As if they knew they were expected, American bald eagles returned to the Alton, Ill., area Friday, just in time for an eagle watching season kick-off event on Saturday. A mature eagle takes flight from a tree on Illinois Route 143 in Alton Friday morning.  At least six eagles could be seen in trees on both sides of the Mississippi River near Alton Friday, a good sign following last year's dismal eagle viewing season. The Alton-Audubon Eagle Fest is Saturday and will feature the display of a live eagle and other birds of prey up close and information about eagle watching. Photo: AP