Missouri River Eagle Day at KC on Dec. 12

Eagle Day will feature live birds of prey, exhibits and boat tours on the river

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a chance to learn about bald eagles oft seen soaring over the Missouri River during winter months. A Missouri River Eagle Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at LaBenite Park in Sugar Creek, just east of the Missouri 291 Bridge. Sugar Creek is a suburb in the Kansas City metro area.

    The Missouri River flows through the geographic heart of Kansas City. Migrating eagles often frequent areas along the river with large trees that offer perches. The eagles catch fish for food from the river or pursue migrating waterfowl that also utilize the river.

   MDC’s Missouri River Eagle Day program is free and all ages are welcome. The on-shore portion will include a live eagle program presented by the Dickerson Park Zoo. Injured raptors such as eagles are rehabilitated at the zoo. Those that are unable to be released back into the wild are used in programs promoting conservation. The programs give visitors an up-close look at eagles. Also offered at the event will be conservation discovery stations and activities.

   The event will also offer an eagle viewing boat ride on the Missouri River. Registration is required for this portion of the program, as seating in the boat is limited. Registration opens Dec. 1. This activity is open to those ages 8 and older, and all youths ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied on the boat by an adult.

   For information about the event or to register for the eagle viewing boat tour, call 816-228-3766. For information about all Eagle Days events throughout Missouri, and possible places to view eagles during winter, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.