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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 Eagle Days on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lock & Dam 24 in Clarksville.
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 will maintain 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 Karen Armstrong, MDC conservation education coordinator. "Make sure to bundle up the family, for temperatures can be chilly. Bring blankets and don't forget your camera and binoculars."
All events at Clarksville Eagle Days are free. The annual celebration of winter wildlife watching is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Clarksville.
For eagle lovers wanting to see still more, MDC also sponsors another free Eagle Days event from 9 a.m.—3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off Riverview Drive in St. Louis. Programming includes a hands-on exhibit of local birds presented by St. Louis Audubon, a full-size replica of an eagle's nest, and warming tent activities. Additionally, guests will enjoy Lewis and Clark living history demonstrations on both sides of the bridge. Call 314-877-1309 for more information.
To learn more about bald eagle viewing opportunities throughout Missouri, go to mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.
