The bald eagle is present in the Chicago area. Bald eagles are common migratory and winter residents in Illinois. During the colder months, Illinois hosts a significant wintering population, with numbers often exceeding 3,000 birds. This makes Illinois a notable location for observing these raptors.
Where to Spot Eagles in Chicago
Bald eagles typically seek habitats near large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and marshes, because their diet consists primarily of fish. They also favor areas with tall trees for perching and nesting, often found within forest preserves. The open waters of the Illinois, Des Plaines, Fox, and DuPage rivers are good places to look for them.
Several locations in the Chicago metropolitan area offer eagle sightings.
Cook County forest preserves, including Busse Woods and Tampier Slough, are known for eagle activity.
The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, where the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee rivers converge, is a gathering spot.
Along the Fox River, areas near the I-88 bridge in North Aurora and Pleasant Valley Conservation Area are frequented by eagles.
Even within the city limits, eagles are seen along the North Branch of the Chicago River near Horner Park and at Big Marsh Park.
The optimal time to observe bald eagles in Illinois is during the winter months, from December through March, peaking in January and February. During this period, northern waterways freeze, prompting eagles to migrate south in search of open water for fishing. Early morning or late afternoon can be productive times for spotting eagles.
Bald eagles are identified by their size, markings, and flight patterns. Adult bald eagles are large birds with dark brown bodies, distinct white heads, and white tails. Their beaks, eyes, and feet are yellow. In flight, they hold their broad wings flat, similar to a board, and exhibit powerful, slow wingbeats while soaring. Younger eagles appear mostly brown, gradually developing their characteristic white head and tail over time.
The Resurgence of Eagles in Illinois
Historically, bald eagles were abundant in Illinois, particularly as winter residents along major rivers. However, their populations saw a decline by the mid-20th century. Factors contributing to this decline included habitat destruction, human harassment such as hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. By the early 1960s, the breeding population in the lower 48 states had fallen to fewer than 500 pairs. In Illinois, only a single breeding pair remained by 1985.
DDT posed a threat by impacting eagle reproduction. The pesticide accumulated in the food chain, leading to eagles ingesting it through their prey. This exposure caused their eggshells to become thin and brittle, often resulting in the eggs cracking during incubation and preventing successful hatching.
Conservation efforts and protective legislation played a role in their recovery. The Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and later amendments provided legal safeguards. The ban of DDT in the United States in 1972 allowed eagle populations to begin their recovery. Habitat protection, restoration projects, and ongoing monitoring programs by organizations like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Audubon Society further supported their comeback.
The bald eagle was removed from the U.S. federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2007 and from Illinois’ state list in 2009. Illinois now hosts the largest wintering bald eagle population outside of Alaska, with several thousand birds present annually. The number of nesting pairs has also increased, with an estimated 30 to 40 pairs statewide and 35 nests identified in the six counties surrounding Chicago alone. The increase in nesting pairs means that some eagles now reside in Illinois year-round, contributing to a more stable local population.