Flying high: Refuge to host 37th Eagle Days event
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION PHOTO
Viewing stations like this one will be among the attractions during driving tours available next month during Eagle Days at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City. The two-day event will also provide participants with a close-up view of captive eagles displayed by staff from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield.
MOUND CITY, Mo. — Eagle Days, an annual opportunity to observe the majestic national bird of the United States, will return for the 37th consecutive year Dec. 5-6 at the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City.
Bald eagles have migrated in early winter to wetlands along the Missouri River for thousands of years. In addition to eagles, the ancient pageant also often includes large flocks of geese, ducks, and swans.
During the two-day event, visitors will have a chance to watch wild eagles during a driving tour. Eagle Days also provides a close-up view of captive raptors displayed by staff from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield.
Missouri Department of Conservation employees and volunteers will offer interpretive stops along the driving tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The weekend will also include exhibits about wetlands and wildlife and access to spotting scopes.
Live eagle shows at the refuge’s headquarters will take place hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The Dickerson Park Zoo rehabilitates eagles, and birds whose injuries preclude them from returning to the wild are used in exhibits.
All activities are free.
Eagle and waterfowl viewing is weather dependent. The Squaw Creek refuge is located west of Interstate 29 of the Highway 159 exit.
Other eagle events this winter include Missouri River Eagle Day, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at LaBenite Park in Sugar Creek. The park is located on the south side of the Missouri River east of the Highway 291 Bridge near Kansas City.
This free program will include captive eagles, nature stations, youth activities, and boat tours. Boat space is limited, and advance registration is required beginning Dec. 1 by calling 816.228.3766.
Also on the calendar is the 21st annual Smithville Lake Eagle Days, which will take place Saturday, Jan. 9, and Sunday, Jan. 10.
For more information about these and other Eagle Days throughout Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.
Eagle Days at Squaw Creek is offered through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Details are available by calling the refuge at 816.271.3100 or going to http://1.usa.gov/1XoQu4m.
