FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org
North Alabama’s Favorite Raptor Takes Centerstage at Annual Eagle Awareness Weekends
Decatur, Ala. – Eagles are the focus in January and February each year in North Alabama when Lake Guntersville State Park hosts the annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, giving birding enthusiasts a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Now in its 35th year, Eagle Awareness is held every weekend from January 24 through February 16, 2020.
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, interactive programs provided by notable speakers from across the country, guided field trips for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, photography opportunities and activities for children. The 2020 dates are Jan. 24-26, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16. Activities get underway at 5 p.m. Friday, with activities throughout the day on Saturday and wraps up Sunday afternoon following the 2:00 program.
The 2020 Eagle Awareness Weekends scheduled presenters are (subject to change):
|
Jan. 24 |
6 p.m. |
Brittney Hughes, Desoto State Park |
Carnivorous Plants |
|
Jan. 25 |
2 p.m. |
David Haggard, West Tennessee Interpretive Specialist |
Birds of Prey |
|
|
5:30 p.m. |
Shelly Taliaferro, AUM |
Whooping Cranes |
|
Jan. 26 |
2 p.m. |
Alabama Wildlife Center |
Birds of Prey |
|
Jan. 31 |
6 p.m. |
Camp McDowell |
Migratory Birds |
|
Feb. 1 |
1:30 p.m. |
2019 Eagle Awards Ceremony |
|
|
|
2 p.m. |
Auburn University |
Birds of Prey |
|
|
5:30 p.m. |
Auburn University |
Birds of Prey |
|
Feb. 2 |
2 p.m. |
Alabama Wildlife Center |
Birds of Prey |
|
Feb. 7 |
6 p.m. |
Rocky Baker |
Eagles of Elk River |
|
Feb. 8 |
2 p.m. |
Wings to Soar |
Birds of Prey |
|
|
5:30 p.m. |
Natural History Education Company of the Mid-South |
|
|
Feb. 9 |
2 p.m. |
Raptor Trek, Alabama 4H Center |
Birds of Prey |
|
Feb. 14 |
6 p.m. |
George Cline, Jacksonville State University |
Alabama reptiles |
|
Feb. 15 |
2 p.m. |
Wings to Soar |
Birds of Prey |
|
|
5:30 p.m. |
Curt Cearly, Rise Raptor, Inc. |
Birds of Prey |
|
Feb. 16 |
2 p.m. |
Raptor Trek, Alabama 4H Center |
Birds of Prey |
The Eagle Awareness events are free to the public. The sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend by calling 256-505-6621. Lodging packages are available at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge (256-571-5440) and Campground (256-571-5455). For a complete list of scheduled events, speakers and lodging packages, visit https://www.facebook.com/EagleAwareness/.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the 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, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. 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 or by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @VisitNorthAL and like us at www.facebook.com/VisitNorthAL.
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