Bald and golden eagles will be on display during a free Eagle Days set for 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at Twin Pines Conservation Center in Winona.
Advance registration is required and can be completed online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/202985.
The center is partnering with Dickerson Park Zoo to bring the eagles for guests to ask questions of presenters 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 manager. “This is one of several programs scheduled during our seasonal closure that occurs from December through March.”
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.
Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days, and visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/events by searching “Eagle Days.”
If cancellation occurs due to inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 20.
Twin Pines is one mile east of Winona on U.S. Highway 60.