Park Interpreter for Bull Shoals-White River State Park Julie Lovett says Eagle Awareness Weekend is back at the park, and she invites the public to see if the bald eagle touches their soul. In years past, most visitors to the event have spotted bald eagles in the wild.
This years guest speakers will include Tim Ernst, local nature photographer and author, who will premier his latest book Arkansas Beauty. Rodney Paul, director of The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas and the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, will showcase a live mature bald eagle, a golden eagle and other birds of prey, all within arms reach.
The day begins Friday morning at 9:00 with a river cruise. The one-and-a-half hour guided river boat tour cruises the White River and teaches the history of the river while providing a chance to see some native wildlife. River conditions may limit availability and seats are limited.
River cruises last until 2:00 Friday afternoon and are booked on a first-come basis. Admission is $20 per person, with a two-person minimum and a four-person maximum. Guests will meet at the State Park trout dock.
From 10:00 until 11:30 Friday morning, guided tours will be offered on Bull Shoals Lake. Trips on the lake are chilly this time of year, so appropriate dress is advised. Items participants may be interested in bringing include binoculars, a camera, or a field guide. Lake conditions may limit availability. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Participants will meet at the Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock office.
Tim Ernst’s presentation will take place Friday afternoon from 3:00 until 4:30 at the James A. Gaston Visitor Center classroom. Copies of his books, including his latest release, will be available for purchase with an autographed copy.
The Raptor Rehab owl release will be Friday evening from 6:00 to 6:30 in front of the James A. Gaston Visitor Center. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas will be releasing barred owls back into the wild.
Birding exploration stations will be open Friday evening as well from 5:00 until 7:00. There will be a variety of activities exploring the world of birds. The activity stations will be set up throughout the visitor center.
Activities Saturday will be similar to Friday’s, including a presentation from the Master Naturalists of North Central Arkansas. Members will be available to answer questions and share the latest on their projects across the Natural State.
For more information and a detailed schedule, contact the park at (870) 445-3629, send an email to bullshoalswhiteriver@arkansas.gov or visit the park’s website at www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver.
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