Eagle Watch Weekends Available At Four Kentucky State Parks
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Nature lovers should make plans to participate in a unique Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February 2011.
The park system will be sponsoring this wildlife-watching opportunity as American Bald Eagles gather around the major lakes of western and south-central Kentucky looking for food. The park tours allow you to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.
For four decades, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife.
“These weekends attract both beginner and experienced birdwatchers to see these animals in their natural habitat,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “This is one of the more popular wildlife events we sponsor.”
The tours take place at four resort parks during weekends in January and February on an excursion yacht, barges and by van, depending upon the location and tour. They are led by state park naturalists and Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.
Ticket prices for the tours range from $20 to $55 a person. Most tours last between two and three and one half hours. The weekends also include an evening program on birds of prey.
The parks, phone numbers and dates for the 2011 Eagle Watch Weekends are:
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (800-325-0146): Jan. 21-23.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park (800-325-1708): Jan. 28-30.
Dale Hollow State Resort Park (800-325-2282): Feb. 4-5.
Kenlake State Resort Park (800-325-0143): Feb. 4-6.
The Eagle Watch Weekends at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake will include an option to view eagles from the CQ Princess, a 96-foot yacht. Guests can view eagles from inside the CQ Princess or from outside decks.
Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. These trips can take place under extreme weather conditions. These resorts offer lodges, cottages and restaurants. Registration is required for the Eagle Watch Weekends. Call the parks for registration, details and fee information or visit:www.parks.ky.gov and look for the “Wildlife” tab and “Eagle Watch Weekends.”
Guests attending Dale Hollow’s barge tours need to bring their own personal flotation devices.
Any group or organization interested in a special cruise on the CQ Princess should call Tammy Nanney at Kenlake at 1-800-325-0143 for details.
The weekends are offered in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
