Press Release - Saturday, January 27, 2007
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It's EAGLE DAY in Illinois! Lt. Gov. Quinn celebrates with a live American Bald Eagle - one of the more than 3,000 eagles who will spend the winter in Illinois
CHICAGO - Today Lt. Governor Pat Quinn celebrated "American Eagle Day" in Illinois with Deshka, a nine-year-old bald eagle who calls Illinois home. Quinn encouraged citizens to take advantage of a prime opportunity provided during the next few weeks to witness the largest population of wintering bald eagles in the continental United States as they roost in Illinois.
"Eagle Day is an opportunity to honor these magnificent birds who spend their winters right here in Illinois," Quinn said. "With more than 3,000 eagles headed our way, and more than 100 eagle-watching events taking place across the state, there is no reason to miss one of the best air shows around."
Historically, the fourth Saturday of every January is among the most active weekends for eagle viewing - a fact that led Illinois lawmakers to adopt a resolution in May 2005 officially designating the fourth Saturday in January as "American Eagle Day" in Illinois. Sponsored by State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), the day reminds families, school children and eagle enthusiasts to take a day - Eagle Day - and enjoy Illinois' many eagle-related tourism opportunities.
Eagle watching is a thriving form of state tourism in at least 27 Illinois counties and a fulfilling hobby for the more than two million wildlife watchers from Illinois who are thrilled to see so many eagles so close to home. This winter more than 100 eagle viewing events will take place across the state of Illinois, and the eagle watcher's Web Site SaveOurEagles.org will list them all.
"Nature-based tourism is the fastest growing tourism in America," Quinn said. "Illinois can reap substantial benefits from eagle watching and nature-based tourism dollars."
Quinn was joined by Laurene von Klan, president and CEO of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Roger Shamley of the Chicago Audubon Society, Doug Stotz from the Field Museum of Natural History, and George and Berni Richter, Deshka's handlers and members of Save Our American Raptors (SOAR).
The American bald eagle was designated the National Emblem of the United States on June 20, 1782 and placed on the Great Seal of the state of Illinois in December of 1818. This living symbol of our nation's freedom, spirit and strength has made a stunning comeback after facing extinction only a few years ago.
Quinn led the effort to protect the habitat of Illinois' bald eagles, particularly those eagles who faced a developer's bulldozer on Plum Island near Starved Rock just 85 miles from Chicago's Loop. Quinn joined with concerned citizens who helped save Plum Island from development and the land is still available for eagles and their fans this Eagle Day.
Eagle supporters can learn more about upcoming eagle watching events at www.SaveOurEagles.org.
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