Eagle Awareness Weekends soar into Lake Guntersville

GUNTERSVILLE — America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, will be celebrated in January and February when Lake Guntersville State Park hosts Eagle Awareness Weekends.

The annual event gives wildlife enthusiasts a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Eagle Awareness will be every weekend from Jan. 20 through Feb. 5.

Now in its 37th year, Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park were started as an activity to experience the joy of watching eagles and other birds in their natural habitat. It also helps educate the public about the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife.

The weekend events feature live bird demonstrations, programs by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles and other creatures in their natural habitat and plenty of photo opportunities for those with camera in hand.

The 2023 dates are Jan. 20-22, Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 3-5. Activities get underway at 5:30 p.m. Friday, with activities throughout the day on Saturday and wraps up Sunday following the 11:30 a.m. program.

The 2023 Eagle Awareness Weekends scheduled programs and presenters are (subject to change):

• Jan. 20-22: Wings to SOAR, Anniston Museum of Natural History and Alabama Wildlife Center
• Jan. 27-29: David Haggard, Raptor Ridge and Alabama Wildlife Center
• Feb. 3-5: Auburn University, Rice Raptor Project and Alabama Wildlife Center

Sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend by calling 256-505-6621.

Lodging packages start at $324 and include lodging, two breakfasts, one dinner, a welcome packet, VIP access to presentations, discounts at the restaurant and gift shop, photo opportunities with birds of prey, activities for children, engagement with featured sponsors and one-on-one access with the naturalists.

Day passes for programs are $15/adults and $5/children 12 years old and under.

For a complete list of scheduled events, speakers and lodging packages, visit https://www.alapark.com/EAW-2023.