This is one of the best times of the year to see America’s national bird, the bald eagle, in the Chicago area.
Eagles are looking for water that’s not frozen.
“Their favorite foods are river-based. So, they’re going to eat a lot of fish. They’re going to eat a lot of ducks.”
Kim Compton is the education and visitor center coordinator at the McHenry County Conservation District, which is leading a “Search for Eagles” this coming Saturday morning.
And they’ll have experts to answer questions at three dams on the Fox River — at McHenry, Algonquin and Carpentersville.
“When the rest of the river starts freezing, the dams always stay as open water. So, it’s a good place to see a congregation of eagles because that’s where they’re finding their food.”
Compton said there are about 35 eagle nests in the Chicago area now. The population is increasing.
On Saturday, visitors must wear a mask and are encouraged to bring their own binoculars — not that you really need the latter item to see a bird with a six-foot wingspan.
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