DeGray Lake Resort State Park has scheduled several events centered around its annual Eagles Et Cetera festival
arkadelphian.com
BISMARCK, Arkansas — DeGray’s Eagles Etc. festival, held each January and focused on the American bald eagle, is the largest of its kind in Arkansas. The 2024 festivities mark the park’s 45th year of celebrating the eagle.
The 2024 Eagles Et Cetera Festival kicks off Friday, Jan. 26, and wraps up Sunday, Jan. 28. The event officially begins at 6 p.m. Friday at the Lodge Convention Center, where visitors may join Park Interpreter Reana Roberson for special program notes and announcements.
“We will celebrate our nation’s symbol and many of its counterparts, calling to light some of today’s most pressing conservation efforts,” the park’s website notes.
Visitors can expect to enjoy close-up views of live birds of prey while hearing from some of the state’s premier animal caretakers and conservationists.
The state park is offering a variety of opportunities for visitors to lay eyes on many birds of prey species.
Live falconry hunts are part of the festivities, as are owl prowl adventures. Guided boat tours also offer visitors a chance to search for wintering eagles around the lake.
There are costs associated with most events, and some require reservations. CLICK HERE for full event details.
Eagle Watch Cruises
Hour-long tours will depart from the Marina every hour during daylight. Visitors will join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching tour on the lake in search of wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks and more.
Reserve a spot well in advance beginning Monday, Jan. 22. Bring binoculars and dress warmer than you think you should.
Live falconry hunt
Visitors will ferry to an island along with a master falconer who will turn loose a couple of trained hawks in search of prey.
Those who participate must be in good physical condition and capable of walking through brush and over uneven terrain. Be prepared for the possibility of a successful hunt where prey is captured and consumed by the hawk.
Don’t wear clothing with fur or loose articles that could possibly resemble a small mammal.
Predators of the Night
Staff from the Little Rock Zoo will show off the zoo’s owl collection, teaching visitors about the adaptations of the predators of the night.
Participants of this free event will have the opportunity to meet many of the owls up close.
Golf Course Safari
In this nighttime program, visitors will take golf carts out on the golf course in search of owls and other nocturnal creatures. There are rules limiting golf cart capacity and the age to drive one.
Participants are encouraged to bundle up and bring a flashlight.
Owl Prowl Hike
After taking in the Predators of the Night program, this hike through the nighttime forest provides the chance to encounter those same nocturnal birds of prey in the wild.
Eaglets Activity Room
Full of fun things for kids to do, the Eagle Room of the Lodge Event Center will play host to bird-themed games and crafts, a touch table loaded with park findings and a collection of mounted raptors on display.
Raptor Rehab
Certified raptor rehabilitator Rodney Paul, owner of Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, has live birds and will offer visitors a glimpse into the challenges of healing injured birds of prey.
CLICK HERE for the full schedule lineup and details of each event.
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