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine.

Get Your Copy Now!

Things to Do

Places to Go

Places to Stay

Explore Our Past

Stories & Highlights

Trip Ideas

Events

Road Trip

Stories & Highlights

Seasonal Adventures

Getting Here & Getting Around

Around Illinois by Amtrak

Stories & Highlights

Eagle Action: Where to Watch Bald Eagles in Illinois