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Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock

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“Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”
—Neil Armstrong; July 20, 1969

“I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me”
—Steve Miller; August 13, 1976

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock.

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Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, established in 1939, boasts 90 rooms, and is the central location for Eagle Watch Weekend.
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Sam, a peregrine falcon, is one of many rescues by the Illinois Raptor Center.
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Yeti, a snowy owl, draws gasps and snaps from the stunned audience.
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Phoenix, a golden eagle, is eager to take flight.
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This Eurasian eagle-owl is relaxed and chatty (Hoo!) on the arm of Karen Herdklotz, Co-Owner and Director of “Hoo” Haven, an animal rescue organization based in Durand, IL.
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Jane Seitz, Executive Director of the Illinois Raptor Center, admires this rescued Cooper’s Hawk.
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This barred owl, (Little) Caesar, is fixed on me with intelligence and curiosity.
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This American kestrel is atwitter at the thought of a clean takeoff.
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The Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center is still alight with the warm glow of the holidays.
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Bear in mind that a room for Eagle Watch Weekend is best reserved a year in advance; otherwise, there are many other excellent accommodations in the area.
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The Lodge is everything you would expect from an historic place of interest.

“The hike up Starved Rock was a great experience!”

Since 1998, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center has hosted Eagle Watch Weekend. This two-day event began one late January, when the Illinois River froze, except for a section near the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. The engineered manipulation of the water flow broke up the ice and kept the river open for eagle-eyed birds of prey. Birders and naturalists noticed the activity spike as bald eagles and other raptors gathered to hunt and nest. Some migrated while others took residence. The striking scenery of Starved Rock and the Illinois River, and the clockwork predictability of winter, encouraged the increasing annual returns of flocks of birds—and herds of visitors.

Lisa and I attended our first Eagle Watch Weekend more than 10 years ago. We always talked about our experiences and a return to Starved Rock. But life got in the way. And that was no excuse.

The first time we had no expectations, and we were blown away. This time we had a feel for the scope, but we were prepared for bigger and better. With the recent flooding due to the extreme winter snowfall and deep freeze in mid-January, followed by a sharp upturn in temperature, torrential rains, and unexpected snowmelt, the weekend was almost a wash. However, event organizers and local authorities were positively heroic for adapting to the environment and redirecting activities to keep everything aloft. We got to see and do everything we had planned. And then the surprises.

“Eagle Watch Weekend was five days of fun packed into two!”

Live Birds of Prey shows were the best way to learn about raptors and see them up close. The Illinois Raptor Center and “Hoo” Haven led some exhibitions. These animal rescue organizations made it their mission to recover, rehabilitate, and return to the wild (if possible): the abandoned, sick, or injured. The rescued have included the feathered, furry, or scaled. Some of the feathered rescues did not see themselves as birds anymore. They had been imprinted on well-intentioned, but misinformed, people before they were eventually rescued by these groups. All of the birds of prey appeared confident and engaged not only with their handlers but also the captive audience.

The first time we attended Eagle Watch Weekend, one of the Live Birds of Prey shows let a couple birds fly from the front of the room to the back, one handler to another. That time, a turkey vulture strafed our heads with nary a flap. Then, another demonstration had us close our eyes to listen for the sound of the bird at the front of the room when it flew over our heads to the back of the room. We were told to open our eyes, and the bird was gone from the front stage. We were told to turn around. It was on the back handler’s arm. It was an owl—a silent, stealthy, and deadly predator of the night. While we didn’t get to play the part of cars to be jumped over by Evel Knievel this time, we did get to see a live snowy owl for the first time. This was a rarity in the wild or captivity. When Yeti took the stage, it extended its wings, studied everyone intently, and drew gasps from everyone stunned by its brilliant appearance.

The next day started with a Photographing Raptors & Wildlife course led by David Anderson, Nature Photographer. This was an excellent opportunity for reinforcing the fundamentals while picking up some tips for capturing the most challenging subjects, birds in flight. The high point of the day was the Guided Hike, our group led by Dagmar Rutzen. She was a straight-shooter with plenty of spark. We really liked her no-nonsense approach. On the way up to the top, we saw a bald eagle fly overhead, and a pair of northern cardinals playing in a shrub. Once we reached the top, we paused to learn about the fabled history of Starved Rock, and the development of the Park. The views from 125 feet above the Illinois River were majestic. Blue skies returned to mark our return down the Rock.

“I bet the park changes not only between the seasons, but also from day to day!”

On the way home, we shared our thoughts about this weekend. Lisa: “Hoo Haven is committed and dedicated to bird and animal rescues. I never saw a snowy owl before. American kestrel is my favorite! The hike up Starved Rock was a great experience, especially with Dagmar Rutzen, our guide. She definitely had some spark. The view from the top was impressive. Eagle Watch Weekend was five days of fun packed into two!” And me: “The LaSalle Room was a cozy venue to see the birds there from Illinois Raptor Center. The barred owl, (Little) Caesar, was very expressive with intelligence and curiousity! The photography class led by David Anderson provided excellent reinforcement and helpful tips about bird photography. David’s photos were amazing. I was happy to buy a framed photo. I would love to come back to Starved Rock during a different time of year. I bet the park changes not only between the seasons, but also from day to day!”

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Calamari: “Fresh and tender goes with heat and sweet!”
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Signature Ale Fried Walleye: “Crisp, fresh and sweet—tastes best without tartar sauce!”
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Pork Chop Your Way: “Yukon Gold mash complements the pan-seared pork cutlets, and the onion gravy satisfies my appetite!”
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Baked Caramel Apple Pastry Puff with Artisan Vanilla Ice Cream: “With layers of temperatures, textures, and flavors, I’m hoarding the eagle’s share!”
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Andes Mint Ganache Cheesecake: “Andes Mint adds enticing flavor to cheesecake!”
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The Visitor Center at the Illinois Waterway in Utica, across the Illinois River from Starved Rock, hosts: birdwatching, photography classes, and the best view of Plum Island and its nesting bald eagles.
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Many species fly in to the Illinois River, which is returning to its glorious natural state as a viable habitat for native and migrating birds.
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At 24mm focal length, this is pulled back a bit from what the human eye normally sees at 50mm equivalent; but, this capture shows the stand of trees at the tip of Plum Island (center) dotted with large bald eagle nests.
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At 600mm focal length, and in DX crop mode adding another 300mm effective reach, we catch a glimpse of a nesting pair of bald eagles and their nest, along with other nests from previous broods.
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Starved Rock stands 125 feet above the Illinois River, the walkway visible peeking through the treeline.
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The circular walkway atop Starved Rock pays off with impressive views of Lover’s Leap (right), and the Starved Rock Lock and Dam (left).
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This is just half of the Great Hall, where its massive two-sided stone fireplace is the centerpiece of this cozy gathering place; and, it’s already stoked for our return.

Instead of dwelling on what wasn’t there or didn’t happen this time like the first, I appreciated the new experiences now. We dined in the Dining Room at the Lodge for the first time; the food and environment were amazing. The snowy owl was a stunner, while the barred owl was hypnotic. This time we saw the nesting bald eagles from afar, but we captured them digitally up close. With winter and raptors returning every January a regular occurrence on the calendar, you might want to include us too at Eagle Watch Weekend. As the calendar pages turn, “Fly through the revolution.“

To learn more and plan your visit to Starved Rock State Park, click Starved Rock State Park

To learn more and plan your visit to Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, click Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center

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42 thoughts on “Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock”

    1. Hi Mary! Thanks for reading. Yes, some winters are more plentiful with eagles than others, but there’s always the Raptor Awareness shows. And the food at the Lodge!

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  12. Starved Rock is one of my favorite places to bird! Been a bit of time since we have been able to make it up there, but always enjoy the trails and scenery there. Lately I think it has been overwhelmed with the visitors coming out of Chicago. Loved the owl shots!

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  17. I’m so glad you and Lisa have had this experience. Wildlife rehabilitators are angels for the angels. Thank you for sharing these beautiful birds. They are all glorious!! I scrolled quickly passed the food. Intermittent fasting here, didn’t want the torture. We have seen bald eagles in the field in front of our house, but I wish I could be close to them, pet them and tell them how amazing they are. : ) Our Lil’ Murph will have me go on my own. Giggle.

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      1. 😆 It does help.
        I have some new bald eagle photos. I will soon upload them along with ones I previously posted of two mating in the field for those who missed the older ones & would like to see the new ones. I’ve only seen them in the field twice in 4 years, but I never expected being graced with their presence at all. Those who drive by and notice them slow down or stop to behold them because they are magnificent.

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  19. Ok, that does it, you and I need to hook up and go on these journeys with the families. How have I never been here ???

    This is really awesome. I Love it. I want to go here.

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      1. WoW ! No kidding ?

        Thank you for sharing this. The story and the time you put into describing and providing details make it enticing for anyone to want to explore; especially us who are here .

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