EventsSeeing a majestic bald eagle is always a delight, and this time of year is ideal for spotting our national bird around America’s Hometown!
Now is a great time of year to spot Bald Eagles around Hannibal.
Eagle Day is Saturday, February 22. The day provides an opportunity to connect with nature, raise awareness about the importance of eagle conservation and inspire future generations to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats. The viewing event at the Hannibal Riverfront will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rotary Pavilion at Nipper Park. There will be viewing scopes provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation at the riverfront near the Rotary Pavilion for eagle viewing: https://visithannibal.com/events/eagle-day/
The Eagle Day Celebration will also bring a wide variety of things to see and do that day. The free program at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center will include:
- Nature artists with their artwork displayed and available for purchase
- A nature art contest for area elementary artists and artwork displayed at the event
- Live raptor/eagle presentations throughout the day by World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis to enable visitors to see raptors up close
- Educational displays on eagles in which chapter members will discuss eagle adaptations and eagle rehabilitation
- Eagle crafts for participants to color an eagle mask and create an Eagle Day Postcard with nature stamps
- Nature games such as Eagle/nature quizzes, Land the Eagle in the Nest(corn hole), and a Raptor/Eagle matching game
- A human-constructed eagle nest for viewing to simulate the nest size of these great birds
- An area for story time with Hannibal Public Library employees reading eagle and other nature books
- Mississippi Hills Chapter of Master Naturalist Book Club table with suggested readings about Heroes of Conservation
- Booths with information about Sodalis Nature Preserve, Missouri Department of Conservation Stream Team, Hannibal Tree Board, and Missouri Bluebird Society
More information about the Eagle Day Celebration at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center: https://visithannibal.com/events/eagle-day-celebration/
The bald eagle was featured on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, and it remains a welcome sight and a symbol of Liberty, strength, and majesty.
Gloria Straube, local conservationist and wildlife ethologist, explained that bald eagles can be seen all day long along Hannibal’s Riverfront, but there are certain times of day when they are most visible.
She explained the birds are especially visible around dusk and dawn, when they are hunting for food. Straube recommended using a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope (which is a small telescope) to help in your spotting techniques.
She noted there are four bald eagle nests in Marion County and 12 nests in Pike County. The birds select the tallest living trees that resemble a canopy to make their homes.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s mid-winter eagle survey, there are usually more than 2,000 birds counted in the Show-Me State. Missouri is one of the leading states in wintering eagle populations.
Other excellent spots to see bald eagles include Lover’s Leap and spots along Highway 79 as it follows the Mississippi River southward.
Be sure to gather friends and loved ones this season for the breathtaking chance to spot our national bird in all of its glory!
