Eagles on the Kansas River
Each winter eagles gather along the Kansas River where they can access open water to feed on fish when weather dips below freezing. The annual Kaw Valley Eagles Day is this Saturday, January 25, 2014, at Free State high school.
Kaw Valley Eagles Day programs
9-10:30 a.m. – "Nesting Bald Eagles in Kansas" and "Eagles & Other Kansas Raptors."
12:15-1 p.m. – "Riverkinds on the Kaw" and "Black-footed Ferrets in Kansas."
1:15-2:45 p.m. – "Nesting Bald Eagles in Kansas" and "Eagles and Other Kansas Raptors."
3-3:45 p.m. – "Riverkings on the Kaw" and "Black-footed Ferrets in Kansas."
This weekend, Lawrence-area residents will have the opportunity to see majestic birds during presentations and children’s activities at the Kaw Valley Eagles Day from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday in the Free State High School commons area.
Sponsored by the Jayhawk Audobon Society, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Lawrence school district, the event aims to encourage deeper knowledge and respect of nature.
Throughout the day, biologists, lecturers and experts from organizations such as Prairie Park Nature Center and the Corps of Engineers will give informative sessions on Kaw Valley wildlife, while children can participate in nature-inspired activities.
President of the Jayhawk Audubon Society Gary Anderson said one of the most popular Eagles Day activities is dissecting owl pellets, which owls regurgitate after eating something such as animal bones that they can’t digest.
“Kids who grow up in cities don’t have as much opportunity to learn about nature,” Anderson said. “These activities will give them a better understanding of the world we live in.”
Additionally, guests can attend ranger-led eagle viewing field trips at 10:35 a.m. and 3 p.m. Interested individuals should meet at Free State High School’s north entrance and are advised to bring binoculars and wear weather-appropriate clothing and waterproof footwear.
The annual event began 18 years ago when the Jayhawk Audubon Society wanted to celebrate the migrating eagles in the area. Eagles rely on a diet of fish, so Anderson said they follow the rivers and lakes, ending up in the Kaw Valley area around this time of year.