See just how majestic a bald and golden eagle are up-close with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Eagle Days event at 6 p.m. on Jan. 23 at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center (CEC) in Winona.
Registration
Advance registration is required and can be completed online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202985.
The Event
The center is partnering with Dickerson Park Zoo to bring the eagles for guests to ask questions and learn fun eagle facts. The fishing pond and trails at Twin Pines will remain open to visitors during this time.
“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. “This is one of several programs scheduled during our seasonal closure that occurs from December through March.”
The Eagles
Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, Dow said the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing year-round. And 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, she said. According to Janet Haslerig, MDC Avian Ecologist, eagle numbers have increased to around 607 active bald eagle nests in Missouri as of 2024.
Cancelation
If cancelation occurs due to inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center.
Location
Twin Pines is located one mile east of Winona on U.S. Highway 60.
Learn More
For more information on bald eagles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bald-eagle. Learn more about the Eagle Days at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days, and visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/events by searching “Eagle Days.”
