As many across the US get ready for the 2010 census, a group in Pekin is already counting... not citizens... but birds.

On a gray, a foggy day in Central Illinois, many probably wouldn't consider picking up the binoculars, but this group may disagree.
Peering over the Illinois river, they're looking for eagles.

"Just the fact that when i was a little kid they weren't here," said Timm Schwartz. "They've really come back from being (endangered) and they're really beautiful birds."

Eagles were taken off of the endangered species list in July 2007.

Eagle watchers, bird enthusiasts and nature lovers gathered along the riverfront to looking for bald eagles who nest along the Illinois river.

Dozens of people gathered for the 11th Annual Eagle Census Festival in Pekin.

"People are on the bus tours, seeing them in their natural habitat, learning just some basic facts about the American bald eagle, and then they're able to follow that up with additional eagle related programs," said Leigh Ann Matthews, Eagle Census Festival Host.

"Part of it having a bus that would take me around was better because you can't drive and look for eagles, so i like somebody navigating," said Heather Fitzando.

In addition to eagle watching, several other events took place at the downtown Pekin Union Mission Center in honor of the day... including the Wildlife Prairie Park "Birds of Prey" show and a musician.

"It's not just educating on the eagles or the program that we have but getting them downtown, showcasing our riverfront and our downtown district," said Matthews.

"I've learned a little bit about their age and being able to spot them better and i hoped to see more," said Heather Fitzanko.

"Before the tour i didn't know much about them other than that they are our country's national bird, but read that prior to four years of age, they don't have white heads . . . I expected to see a little more, but we did manage to see four eagles today," said Steve Fitzanko.

It's said that January and February are ideal months for eagles to feed along the Illionis River as barges keep the river open by breaking up the ice.

Many had success... as they tried to get a glimpse of the symbol of America.