Starved Rock Eagle Watch 01/24/2010

So, my first time ever eagle watching--- and it was one of the worst years in recent memory for it! 40 degrees and rainy, meaning the IL river was completely thawed so there wasn't a need for them to hang out by the dam. Supposedly their numbers are also down due to their favorite fish, gizzard shad, having very low numbers this year. Last year's official count was 108. This year less than a dozen were around.

That said, I saw about five. Even saw one get himself a fish :) They were pretty far off, and there was pretty low light cause of the cloud cover, but hey, I saw and took shots of wild eagles for the first time in my life :P

Anyway, they're pretty pathetic, but here's a set from Sunday...

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4305247093_00d79ffb09_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4305990132_ab7d4c2810_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4305246265_60b35ee890_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4305989452_196132d665_b.jpg" width=800>

Yes, I know, this isn't an eagle :P
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4305244459_b0f42f680c_b.jpg" width=800>


<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4305243801_664158e59d_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4305243457_5c65f2bc34_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4305243233_630c547f14_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4305984798_e5a43fe628_b.jpg" width=800>

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4305984560_3d4d913596_b.jpg" width=800>


Looking down at some geese from Eagle Cliff
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Shot of some people on Eagle Cliff from the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center on the other side of the river.
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4305986414_3d116234f8_b.jpg" width=800>

Nice captures.....Aren't Eagles magnificent!!!

At least you caught them with fish in their talons. They are a pleasure to observe.

They are, for sure. :)

Looks like a really enjoyable trip Cara, and your shots sure beat my first eagle shots.
:)

Eagles are hard to get close to. The only state I have been close to them consistently is the state of florida :) Great images!

Too bad you had poor weather. I like what you did get though! Fish and all! Sounds like this year I have more up by me near Channahon.