East Central Reporter

The Bald Eagle holds a significant place in American society as the national animal and bird of the United States, prominently featured on the Great Seal. National American Eagle Day, celebrated on June 20, honors this national symbol while raising awareness for bald eagle protection, promoting educational outreach, and encouraging the recovery of their natural habitats.

Illinois boasts a growing eagle population, with over 3,100 bald eagles wintering across more than 27 counties. These birds are typically seen from December to March during their northward migration, with peak viewing times in January and February. Only Alaska has a larger wintering population of American bald eagles than Illinois.

Key viewing locations in Illinois include Plum Island near Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River west of Ottawa and Banner Marsh southwest of Peoria. Other popular spots are along the Illinois, Des Plaines, Fox, DuPage, and Chicago rivers; the Illinois and Michigan Canal; Moraine Hills State Park; Volo Bog State Natural Area; and Pleasant Valley Forest Preserve.

In southwestern Illinois near St. Louis, prime bald eagle viewing is also available. Early January saw an Eagle Fest held in Alton, with areas between Alton and Grafton along the Mississippi River serving as prime nesting sites. The Bald Eagle Days celebration at Pere Marquette State Park offers additional eagle-sighting opportunities through ranger-led observation drives.

Illinois is home to two main eagle species: the bald eagle and golden eagle. Bald eagles have a large yellow bill and primarily consume fish. They are widespread across the state, particularly along the Mississippi River. Golden eagles are large and brown with a white band on their tail, preying on mammals like squirrels and rabbits as well as birds. Though rarer than bald eagles in Illinois, golden eagles can be found along the Mississippi River and Chicago lakefront.

Bald eagles once faced near extinction in the lower 48 states due to regular killings driven by perceived threats to salmon and livestock. The Bald Eagle Protection Act of the 1940s provided some relief; however, population numbers continued to decline due to insecticide use until they dropped below 500 total birds. The ban on DDT in the early 1970s facilitated recovery programs' success.

The Endangered Species Act of 1967 played a crucial role in aiding the bald eagle's comeback. Conservationists, wildlife agencies, and citizens contributed through habitat restoration efforts, banning DDT use, raising awareness and education initiatives, ensuring protection and monitoring measures were implemented effectively. By 2007, these efforts culminated in removing bald eagles from the Endangered Species List.