Rock Island Ecological Services Field Office Biologist Kristen Lundh helps students locate eagles through a spotting scope on the Mississippi River, during 2006 Bald Eagle Days. - FWS photo

Rock Island Ecological Services Field Office biologists Kristen Lundh and Kraig McPeek helped lead children through several educational events, including a live bird demonstration and eagle watching on the banks of the Mississippi River, during 2006 Eagle Days in January.

Festivities kicked off with Kid's Day on January 6, with more than 1,000 area elementary school children participating.    Throughout the day, biologists fielded questions and comments about the bald eagle, and helped explain why it is important to recover this and other endangered species. 

The event is organized by staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as well as county and non-governmental agencies.

Following the educational kickoff for youth, staff participated at the booth throughout the weekend to answer questions and provide useful facts for the nearly 10,000 attendees of the show. 

This show has become an annual event for the Rock Island Office and they look forward to the opportunity to reach the local community each year.