Eagle Awareness at Lake Guntersville State Park

Every year in January and February, eagles take center stage 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.

The Eagle Awareness Program at Lake Guntersville State Park features live bird demonstrations, interactive programs provided by notable speakers from across the country, guided field trips for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, and activities for children.

Appropriate Ages

Appropriate for all ages

Dates and Times

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 below schedule is tentative and is subject to change:

Friday

5:00p – Orientation
6:00p – Evening Program

Saturday

5:30a – Early Bird Coffee (lodge lobby)
6:00a – Town Creek Eagle Watch (Town Creek Pier)
8:30a – Q&A on Field Trips
9:00a – Field Trips
1:30p – Doors open for seating
2:00p – Afternoon Program
3:30p - Eagle Watch at Town Creek (Town Creek Pier)
5:00p – Doors open for seating 5:30p – Evening Program

Sunday

5:30a – Early Bird Coffee
6:00a – Town Creek Eagle Watch (Town Creek Pier)
8:30a – Q&A on Field Trips
9:00a – Field trip
1:30p – Doors open for seating
2:00p – Afternoon Program

How to Participate

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/.