Shake out your wings: It’s nearly time for the annual Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Festival in Alton, Ill. On Jan. 6, the feathery festival celebrates the start of eagle viewing season, when regal Bald Eagles head to their winter homes near the Mississippi River in Alton. Festival visitors can meet an actual American Bald Eagle visiting from the World Bird Sanctuary. The meet-and-greet takes place at the Alton Visitor Center on Piasa Street. Other birds can be seen at the Audubon Center at Riverlands.

The eagles can be sighted at numerous viewing spots along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway stretching from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park. Eagle Shuttle Tours with expert guides providing commentary take guests on a 45-minute expedition to many of these sites, with shuttle pick-up at the Audubon Center. Stops include Maple Island, Heron Pond and Ellis Island. Seating is limited, so book your spot at www.visitalton.com/Shuttle. Tickets are $5 per person. Related events include the Jan. 28 Bald Eagle Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge.