MDC Twin Pines CEC to host Eagle Days with Bald, Golden Eagles on Jan. 20

WINONA, Mo. – See just how majestic a Bald and Golden Eagle are up-close with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Twin Pines Conservation Education Center’s (CEC) Eagle Days event on Thursday, Jan. 20.

The center has partnered with Dickerson Park Zoo to bring the eagles for guests of all ages to ask questions and learn fun eagle facts.

Registration is required and can be completed online here. Space is limited to 25 participants.

“Eagle sightings are on the rise in our area, so we’re offering this opportunity to learn more about them, how to identify them and how to be a friend to them and other wildlife,” said Reva Dow, Twin Pines CEC manager.

Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri.

Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter.

“This is one of our several programs scheduled during our seasonal closure that occurs from December through March,” Dow added.

The fishing pond and trails at Twin Pines CEC will remain open to visitors during this time. More free programs can be found online here.

To ensure the safety of all, in-person programs require family groups to socially distance, and masks are recommended. Those interested are also reminded to follow current health recommendations which include stay home if you’re sick, wash hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer, and be considerate of others.

More MDC Eagle Days events

MDC is offering Eagle Days events around the state. Some events will include live eagle programs, exhibits, activities, videos, and guides with spotting scopes. Some events require registration. Locations include:

• Springfield Conservation Nature Center in Springfield – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 15, and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Preregistration is required.
• Lock and Dam 24 and Apple Shed Theater in Clarksville – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 30.
• Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City – Eagle Explore at Marion Access – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 22.

For more information on bald eagles, visit the MDC online Field Guide here.

Twin Pines is located one mile east of Winona on U.S. Highway 60. More information can be found here, or by calling (573) 325-1381.