Green Perspective: Eagles soar above area rivers Published Feb. 8, 2012 By Garry Green 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- It's no wonder that the bald eagle is our national symbol. One close look at this majestic bird and it's easy to see the similarities to our nation's strength and durability. The eagle has a calm and powerful demeanor, it possesses fierce sharp talons, it has a broad wing span capable of high elevation and long distance flight, and it has keen eyes that take in everything. On Jan. 29 several Air Force families got a close-up look at this master of the skies on a bald eagle viewing trip sponsored by the 375th Force Support Squadron's Outdoor Recreation. A group of about 23 moms, dads and kids piled into two busses for a trip up the Mississippi River to its confluence with the Illinois River near Alton and the winter home of bald eagles that migrate from as far away as Canada. Hundreds of bald eagles take up residence here every year from early December through mid-March. The journey began on a crisp, clear bluebird morning with everyone excited to see eagles. After a short drive we reached the Great River Road along the Mississippi and spotted our first eagle flying overhead. It was a good sign, for a few minutes later we arrived at the first stop on the Eagle Trail at the Melvin Price Lock and Dams which is headquarters for any eagle watching trip along the Mississippi. Inside the group was treated to an excellent museum about life on the Mississippi with the lock and dams and information about eagles. The children were treated to a do it yourself arts and crafts table where they fashioned white eagle crowns with sharp yellow beaks as a fun and educational keepsake of the day. The center also provided a long range spotting scope that focused on an eagle roosting in a tree providing our first close look at an eagle in the wild. No doubt the eagle was overlooking the Mississippi searching the waters for fish to eat. Next stop was the visitor's center in Alton, Ill. This is a must see stop on the Eagle Trail. The visitor's center provides free brochures about eagle viewing locations and friendly information, not only about bald eagles and local points of interest but also about the infamous Piasa Bird. The Piasa Bird is huge. When Pere Marquette made his famous journey down the Illinois River in 1763, local Indians warned him about a great bird that was part dragon, ruled that part of the river and would surely bring destruction to his expedition. What he found was a giant frightening painting on the sandstone bluffs visible from all points on the river designed to intimidate trespassers who ventured into the territory of the Illini Confederation. Our group felt much the same. Men, women and children stood in awe at the re-creation of this gigantic bird located on the Great River Road just a few miles north of Alton. We were amazed at the sheer size of the thing. But as kids scrambled over boulders and adults peered into the caves below the massive painting, suddenly two eagles appeared overhead reminding us of our quest. We were rewarded a short bit later as we drove north along the river. A popular eagle roosting spot at Clifton Heights was full of eagle watchers and eagles. This was the first opportunity the group had to see a bald eagle fairly close. As we disembarked from the bus ooh's and ah's were heard as everyone finally got to see a wild bald eagle just overhead. A magnificent bird was basking in the warm sunshine and appeared quite nonchalant at the the human hustle and bustle below. Binoculars provided by ODR offered a close view of this lord of the skies. Many excellent pictures were taken and the group realized how majestic and important this bird is. Back on the bus the tour continued north toward the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge by way of the Brussels river ferry. The ferry provided an extra bit of excitement as we loaded our busses onto the Belle of Calhoun ferry crossing the Mississippi River. Arriving at Swan Lake we disembarked under a stiff, cold wind and a sweeping view of the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Here the binoculars that were provided came in handy as the eagles around the lake were at such a distance that binoculars were needed. With the group ever anxious to see more bald eagles, we continued towards the next stop on the Eagle Trail at Pere Marquette State Park. During the winter months the visitor's center at the state park dedicates much of its resources to bald eagle awareness. An excellent interpretive display includes an informative film and the recreation of a life sized bald eagle nest that visitors can stand inside for a unique photo opportunity. After enjoying the visitor's center and a brief walk along the Illinois River the group headed up to the highlands of the park and Eagles Nest Overlook. Here they were gratified with long range vistas and a bird's eye view of the meeting of the two great rivers. Suddenly overhead the focus of our journey shifted as a family of bald eagles appeared soaring high in the sky on updrafts from the river valley below. Everyone was thrilled to see this father, mother and juvenile eagle gracing us with their presence on this lofty summit overlooking these grand old rivers. Our hearts swelled with pride to see this symbol of our nation gliding on the wind so effortlessly. Now it was time to turn towards home but there was one more chance to see a bald eagle. Back at our first stop at the Melvin Price Lock and Dams, the World Bird Sanctuary of Valley Park, Mo., was offering a live bald eagle presentation. We were all eager to see a live eagle up close and we got our chance. As we entered the classroom at the lock and dams we were struck by the size of a female bald eagle named Sanibel, presented by two naturalists from the World Bird Sanctuary. In close proximity these birds are quite large. This particular bird was a rescue, a victim of an unfortunate incident with an automobile in south Florida and was sent to the sanctuary for rehabilitation. This eagle fulfilled all of our expectations and then some. She was poised, majestic and full of confidence, just like our Air Force. She provided us with a sense of awe, pride and serene confidence and everyone was touched by her greatness. With pleasant tiredness and thoroughly satisfied our group loaded into their seats for the short return to Scott Air Force Base. A stellar day mingled with new friends and the chance to experience one of the last vestiges of our natural heritage, the weary explorers said good-bye and proclaimed this eagle viewing trip a complete success.