Bald Eagle
Watching Days

January 17 & 18, 2026

RIVER ARTS CENTER

105 9TH STREET

JAN 17, 2026

9 am: Lobby Open / Ticket Pick-up

9 am-3 pm: Exposition

9:30 am: Bus Tour #1

10-11:15 am: Live Birds of Prey by Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

11:30 am: Bus Tour #2

11:30-12:30 pm: “The Fun Side of Birds” by Alicia King

1:30 pm: Bus Tour #3

1:30-2:45 pm: Live Birds of Prey by Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

3:00-4:00 pm: “Eagles in Wisconsin” by Jeb Barzen

3:30 pm: Bus Tour #4

Note: All events are free, but the shows require a ticket, and you must register for the bus tours.
Register for shows and bus tours is on-site at the River Arts Center.

OVERLOOK

490 WATER STREET

Jan 17, 2026: 8-4 pm: Eagle Viewing
Jan 18, 2026: 8-2 pm: Eagle Viewing

TRIPP MUSUEM

565 WATER STREET

Jan 17, 2026:
9-4 pm: Bird Collection

12:00-1:00 pm: “Native American History and the Spirit of the Bald Eagle” by Art and Dawn Shegonee

RUTH CULVER LIBRARY

540 WATER STREET

Jan 17, 2026:
12:30-2:30 pm
Kids Activities

Come to the renovated overlook on Water Street in Prairie du Sac to see eagles over the Wisconsin River, or attend one of our presentations at the River Arts Center! Check out our presentations from previous years on Ferry Bluff Eagle Council’s YouTube channel.

Bald Eagle Watching Days are co-sponsored by Ferry Bluff Eagle Council, the Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, and the Tripp Museum in Prairie du Sac.

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SELF-GUIDED EAGLE TOURS

VOLUNTEER

Learn About Eagles

Events

Eagle Research

From population data to roost counts, part of our mission is collecting data on eagles.

Closure Dates for Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

Please note that Ferry Bluff State Natural Area will be closed for the upcoming 2025/2026 winter season. The entire northern unit, consisting of Ferry Bluff and Cactus Bluff, will be closed beginning December 1st, 2025, until March 31st, 2026, to protect Bald Eagles that communally roost (i.e., sleep) in specific locations along the bluffs. At times, over 100 eagles can be located within one roost. The Southern Unit (south of Huerth Road) will remain open. Ferry Bluff is one of several crucial locations that eagles use to rest and protect themselves from wind and harsh weather. Ferry Bluff State Natural Area is only 1 of 2 roosts to have complete protection for roosting Bald Eagles in winter. People who enter the areas closed in winter can disturb roosting Bald Eagles, which may result in their abandonment of the area and increased vulnerability to the winter elements. Anyone entering closed areas at Ferry Bluff is subject to a fine. The Ferry Bluff Eagle Council greatly appreciates your assistance and respect toward the eagles that make our communities special.

Thank you

PLEASE WATCH EAGLES WITHOUT SCARING THEM!

People on foot scare eagles. Please remain in your car and use it as a blind. Do not walk along the river, particularly at the hydropower dam, since that is the eagles’ most active feeding area. Eagles, particularly immature ones, need to conserve their energy to survive the cold days of Wisconsin winters.

Thank you for considering our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle.

2025 Sponsors

Event Sponsor

Conservation

Steward

Advocate

Friend
Cedarberry Inn
Bank of Prairie du Sac
Ophale Foods Inc -Piggly Wiggly
H&R Block Sauk City
Eagle View Dentist Office LLC
Merrimac Campground LLC
WCCU