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Will County’s Eagle Watch returns Jan. 13
Winter weather may seem prohibitive for outdoor events, but don’t tell that to the eagles.
The bird so majestic that it was adopted as a national symbol will be the centerpiece of a celebration of all things eagle during the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s annual Eagle Watch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
In addition to eagle-watching, the event will feature live bird presentations, “Talon Talks,” guided hikes, family crafts, an Eagle Eye Scavenger Hunt and food from Lil’ Deb’s Mobile Eats, according to a news release from the district.
Forest preserve officials said winter is the best time to look for these magnificent raptors as they flock to open water to hunt fish, their primary food source, making Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, where the DuPage, Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers converge to form the Illinois River, a prime spot to catch them.
“Freezing temperatures bring bald eagles in large numbers to the water around Four Rivers,” said Jess McQuown, a Forest Preserve program coordinator. “The Des Plaines River is so large, deep and active with barge traffic, the water is always flowing, even when other rivers are freezing over.”
Two 45-minute presentations by Wisconsin-based Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center are planned at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A shorter 20-minute meet and greet is set for 12:30 p.m. The shows feature a bald eagle named Victor E., Garfield the juvenile great horned owl, Wesley the snowy owl and Oopsie the northern saw-whet owl.
The event schedule also includes three 40-minute guided hikes at 11:50 a.m., 12:55 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. Two 15-minute Talon Talks will be offered at noon (Eagles of the World) and 2:30 p.m. (Eagle Eyes and Other Awesome Adaptation). Registration is not required. More information is at ReconnectWithNature.org.
Winter Wonderland festival set at Eggers Grove
A tree identification walk highlights the 23rd annual Winter Wonderland festival at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at Eggers Grove Forest Preserve in Chicago. Sponsored by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative, the walk will be led by Marianne Kozlowski, co-steward of Eggers Grove.
Entrance to Eggers Grove is at East 112th Street and South Avenue E, Chicago. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Registration is required by Jan. 11 at www.wolflakeinitiative.org.
Stagg student artwork exhibited at McCord Gallery
Students from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School are exhibiting artwork this month at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park.
The 2D and 3D works are on display through Jan. 26, with a closing reception from 6 to 8 p.m. that day.
“Displaying their works of art in our gallery space allows students to see how art is truly appreciated and respected by others, and we hope it encourages them to continue to pursue their interests in art,” McCord officials said in a release.
More information is at mccordgallery.org or 708-671-0648
Mental health seminar offered by NAMI
Daily Southtown
A 90-minute Family and Friends seminar for people who have loved ones with a mental health condition or experiencing difficulty with mental health how best to support them is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 13 at Bremen Senior Center, 15350 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest.
The free program also is an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations and gain community support, according to NAMI, which is hosting the seminar.
Led by trained people with lived experience of supporting a family member or friend with a mental health condition, discussion topics will include understanding diagnoses, treatment and recovery, communication strategies, importance of self care, crisis preparation and community resources.
Registration is required with Marianne Bithos at 708-852-9126 or namisouthsuburbsofchicago@gmail.com.
After hours trivia event in Midlothian
The Friends of the Midlothian Public Library will host an after-hours trivia night for adults from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the library, 14701 Kenton Ave. Trivia presenter Jay Johnson will conduct the event. Light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided and people can bring their own alcoholic beverages. This is an age 21+ event, and library staff reserve the right to request ID.
The event is free, but registration is requested at midlothianlibrary.org or 708-535-2027.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.