Eagle Watching Days Are Here

When I operated a restaurant in Eureka, Missouri I used to donate Dawn dish washing detergent to the nearby World Bird Sanctuary. The bird sanctuary takes in sick and wounded birds from all over the world and rehabilitates them.

One of their primary tasks is to treat the birds that are injured in oil spills and Dawn really does "take grease out of your bird's way." It's the soap of choice to get oil off of the birds.

In return for the detergent, the sanctuary let me get up close and personal with some of the birds sometimes. The Great Horned Owl and a couple of the eagles were always my favorites. I got to put on the thick leather glove and hold a couple of the eagles. It's not for the squeamish. Those talons can easily pierce the glove and do some serious damage to your hand.

It was awesome though. They have a one-eyed bald eagle that has a seven foot wing span. And the golden eagle, although smaller, has quite a look. Those sleeked back feathers on his head actually gleam in the sun.

As neat as it is to hold the birds, it's even neater to observe them in their native habitat. There are a number of places that you can observe the eagles fly and fish around the St. Louis and Illinois area. Some of them even have planned events that you can go to. The old Chain of Rocks Bridge has been converted to bike and foot traffic only. About a half a mile into the bridge eagle watching days are held each year about this time.

Even if there are no planned activities you can still go and watch. Just make sure to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes because you will be walking. Bring a camera or video camera with you because you will definitely see some sights worth filming.

I've been to a number of eagle watchings but my favorite was at Pierre Marquette Park over near Alton, Illinois. First, you can drive along the Lewis and Clark Highway and watch the eagles on the bluffs overlooking the river. Then you can look at the Piasa Bird painting that is carved into the side of a bluff right off of the highway.

The Piasa Bird was a mythical creature that terrorized the native Indian population in the area many-years-ago. Finally, a brave Indian chief slew the bird and the people celebrated by painting an image of the beast on the bluff. The original painting is long gone, but the image that is there is supposed to be a pretty good likeness.

After you view the Piasa Bird, then travel further down the road to the park. In the park you will find a lodge with a huge fireplace and a human chess board and an excellent view. If you go on a Sunday you can have brunch at the lodge. A line of chefs will personally cook your food to order.

The lodge also has lodging specials during eagle watching days so you can stay over if you like. All in all, it's a great way to spend a few hours or a weekend during this cold wintry weather.

Source:
Personal Experience