Celebrate Eagles along the Fox River and on Geneva Lake on Jan. 20

Celebrate the eagles of the Fox River Valley on Saturday, Jan. 20. Winter is a perfect time to see eagles in the wild as they congregate to feed near the open waters at dams along the Fox River and at other open spots on our lakes, rivers and streams. An “In Search of Eagles” outdoor event will be held at four sites on Saturday morning.

It will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at the McHenry Dam, the Algonquin Dam and the Carpentersville Dam on the Fox River in Illinois and at the Williams Bay Boat Launch on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin.

Representatives from Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Kettle Moraine Land Trust, McHenry County Conservation District, McHenry County Audubon and Friends of Moraine Hills State Park will help search for eagles and identify other birds using the river and the lake.

Attendees are asked to dress for the weather and bring their own binoculars if they have a pair, but binoculars are not needed to enjoy seeing birds in the wild.

Detailed maps to all locations can be found at tinyurl.com/InSearchofEagles2024.

There will be scopes and binoculars available for use at each location. Visit the site closest to you or visit them all.

This is a free all-ages event. No registration is required. If you have any concerns on Saturday morning about the weather, please call the Friends of Hackmatack phone line at (262) 448-3558 where there will be a message regarding the status of the event.