Bald Eagles on the Mississippi River: Alton and Grafton, IL on the Great River Road

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience is eager to again feature natural aviators in our coverage of Midwest Aviation. We set out recently on a cloudy, snowy day to capture the majestic bald eagle in its natural habitat along the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, MO. Our route took us across the Mississippi River at Alton, IL to Grafton along the Great River Road. Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., we saw two mature bald eagles on the ice flows and one in a tree near the road before it took off down the river. A juvenile bald eagle was also seen diving for a fish in the river. During our stop at the Grafton Lighthouse, the ring-billed gulls descended for some free food from a fellow bird-watcher.    

We encourage everyone to witness the wintering bald eagles and other wildlife and ensure they always have a welcoming Midwest winter home. Our photo essay includes gulls, geese, a red-tailed hawk and of course, bald eagles!