The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge will become a party for bird watchers and photographers this weekend. Watch eagles soar, sit on ice floes, pluck fish from the river and bully smaller birds.

Where • Riverview Drive just south of Interstate 270; or west on Chain of Rocks Road from Illinois Route 3.

When • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

How long • The bridge is one mile; the walk to the viewing area is about a half-mile steadily uphill from the east or west end.

Surface • It's a paved pedestrian bridge.

User notes • See a live bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, displays by the St. Louis Audubon Society and the Confluence Partnership, as well as historical re-enactors. There's no way to tell how good the eagle viewing will be, but eagles have been plentiful in the region this year.

Facilities • Warming tents, hot refreshments. Educational programs and viewing scopes will be provided.

Wheelchair accessible • Yes. The forecast calls for below or near freezing temperatures in the morning, and despite de-icer on the bridge, be wary of slick spots. Also, be careful on the approaches and parking lots for the bridge. They often aren't as ice-free as the bridge.

Pets • No. The de-icer, can harm dog paws.

Parking Missouri • Parking at the Missouri entrance is $5. Find free parking at the St. Louis Welcome Center at Riverview Drive and Interstate 270, and North Riverfront Park off of Riverview Drive south of the waterworks. A free shuttle serves both Missouri locations.

Parking Illinois • Parking is free on the Illinois side of the bridge. Alternative parking: Take a turn south from Chain of Rocks Road near the bridge parking lot, then follow the road to a large parking lot south of the bridge. Get a ground-level view of the bridge, the rapids, swooping eagles and swarming water birds.

More information • Visit confluencegreenway.org/eagledays.php

 

TRAIL NOTES

Gone Fishin' 2012 — Outdoor Adventures

St. Louis County Parks and Recreation has published its 2012 activity guide. Download the calendar or call 314-615-8472. Visit www.stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation

 

Moonlight Chubb Trail Bike Ride

What • Ride the Chubb Trail after dark starting at Lone Elk Park, heading along the Meramec River to West Tyson County Park and back.

Where • Start at the trailhead near the Lone Elk Park gates off the north outer road west of Highway 141.

When • 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 18.

How long • The Chubb Trail is 7.5 miles one-way, 15 miles out and back.

Guides • Night rides are supervised by St. Louis County Park rangers.

Extras • It's a steep, narrow trail recommended for experienced cold-weather riders. Dress for cold, windy conditions. Helmets required for riders 16 and younger. High-intensity lights are recommended.

More information • County parks at 314-615-8472.

 

"Trailnet on Tap" speakers

What • Trailnet speaker series on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The first speaker will be Mike Weiss, owner of Big Shark Bicycle Co., who will discuss bicycling as a form of winter transportation.

When • 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 24.

Where • Café Ventana annex, 3919 West Pine Boulevard.

More information • emily@trailnet.org, or trailnet.org/events/trailnet-on-tap, or 314-436-1324 Ext. 112.