A Day with the Eagles: Fulton-Mason Annual Eagle Day

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

On Saturday, February 1, families from across Illinois are invited to experience the wonder of nature and celebrate the majestic American bald eagle during the annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day. The event, free and open to all ages, features a packed schedule of activities in both Fulton and Mason counties, with Fulton County’s Dickson Mounds Museum serving as the heart of the festivities.

From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, visitors to Dickson Mounds Museum (10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road) in Lewistown can enjoy a day brimming with activities for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The centerpiece of the event will be the World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Awareness programs at 1 pm and 3 pm, with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 am that morning.

Alongside the raptor programs, the museum will host arts and crafts, interactive science exhibits, and informative displays about native and invasive species. Children and adults alike can enjoy hands-on activities while learning about the region’s rich ecology and avian life. Food will be available for purchase on-site from The Lunchwagon, making it easy to refuel between activities.

Just a short drive away, the Emiquon Preserve and its Lakeside Observatory (off of Hwy 97/78) provide additional opportunities for birdwatching and exploration. Open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, the preserve features walking trails, a warming station, and wildlife viewing areas. For those seeking an even closer connection to the natural world, visit the Therkildsen Field Station (11316 N. Prairie Rd. Lewistown) and join Illinois State Museum’s Curator of Anthropology, Dr. Brooke Morgan, at 10:00 am for a guided hike along the Ridge Trail, offering an informative and breathtaking view of the preserve.