Where the Eagles Fly
For birding enthusiasts and nature lovers, the chance to see one of the country’s proudest living symbols will take center stage on weekends in January and February. Hosted by Lake Guntersville State Park, Eagle Awareness returns for the 32nd year and offers guided field trips for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, live birding shows and demonstrations, interactive programs and family fun activities and crafts for all ages. The program is held every weekend from January 20 through February 19, 2017.
The Eagle Awareness Program at Lake Guntersville State Park begins January 20 and is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through February 19, 2017. All Eagle Awareness weekends feature live bird demonstrations, interactive programs provided by notable speakers from across the country, guided field trips for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, and family fun activities and crafts. There will be demonstrations by Wing’s to SOAR, Alabama 4H Center and Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center. Noted speakers include West Tenn. Interpretive Specialist David Haggard, Brittney Hughes from Desoto State Park, Alabama State Park’s Ken Thomas and Mandy Pearson, Dr. George Cline from Jacksonville State University, Curt Cearly with RISE Raptor Project, naturalist Paul Franklin, Winged Ambassadors’ Dale Arrowood, David Hollaway from Camp McDowell and LGSP naturalist Kate Gribbin. The dates for 2017 are Jan. 20-22, Jan. 27-29, Feb. 3-5, Feb. 10-12, and Feb. 17-19.
Four options for field trips are available. On the Guntersville Dam tour, guests are led to an active eagle’s nest where they can view nesting habits and guides will discuss the history of the pair of eagles, explain routine behaviors, and help spot eagles in the area. The Waterfowl Tour guides guests to popular bird watching spots around the park and Guntersville. The High Falls Park and Buck’s Pocket State Park tour discusses the history of High Falls and offers opportunities for hiking and amazing views. The Cathedral Caverns State Park tour is a cave tour, and no birds should be expected. The tour last about an hour and a half and ventures over one mile into Cathedral Caverns.
The Eagle Awareness events are free to the public. There is no registration needed to attend the programs or field trips. Sessions can fill up quickly so participants are encouraged to arrive early for the events. For a complete list of scheduled events, visit http://www.alapark.com/lake-guntersville-state-park-eagle-awareness-weekends.
Lake Guntersville State Park also offers lodging packages. Details include arrival on Friday for a two night stay, cavern tickets, a Benefit Bracelet offering 10% off around town and reserved seating for programs, exclusive photo opportunities, Friday night social, and a welcome gift (bundle of wood included in campground package). Packages range from one to six people and from $75.00 (campground) to $380.00 (lodge). For Lodge reservations, call 256.505.6621 or 256.571.5440 and for campground reservations, call 256.571.5455.
The Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park began in 1985 to coincide with a bald eagle restoration program in Alabama. A loss of habitat, pesticide use and poaching had pushed eagle populations to the brink of extinction nationwide. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ Nongame Wildlife Program initiated a restoration project across the state of Alabama in 1984, and between the years 1985 and 1991, 91 bald eagles were released throughout Alabama. Researchers now estimate there are more than 77 bald eagle nests confirmed in Alabama, with about 18 of those in Guntersville and surrounding area.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consist of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from the AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at www.NorthAlabama.org.