FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Director of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Learn about Eagles and Alabama’s Rich Biodiversity when Lake Guntersville State Park Hosts Eagle Awareness Weekends
Decatur, Ala. (November 30, 2023) – America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, will be celebrated in January and February when Lake Guntersville State Park hosts the annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, giving wildlife enthusiasts a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The popular Friday through Sunday event attracts 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 immersed in nature-based learning. In 2024, Eagle Awareness will be held every weekend from January 19 through February 4.
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. The weekend events feature live bird demonstrations, 35 minute education classes, programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles in their natural habitat and plenty of photo opportunities for those with camera in hand. The 2024 dates are Jan. 19-21, Jan. 26-28 and Feb. 2-4. Activities get underway at 5:30 p.m. Friday, with activities throughout the day on Saturday and wraps up Sunday following the 9 a.m. guided field trips.
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
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 https://www.alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends.
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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.3 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
