Eagle watching hot now along the Mississippi

Several communities along the Mississippi River are holding eagle watching events today. The majestic birds traditionally show up around this time of year as the water freezes up north. Elaine Robertson is visitor services manager at the Mississippi Valley Welcome Center in LeClaire, which is hosting eagle programs today and tomorrow. There is no admission fee. The 45-minute programs are at 11 AM and at noon and Robertson says they’ll include something special. Native American Rudy Vallejo, of the Kickapoo tribe, will perform his eagle dance. If you’ve never seen an eagle take flight and capture its food, Robertson says it’s a beautiful sight.Eagle-watching programs are also being held today at Lock and Dam 14, at Fisherman’s Corner near Hampton, Illinois, and at Clinton Community College.