The bald eagle is America’s national symbol and is quite majestic when seen out in the wild! This is why Lake Guntersville State Park hosts the annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, so that wildlife enthusiasts can have a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The popular weekend events attract people of all ages from all over the United States who come here to spend a winter getaway in one of Alabama’s most popular state parks and be immersed in nature-based learning. The Eagle Awareness Weekends will be held every weekend from January 19 through February 4, 2024.
Now in its 38th year, Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park was started as an activity for people of all ages to experience the joy of watching eagles and other birds in their natural habitat and as a way of educating the public about the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife.
(photo by Pat Yancey)
The weekend events feature live bird demonstrations, programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles and other creatures in their natural habitat and plenty of photo opportunities for those with camera in hand. The 2024 dates are Jan. 19-20, Jan. 26-28 and Feb. 2-4. Activities get underway at 5:30pm Friday, with activities throughout the day on Saturday and wraps up Sunday following the 11:30am program.
(photo by Pat Yancey)
The 2024 Eagle Awareness Weekends scheduled programs and presenters are (subject to change):
January 19-21, 2024
Presenters/Programs: Falconer and Anthropologist Lauren McGough, Raptor Ridge, Southeastern Raptor Center and Alabama Wildlife Center
Education classes: Environmental Connections: Gopher Tortoises and Indigo Snakes, The Intriguing Loggerhead Shrike and Pitcher Plants and Alabama’s Plant Biodiversity.
January 26-28, 2024
Presenters/Programs: Alabama 4-H Science School, Wings to Soar, Alabama Wildlife Center and Year of Alabama Birding photography workshop led by Alabama The Beautiful’s Beth Cowan Drake
Education classes: The Oak of Oak Mountain, Alabama’s Hemlocks and Cranes of Alabama
February 2-4, 2024
Presenters/Programs: Rise Raptor Project, Southeastern Raptor Center and Alabama Wildlife Center
Education classes: The Art of Leaf Pounding, Eagle Monitoring in Alabama and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers: Birds in the Mist
(photo by Robert Posey)
Sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend by calling 256-571-5440 for lodge reservations or 256-571-5455 for campground reservations. Lodging packages start at $348 and include lodging, two breakfasts, one dinner, a welcome packet, VIP access to presentations, discounts at the restaurant and gift shop, photo opportunities with birds of prey, activities for children, engagement with featured sponsors and one-on-one access with the naturalists. Day passes will be sold first come, first serve each Saturday morning of Eagle Awareness Weekends. These will include the guided tours to the eagle nests and live bird programs only. A day pass is $25/adult and $10/child under 12 years old.
For a complete list of scheduled events, speakers and lodging packages, visit www.alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends.
