January is the month to view the nation’s symbol in
The sight of a bald eagle soaring across a cerulean winter sky can inspire even the most casual observer. For those who enjoy viewing birds, though, it can be an adrenaline-rushing experience. And the good news is bald eagles are common in
during the winter, if you know where to look.
But it’s during the winter when viewing bald eagles is best in
. They begin showing up along major river courses and reservoirs in December and January when ice and snow conditions in northern states make feeding difficult. Primary food items in winter include waterfowl, fish and carrion.
You can just drive to the nearest river or reservoir to view eagles. Look for them roosting in tall trees along the shoreline, especially near open water or large concentrations of waterfowl. Or you can attend one of the organized eagle viewing events which include educational programs and often live raptors on display.
On Jan. 19, Eagle Day at
Milford Lake will begin at 9 a.m. at the . Programs featuring live raptors begin at 9:30 a.m. and are repeated throughout the day. Bus tours will depart from the nature center parking lot during the day, with the last tour departing at 3:30 p.m.
Milford Nature Center
The annual Kaw Valley Eagle Day, sponsored by the Jayhawk Audubon Society, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
Unified School District 497, will be conducted on Jan. 19 in . It’s an event for the whole family featuring hands-on educational and fun activities for kids. Visithttp://www.kawvalleyeaglesday.com for more information.
On Jan. 26, the 12th Annual Eagle Day will be conducted at
Wyandotte County Park in . Two live eagle presentations will be conducted at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Schlagle Library and bird presentations will take place every hour starting at 10 a.m. in Davis Hall. The library will have eagle crafts for kids and trained spotters to help visitors view wild birds.
For more information or to download a park map, please visit http://www.kckpl.org or call 913-299-2384.