Photo: Gene Kunz/Alton Regional CVB
I love watching Eagles. Occasionally, I’m lucky enough to spot one or two in northern Michigan. I recently discovered that there is great eagle watching in Alton, IL from late December through mid-February . The region is host to the second largest population of American Bald Eagle migrations. It makes me want to take a road trip back to the area just to go bird watching.
This area is a mecca for bird watchers. You can view Eagles from late December through mid-February. In addition to Eagles you’ll see many other birds. Since Alton is located along the Mississippi and at the confluences of the Missouri and Illinois rivers the area provides a perfect habitat for birds and wildlife.
Photo: Keith Wedoe/Alton Regional CVB
Need som additional convincing that Alton is the place for some awesome bird viewing? What if I told you that “sixty percent of all North American birds use the Mississippi River basin as their migratory flyway. In the spring and fall over forty percent of the nation’s migratory waterfowl are traveling along the byway corridor providing wonderful viewing opportunities. Along with birds, the Mississippi River is home to 260 species of fishes, 38 documented species of mussels, more than 50 species of mammals, and many amphibians and reptiles. A wide variety of this fauna as well as flora from a variety of large river habitats are readily available for your viewing enjoyment throughout the year in the Riverbend Region.”*
After visiting the area this fall I have it on good authority that these are the best Eagle viewing locations:
Audubon Center at Riverlands: If there is inclimate weather the center offers great viewing from inside their beautiful facility, complete with binoculars and scopes. The location itself is just fantastic and provides a nice variety of hiking trails.
The National Great River Museum: Take a tour of the locks for the best viewing. The tour puts you on top of the locks with great views of the Mississippi River.
National Scenic Byway: I drove the scenic byway this fall and it provides a spectacular bird viewing opportunity.
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge: Another great location for viewing Eagles.
Learn more about the Alton region:
Those photos are amazing!
Wow! Those are gorgeous shots. I don’t usually photograph nature – unless you are counting my kids, but I would love the chance to try my hand at a pic of a bald eagle. Just breathtaking!
It’s so funny you posted about eagles because we saw one flying over our car this morning! Must be the time of year as I’ve seen 3 in the last few weeks! Great shots!
What beautiful pictures! I love eagles!
How beautiful Deb!!! This reminds me of my trips to Alaska. The eagles are soaring there, especially out of the ocean. YOur lucky to live so close to this byway and viewing.
That looks amazing! I recently saw an Eagle up close for the first time and was surprised at just how big they are. This looks like a great place to view them! I would love to see them in action!
I’m pinning it to our travel board!
Those pictures are amazing! My son loves eagles!
Those are some amazing photos! Thanks so much for sharing them and the stories with them.
Love these pictures, very beautiful!
I love eagle watching, too. I have even watch some in IA via my computer. Last year they had 3 babies that I watched from laying to leaving the nest. It was beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your photos.
wow those are great shots! Love the eagle grabbing the fish! I would love to do eagle watching in our homeschooling!
Oh that is VERy cool! And great shots of the Eagles that you found. You don’t see them very often in our area, but every now and then we see a bald eagle and it is VERY cool!
Beautiful photos!!! We live in a town with a huge lake and I love it when we see Eagles!!!
The eagle is an amazing animal. Great photos:)