Perfectly Eagle

Eagles just might be the best thing nature's got going for it. For starters, these beautiful birds of prey can fly. That's practically better than anything, ever. Two, they're impressive hunters and fishers -- eagles can swoop down to earth with the greatest of ease and get at basically any kind of creature they'd like to eat, which, without question, is very awesome. And lastly, eagles are drop-dead stunners. Just look at those feathers! And that beauty is nicely balanced by the toughness of their talons and beaks. Yep, eagles are what we all should aspire to, should there be some kind of reincarnation situation in the afterlife. Until then though, the best we can do is to admire them during high season at Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center (13653 Lodge Boulevard, Grafton, Illinois; 618-786-2331 or www.pmlodge.net). During the Bald Eagle Festival, happening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the lodge hosts the World Bird Sanctuary's "Masters of the Sky" show about eagles and other birds of prey, as well as an eagle meet-and-greet, flute musicians, wine-tastings, vendors and more. Admission to the festival is free; admission to "Masters of the Sky," which starts at 1:30 p.m., costs $3.
Sun., Jan. 13, 2013