Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - Many people are surprised to find out Missouri ranks third in bald eagle population, following Alaska and Washington.  More than 2,800 eagles migrate to Missouri every year, including more than 100 that spend the winter at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks before returning north in mid-March.  Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of these magnificent birds in their natural river and Lake habitats at the Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9., http://lakeoftheozarkseagledays.com.  The event, a partnership of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau and Osage National Golf Resort, will be free and open to the public. 

Among the highlights of Eagle Days will be live eagle viewings--extremely close-up--as environmental educators from the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park. Mo. exhibit bald eagles and other birds of prey during "All About Eagles" programs, held on the hour at Osage National Golf Resort, located off the east side of Highway 54 at 400 Osage Hills Road in Lake Ozark, http://osagenational.com.  The last program on Saturday is schedule to start at 3 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.; on Sunday the last program is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. and end at 3 p.m.

"All About Eagles" features a magnificent bald eagle.

"We will bring in three species of eagles from around the world, including a mature bald eagle weighing up to 14 pounds," says Teri Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary's director of education.  Visitors will learn more about the bald eagle from interactive exhibits and videos, and also will have the chance to buy eagle souvenirs at a special Bird Sanctuary gift shop.  Schroer notes the Sanctuary's bald eagles all were rescued after being found injured in the wild; other species were raised in captivity for educational purposes.

"Our African white-necked raven, Mischief, will help collect donations that will go to the care and feeding of our birds.  He's very intelligent and amusing!" Schroer says.  "In fact, all of our birds are real professionals who have been meeting thousands of people over the years."  She adds, "For me as an environmental educator, Eagle Days is a great opportunity to educate the public about our national symbol.  After every program, it is so gratifying to see everyone's enthusiasm about eagles and the environment."

Eagle Days activities also will take place at historic Willmore Lodge, #1 Willmore Lane, located just off Business Highway 54 (Bagnell Dam Boulevard), Willmore Lodge.  Perched atop a limestone bluff, the impressive Adirondack-style building is the former headquarters for the original 1931 Bagnell Dam project.  Wild-eagle viewing will be available on the outer deck overlooking the Lake. 

Eagle Days programs are popular attractions

"We are fortunate again this year that volunteers from the Lake of the Ozarks Master Naturalists Camdenton chapter will be available to answer visitors' questions and offer eagle-viewing pointers, both at Willmore Lodge and at Osage River access points," says Michelle Cook, Lake Area Chamber marketing director.  "Also we'll offer eagle-themed crafts projects for kids to enjoy and to learn more about our nation's symbolic bird."

Eagle-viewing also will be available at Osage River access points above and below Bagnell Dam.  Free hot chocolate and fire pits will help warm eagle-watchers.  The access points are accessible off Bagnell Dam Boulevard at the west end of the dam on Legion Road. 

Get a different perspective on eagles--directly on the water--during an eagle-watching cruise on the paddle wheeler Tom Sawyer, Tom Sawyer Excursion Boat, weather permitting.  Eagle Watch cruise tickets will be $5 per person and can be purchased on-board prior to departure; 30-minute trips will leave at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.  "You really can see a lot of eagles on these trips," Cook says.  "Be sure to bring binoculars and cameras, and dress in layers because it can get pretty chilly out on the Lake in early January."

Lee Stanley, a volunteer Master Naturalist, recalls last year's Eagle Days event was held over a very cold weekend.  "Quite a bit of the Lake had frozen over but there was an open area below the dam and the eagles were really congregating there in the sycamore trees," he says.  "It was pretty frigid but we had a lot of people here from all over the state, including a lot of photographers hoping to get that perfect shot."

Make it an Eagle Days Weekend
 
Just as the number of eagles in Missouri is growing, so is attendance at the annual Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days.  The first live-eagle program held at the Lake in 1999 attracted 651 participants.  Today it's not unusual for up to 5,000 visitors to attend-of course, the weather plays a key role.  But so does the fact that after the hubbub of the holidays, Eagle Days lets visitors enjoy the slower pace and scenic beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks in winter. 

"Visitors are discovering how wonderful the Lake is in winter, starting with the Eagle Days weekend," Cook says.  "After being out in the cold to watch the eagles, it's really nice to sit in front of the fireplace at a resort, vacation home, condo or B&B.  Most businesses stay open year-round and you can find outstanding savings throughout the season." 

Winter fun at the Lake also includes amazing shopping at the 110-store Osage Beach Premium Outlets, Historic Bagnell Dam Strip shops and other malls and retailers.  Enjoy delectable dining at more than 40 Lakefront or Lakeview restaurants, plus a wide variety of other culinary experiences.  The Lake also offers outstanding wineries, soothing spas, year-round golf, an indoor waterpark and live entertainment.  And both Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park are laced with scenic hiking trails.

The Lake of the Ozarks offers breathtaking scenic beauty in every season.

"The Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau staff is excited to be part of Eagle Days with the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Osage National Golf Resort to bring visitors and residents the opportunity to participate in an 'off-season' event at the Lake," says Tim Jacobsen, director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau.  "Eagle Days is a great way for families to get out on the Lake or near the Osage River to view the fabulous array of wild eagles in their natural habitat."

Jacobsen adds several Lake-area lodging properties will offer special Eagle Days discounts or packages; for details contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at www.funlake.com, or (800) FUN LAKE. 

"Even if you've been to Eagle Days before, you'll learn something new," Cook says.  "So bring your binoculars and cameras and come watch the eagles with us."

For complete information about 2011 Eagle Days, please contact the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 964-1008 or (800) 451-4117, or visit www.lakeareachamber.com.  And to find out more about other fun and family-friendly Lake-area events, as well as attractions, shopping, lodging, dining and more, please contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit www.funlake.com.  

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