Lineup for 35th Annual Eagles Et Cetera
Park Interpreter Jason Parrie at DeGray Lake Resort State Park sent the below lineup for this year’s 35th annual Eagles Et Cetera. The festival, which starts tomorrow, is the park’s signature event and will be held January 24-26. Visitors making the trek there can expect many opportunities to see wintering eagles. The festival also gives attention to birds of prey, song birds, migratory birds, waterfowl, game birds, conservation practices and lake ecology. Barge tours also scout DeGray Lake in search of eagles, loons, coots, herons, and other waterfowl and wildlife. Visitors can also see live birds of prey, meet a raptor rehabilitator, learn about the ancient art of falconry, and check out many bird and conservation themed presentations over the weekend. See you there!
Eagles Et Cetera
Friday, January 24
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
LIVE FALCONRY HUNT- Join falconer Rusty Scarborough on an actual hunt using a live hawk. We’ll take a short boat ride to a vacant Corps area where Rusty will turn loose a hungry hawk in search of prey. Be prepared to walk through brush and over uneven terrain as you participate in the action (following/flushing game). Participants should be prepared for the possibility of a successful hunt where prey is captured and consumed by the hawk. Seating is limited to 20; reservations will be taken at lodge front desk beginning Thursday, January 23 at noon. Meeting place: Lodge Lobby
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
EAGLE TOUR- Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching tour on DeGray Lake. We’ll search for wintering bald eagles, osprey, loons, herons, grebes, ducks, and more. Bring binoculars if you have some, a limited number of loaner binoculars are available. Be sure to dress for the weather. It is normally chillier and windier on the lake than it is on land. We suggest you dress in layers and don’t be afraid to bring too much warm clothing. Reservations can be made at the lodge, (501) 865-5850. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early because the boat must depart on time. Meeting place: Lodge Lobby
Admission: $9 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, under 6 free
4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
GUIDED BIRD HIKE- Expert birders Glenn and Evelyn Good take you through a choice of habitats ideal for bird watching. Length and location of hike determined by group size and interest. Meeting place: Lodge Lobby
6 p.m.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION- Chief Interpreter Jason Parrie officially kicks off the festivities. Special program notes and announcements. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
CONSERVATION AT DEGRAY- (Immediately following Welcome) US Army Corps of Engineers Biologist Johnny Cantrell will update you on the latest conservation projects at DeGray Lake including the latest eagle count, the state of eagles at DeGray and much more. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center.
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
PREDATORS OF THE NIGHT- The Little Rock Zoo shows off its collection of owls during this unique program. Zoo staff will teach you all about the amazing adaptations of these predators of the night while giving you the chance to meet many of them up close. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
GOLF COURSE SAFARI- Sign up early for this one-of-a-kind adventure. We’ll take golf carts out on the golf course in search of owls and other nocturnal creatures. Must be 18 to drive, limit two persons per cart. Space is limited. Reservations must be made in person at the lodge front desk beginning at noon on Thursday, January 23. Phone reservations are not accepted for this tour. Bundle up and bring a flashlight.
Meeting place: Golf Course Pro Shop Admission: $5 per person
OWL ADVENTURE- If you like owls, meet us tonight in the convention center to take a boat tour across the lake to call some up and listen to other sounds of the night. Please dress warmly for the weather. Space is limited; reservations are required and can be made at the lodge front desk beginning at noon on Thursday, January 24 by calling (501) 865-5850. Admission: $9 adults, $5 kids ages 6-12, under 6 free
Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
OWL PROWL- Now that you’ve learned all about owls at the owl show, this is your chance to encounter them in the wild. This prowl focuses more on the encounter and less on facts as your guide takes you on a brief hike through the nighttime forest. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
Saturday, January 25
7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
EAGLE TOURS- See Friday, January 24, for description. Tours leave the lodge courtesy dock every hour on the hour starting at 7:00 am. A limited number of seats may be reserved prior to Friday, January 24. Beginning noon on Friday, all remaining tour tickets will be available for reservation at the front desk. Call (501) 865-5850. Tickets are $9.00 adult, $5 children ages 6-12. Kids under 6 ride free. Meeting place: Lodge Lobby
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
BIRDING SAFARI- You don’t have to be on foot to be a birder. You can bird from a boat, a car, or even a golf cart, as demonstrated on this tour. Participants must be 18 years old to drive, any age can ride. Limit of 2 people per cart. Space is limited. Reservations may be made at the lodge front desk beginning at noon on Friday, January 24. You may either call or sign up in person (501) 865-5850. Please bring binoculars if you have some; a limited number of loaners are available. Meeting place: Golf Course Pro Shop Admission: $5 per person
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
ACTIVITY ROOM- The activity room is chock full of things for kids to do. The park’s collection of mounted raptors is on display, bird themed games, a touch table, and other activities are available. Please check the board outside the room for times. Meeting place: Eagle Room
Saturday, January 25 (Continued)
9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
BEARS OF ARKANSAS- Join Jeff Lawson, Biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, for an in-depth look at the Arkansas black bear population. Jeff brings personal experience in bear management and has slides and video you won’t want to miss. The black bears of Arkansas are a true conservation success story. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
WINGS OF ROYALTY–A FALCONER’S STORY- Once only for the rich and powerful, the art of falconry persists today. Rusty Scarborough, master falconer, has live birds on hand as he introduces you to the world of falconry-an art rooted in conservation and largely responsible for the salvation of falcons worldwide. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.
TALES IN THE AIR- Let your imagination soar with Arkansas State Parks’ own master storyteller, Dennis Allen, as his characters weave their way through adventures both familiar and fanciful. A fun ride for all ages. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
RAPTOR SALVATION- Rodney Paul, a certified raptor rehabilitator, has live, rehabilitated birds for a glimpse into the challenges of healing injured raptors. Rodney is the owner of Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, one of the largest and fastest growing raptor rehabilitation centers in Arkansas. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
INCREDIBLE BATS- Wait, bats aren’t birds! Correct, but they do play a fascinating role in our ecosystem and are in urgent need of conservation awareness. Join Dan and Sharon Peterson and some of their friends from “Incredible Bats” all the way from New Lenox, IL as they give you a sneak peek into the lives of these mysterious creatures and shed some light on the challenges bats face today here in Arkansas. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
BIRDS OF PREY SHOW- The cornerstone of this event! The Little Rock Zoo once again brings out a full array of birds including hawks, falcons, vultures and a bald eagle. Be prepared for “oohs and ahs” and many photo opportunities. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
TURKEY TALK- If you’ve ever wanted a Dr. Doolittle-like bit of insider knowledge into the lives of wild turkeys, here’s your chance. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Officer Steve Paul is here to demonstrate and interpret the many calls and behaviors of Ben Franklin’s favorite bird. Officer Paul’s unique understanding of turkeys and his wry sense of humor combine for a memorable presentation. This is a sleeper program you won’t want to miss. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
LIVE ANIMAL MEET AND GREET- Miss any of your favorite animals today? Here’s your chance to see them again in an informal and up close setting. Handlers from the Little Rock Zoo bring back several of your favorite birds including Lynn, the bald eagle. The Petersons will also be on hand with their bat friends for questions and picture taking opportunities. Park staff might also bring a cold-blooded denizen to round out the menagerie. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
GOLF COURSE SAFARI- Sign up early for this one-of-a-kind adventure. We’ll take golf carts out on the golf course in search of owls and other nocturnal creatures. Must be 18 to drive, limit two persons per cart. Space is limited. Reservations must be made in person at the lodge front desk beginning at noon on Friday, January 24. Phone reservations are not accepted for this tour. Bundle up and bring a flashlight. Meeting place: Golf Course Pro Shop. Admission: $5 per person.
NIGHT EYES AND OWL PROWL- This is a fun twist on a traditional favorite. Park interpreters take folks out onto a trail in search of owls and other nocturnal creatures. But beware; there might be others in the woods watching you! Keep an eye out for this interactive gem. Bring a flashlight, sturdy shoes, and an extra helping of courage for the younger ones because it can be a little spooky for little ones with big imaginations. Meeting place: Lodge Convention Center
Sunday, January 26
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
EAGLE TOUR- Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching tour on DeGray Lake. We’ll search for wintering bald eagles, osprey, loons, herons, grebes, ducks, and more. Bring binoculars if you have some, a limited number of loaner binoculars are available. Be sure to dress for the weather. It is normally chillier and windier on the lake than it is on land. We suggest you dress in layers and don’t be afraid to bring too much warm clothing. Reservations can be made at the lodge front desk, (501) 865-5850. Tickets are $9.00 adult, $5 children ages 6-12. Kids under 6 ride free. Be sure to dress for the weather. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. Meeting place: Lodge Lobby
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
EAGLE TOUR- See above for description.
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
EAGLE TOUR- See above for description.
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
EAGLE TOUR- See above for description.
The park is located at 2027 State Park Entrance Rd. (located off Highway 7)
All programs may be attended free of charge unless otherwise noted. Programs, dates and times are subject to change.