On a national level, there is a lot of focus on Eagles in January. National Save the Eagles Day is January 10 of each year. It was established to protect the Bald Eagle that was nearing extinction in the latter part of the 20th Century. In June 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife list due to conservation efforts of scientists and land stewards. Although the Bald Eagle population is steadily increasing, most current deaths are still human-related, caused by impact with manmade structures, gunshots and poisoning.
Today, there are over 70 eagle species around the world. Interestingly, there are no eagle species in Hawaii, and there never have been. What else should we know about eagles? The female is slightly larger than the male. Eagles can see eight times farther than humans, therefore the term “eagle eye.” When diving for their prey, an eagle can fly at nearly 100 mph. However, they typically travel airborne at about 30 mph.
National Bald Eagle Appreciation Days will occur later this month on the weekend of January 20-21. This will spark events all over the country as eagles can be found in so many parts of the United States. Here in Pueblo, Eagle Days will be celebrated over the weekend of February 3-4. So, you have plenty of time to plan your family adventure to see these majestic animals locally.
This year’s Pueblo Eagle Days festival will take place in two locations. On Saturday, February 3, your family can visit Lake Pueblo State Park Visitor Center, 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, on the south side of the park. Activities will occur from 9 AM-3 PM and include displays, live birds, hands-on activities, story-walk, scavenger hunt, games and viewing scopes. At 12:30 PM, the U.S. Air Force Academy cadets will present a flight demonstration as long as the weather cooperates.
On Sunday, February 4, from 9 AM-1PM, there will be an open house at the River Campus of the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, formerly known as the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo, 5200 Nature Center Road. Visitors will be able to see and learn about resident birds such as Golden Eagles, owls and hawks.
Through the efforts of so many, Bald Eagles have been elevated off of the endangered species list. This kind of conservation effort starts with you and your children. So, don’t miss out on the opportunities on Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, to get up close and personal with eagles, owls and hawks. It is an experience that can uplift you!
