Wednesday, January 28, 2015

There is still time to experience Eagle Days through February and March

If you haven't braved the January weather to celebrate Eagle Days, there's still time to join World Bird Sanctuary and our partners as we celebrate Bald Eagle Season around the region!  

For those of us who live along the Mississippi flyway the colder temperatures herald the arrival of some of the most admired and magnificent creatures of them all.  This is the season for eagle watching!

Eagle watchers regularly see Bald Eagles on the frozen Mississippi River during eagle days.
Photo with kind permission of Sandra's Shooting Gallery.
If you can bear braving the cold and wind along the river, chances are that you will see wild Bald Eagles in action, hunting their prey, perching in a tree, or soaring up above. Eagle watching is an annual tradition for many of us, even those of us that are lucky enough to see and work with them every day.

If you want to see a live bald eagle up close and in person, you can visit the World Bird Sanctuary, or catch one of the displays or presentations below:

Audubon Center at Riverlands
February 1st, 8th, 2015 | 10 am—2pm
301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386
A bald eagle and naturalist will be on hand to talk to the public about bald eagles.  Get your picture taken next to a Bald Eagle.  Be sure to bring your camera!  After this personal encounter you can pick up an official ‘All Around Alton Eagle Watcher's Guide’ and set off along the Great River Road to see eagles in their natural habitat. 

Enjoy seeing a live bald eagle in person and talk to naturalists,
before heading outside to spot wild bald eagles.
Photo with kind permission of Sandra's Shooting Gallery.
Kaskaskia Lock and Dam
February 7th, 2015 | 10 am—2 pm
4800 Lock and Dam Road, Modoc, IL 62261
All About Eagles Program
Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as our national symbol instead of the Bald Eagle? Get an up close and personal view of a Bald Eagle and learn the reasons it was chosen instead of the turkey. 

Most Eagle Days events provide expert eagle spotters who can help you find
wild bald eagles after enjoying a World Bird Sanctuary eagle presentation.
Photo with kind permission of Sandra's Shooting Gallery.
Dickson Mounds Museum
February 7th, 2015 | 11 am—2 pm
10956 North Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, IL 61542
Features birds of prey including an eagle, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!

Palisades Yacht Club—Riverbill Eagle Watching
February 7th, 2015 | 3 pm—5pm
1670 Riverview Drive, Portage De Sioux, MO 63373
A bald eagle and naturalist will be on hand to talk to the public about bald eagles.  Get your picture taken next to a Bald Eagle.  Be sure to bring your camera! 

Experience the beauty of a bald eagle in person!
Photo with kind permission of Sandra's Shooting Gallery.
National Great Rivers Museum
February 14th, 2015 | 10 am—4 pm
February 15th, 2015 | 11 am—4 pm
February 16th, 2015 | 10 am—1 pm
Route 3 South, East Alton, Il 62024
Masters of the Sky Program with eagle
Features birds of prey including an eagle, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!

A Bald Eagle takes flight along the Mississippi River - a common sight
during Bald Eagle Days.
Photo with kind permission of Sandra's Shooting Gallery.
Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower
February 21st, 2015 | 10 am—2 pm
435 Confluence Tower Drive, Hartford, Il 62048
A bald eagle and naturalist will be on hand to talk to the public about bald eagles.  Get your picture taken next to a Bald Eagle.  Be sure to bring your camera!

Bald Eagle Winter Watch—Saint Charles County Parks Department
February 28th, 2015 | 9:30 am—11:30 am
1550 Hide Away Harbor Drive, Portage De Sioux, MO 63373
A bald eagle and naturalist will be on hand to talk to the public about bald eagles.  Get your picture taken next to a Bald Eagle.  Be sure to bring your camera!

Master Naturalist of Missouri Meramec Hills
March 10th, 2015 | 5:30 pm & 7 pm
Rolla Middle School Auditorium
1111 Soest Road, Rolla, MO 65401
Raptor Awareness Program with eagle
Features birds of prey including an eagle, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures. Not only will you see different species of raptors, but you'll also learn a vulture's secret weapon and how to identify a bird of prey in the wild. Sit back and enjoy an up close view as some of the birds soar right over your head!

Wetlands for Kids—Missouri Department of Conservation
April 4th, 2015 | 10 am—3pm
Busch Wildlife Area, 2360 Hwy D, Saint Charles, MO 63304
A wetlands themed 4 bird display featuring birds of prey.  Naturalists will be on hand to talk about the animals.

With all these eagle programs, indoors and outdoors, there is no reason for you not to get outside this winter to enjoy our National Symbol!

Submitted by Catherine Redfern




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