Every winter more than 3,100 bald eagles come to our state. Illinois has the second most wintering American bald eagles, behind Alaska.

The first eagles are spotted in December and remain here until they migrate back north in March. January and February are the optimal months for eagle spotting.

Visitors from across the country flock to Illinois every year to experience the bald eagles’ glory. Towns and parks across the state host special eagle observation programs and exhibits throughout the prime viewing season.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlights a number of eagle-watching locations and upcoming events on their full list of 2021 programming opportunities here.