Patiently awaiting eagles

MARION, Ill. -- Amid the corn fields and wetlands of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge live several creatures that symbolize freedom, independence and strength.

American bald eagles are a national symbol that can easily be glimpsed -- if you're patient enough -- during a visit to the refuge.

The Southeast Missourian visited the refuge last week to see the majestic birds. After an hour's drive to Marion, we started our auto tour at the refuge's visitor center with two experienced volunteers.

Darrell Lavesay and Rose Spiller have been guiding eagle tours for nearly 15 years and know where to look for nests and evidence that eagles live in the refuge.

Most of the eagles there likely are resident eagles, Lavesay said. That means the birds live in the refuge year-round instead of only migrating there during the winter. Perhaps some have even been born and raised in the area, though there's no way to know that for certain.

Eagles are often seen during late January and early February when the weather turns cold and icy and the temperatures remain below freezing.

"Sometimes the worst weather days are the best for seeing the eagles," Spiller said.

Lavesay agreed: "The meaner the weather, the better the tour."

Eagles like to fish and often can be spotted sitting on an ice floe in the lake or in trees near the shoreline.

That's where we spotted our first eagle. Sitting on an ice floe in the lake, the bird watched us as we focused binoculars and questioned whether the black speck in the distance was actually anything at all.

And just as soon as the bird realized we'd discovered its location, it flew directly over our vehicle before landing in a grove of trees at the opposite side of the causeway.

Never before had our guides seen an eagle fly directly overhead like that during a tour. Typically the birds like to stay at a greater distance, Lavesay said.

Vehicle traffic doesn't seem to bother them much, but loud noises, talking and slamming doors will shy them away from a group of observers, he said.

Our tour began on a high note, since no one's guaranteed a sighting, Lavesay said. "You never know what you'll get."

But he's happy to show visitors where an eagle might be seen, or point out a turkey or hawk along the way. Since the refuge has been giving Eagle Days tours each winter, both Lavesay and Spiller have been part of the effort.

This year, the refuge will offer its Eagle Days tours Jan. 24, 25 and 31 and Feb. 1. Call (618) 997-3344 for details.

"There are people who've lived here all their lives and never seen an eagle." And it's easy to do if you don't know what you're looking for, Lavesay said.

Public observation points in the refuge offer good spots to view the majestic birds -- if they're in sight. But without the aid of binoculars you aren't likely to see much.

"You have to know what you're looking for," Lavesay said. Eagles like to sit high in the trees and often look like black specks amid the branches. An eagle's nest also is well hidden in the tree line. Most nests are built at least 50 feet from the ground.

Even if you don't spot an eagle, you're likely to spot turkeys, bluebirds, cardinals and red-tailed hawks along the way, and you'll be guaranteed a glimpse of Canada geese.

The refuge is just an hour from Cape Girardeau off Illinois Route 148 south of Illinois Route 13.

Southeast Missouri doesn't get many eagles unless it's a particularly cold, icy winter, said A.J. Hendershott with the Missouri Conservation Department office in Cape Girardeau.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126