Missouri DOC 'Eagle Days'

Wednesday January 16, 2013   |

CLARKSVILLE, Mo. - Every winter, the show-me-state welcomes record numbers of bald eagles and boasts some of the most plentiful viewing areas in all of the lower 48 states. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages eagle-lovers of all ages to discover nature and get outdoors to view our nation's symbol at the annual Eagle Days event at Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spotting scopes will be set up at the River Front Park and volunteers and staff from MDC will help visitors watch eagles and migrating waterfowl. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff maintains a bonfire to keep the chill off as participants watch the eagles feeding on fish in the open waters.

Additionally, Eagle Days features activities to entertain and educate the whole family. The Apple Shed Theater, located on Missouri 79 on the south edge of town, will host a live eagle program every hour on the hour, hands-on exhibits and displays, kids' activities, and viewing of the MDC video Where Eagles Soar. The building is not heated, so make sure to dress warmly.
"Eagle Days are a great way to enjoy nature in the winter and also a fun way to spend time as a family," said MDC Conservation Education Coordinator Karen Armstrong. "Make sure to bundle up the family because temperatures can be chilly. Bring blankets, and don't forget your camera and binoculars."

The annual celebration of winter wildlife watching is hosted by MDC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Clarksville.
All events at Clarksville Eagle Days are free. Clarksville is located south of Louisiana on Missouri Highway 79. For more information, call Armstrong at 660-785-2420 or visit mdc.mo.gov and search "Eagle Days."

Clarksville Eagle Days
Location: Clarksville

Date: January 26, 9:00 AM to January 27, 2013, 3:00 PM
A great location for spotting bald eagles is below Lock and Dam No. 24 in Clarksville located south of Louisiana on Highway 79. Jan. 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jan. 27, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call Karen Armstrong 660-785-2420 for more information. Activities in the Apple Shed include: * a live eagle program every hour on the hour * view the MDC video, Where Eagles Soar * hands-on exhibits and displays, and kid activities At the River Front Park: * spotting scopes are set up for you to view eagles with the help of Department of Conservation staff & volunteers. * stand by the bonfire maintained by the Corps of Engineers to keep the chill off as you watch the eagles feeding on fish in the open waters. So, bundle up the family as temperatures can be chilly and head to an Eagle Event near you.

Eagle Days
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Date: January 26, 9:00 AM to January 26, 2013, 4:00 PM
We're celebrating the annual return of bald eagles to Lake Springfield. This special event combines the indoor presence of Phoenix, a live bald eagle from Dickerson Park Zoo, with outdoor viewing opportunities at the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina. An indoor program will be held every hour on the hour at the nature center from 9am to 3pm. Stop by anytime and plan to spend about two hours. All ages. No registration required.

Stella Eagle Day Event
Location: Veteran's Memorial Park, Stella, Missouri

Date: January 26, 10:00 AM to January 26, 2013, 3:00 PM
The fish filled streams of southwest Missouri are the winter home to bald eagles. Join the Joplin Conservation Office, Community of Stella and Missouri Master Naturalists for an eagle viewing opportunity. There will be spotting scopes set up and fun educational activities for all ages throughout the day. No registration is required for this event. For more information call 417-629-3423.

Eagle Days
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Date: January 27, 12:30 PM to January 27, 2013, 4:30 PM
We're celebrating the annual return of bald eagles to Lake Springfield. This special event combines the indoor presence of Phoenix, a live bald eagle from Dickerson Park Zoo, with outdoor viewing opportunities at the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina. An indoor program will be held at the nature center at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm. Stop by anytime and plan to spend about two hours. All ages. No registration required.

Eagle Days at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Puxico MO

Date: February 2, 9:00 AM to February 2, 2013, 4:00 PM
Join us Saturday, February 2, 2013, for an opportunity to view bald eagles at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Duck Creek Conservation Area near Puxico, MO. Spotting scopes will be set up for you to view eagles in the wild with the help of Department of Conservation staff and volunteers. A live eagle program will be presented at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm. Bundle up and bring the family out to view these magnificent birds.