Bald Eagles, the symbol of our great country, are still in danger of extinction. Most Americans have never had the opportunity to observe these magnificent birds in the wild. They have never observed the awe inspiring beauty and power of this Bird of Freedom.
The Reelfoot Lake State Park Staff would like to provide the opportunity to see our national symbol in it's natural habitat to everyone who so desires. Reelfoot lake has one of the largest wintering populations of Bald Eagles outside Alaska, and the return of the Eagles has become a major event. The state park has established an extensive guide and information programs for winter visitors to Reelfoot Lake. The Eagle Tours begin December 1 and continue through mid-March, except for Christmas holidays. The tour is a two hour bus trip around Reelfoot Lake to observe the Bald Eagles. Busses leave the Airpark Inn at 10:00am. Reservations are required. There is a minimal charge for the tour. Tour guides, armed with binoculars, telescopes, and most important, extensive knowledge of the Eagles, rarely have difficulty locating Eagles. In addition to providing information about the Eagles, the guides also provide information about Reelfoot Lake and other waterfowl. The familiar image of the Eagle is that of the mature bird with the stately "bald" crown of white feathers. Almost everyone will recognize this bird as the Bald Eagle. However, the young birds, less than five years of age, are completely brown and are often mistaken for large hawks. Several are killed each year because of mistaken identity. Eagles, Hawks, and Owls are protected species, and it is illegal to kill any of them.
Besides the tours to observe Eagles, many other programs are offered throughout the winter. Every weekend of January and February, and the first two weekends of March, special programs will be provided. On Friday nights, an introductory slide show or video tape will be shown on Reelfoot Lake and the American Bald Eagle. Each Saturday night the program will be provided by an guest speaker or specialist who will furnish information on a selected topic. Topics include Eagles, Reelfoot Lake, Nature Photography, Raptor Rehabilitation, and a variety of other subjects. Also, each Saturday and Sunday afternoons, volunteer students will set up spotting scopes on the Airpark Pier to observe Eagles and Waterfowl. Videos will be shown in the Reelfoot Room.
Reservations for an Eagle Tour or room can be made by calling 901-253-7756. For more information, write: Eagle Tours, Reelfoot Lake State Park, Route 1 Box 296, Tiptonville, TN 38079.
Written by David Haggard
