Riedel Foundation helps fund Eagle Day celebration on Saturday at Admiral Koontz Recreation Center

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The George H. Riedel Foundation recently awarded a $1,500 grant that will pay for a live eagle show from the World Bird Sanctuary as part of the Eagle Day celebration on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The day provides an opportunity to connect with nature, raise awareness about the importance of eagle conservation and inspire future generations to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats. Viewing scopes will be set up at the Rotary Pavilion on the Hannibal riverfront from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free Eagle Day Celebration at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center will offer:

• Nature artists with their artwork displayed and available for purchase
• A nature art contest for area elementary artists and artwork displayed at the event
• Live raptor/eagle presentations throughout the day by World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis to enable visitors to see raptors up close
• Educational displays on eagles in which chapter members will discuss eagle adaptations and eagle rehabilitation
• Eagle crafts and games
• A human-constructed eagle nest for viewing to simulate the nest size of these great birds
• An area for story time with Hannibal Public Library employees reading eagle and other nature books
• Mississippi Hills Chapter of Master Naturalist Book Club table with suggested readings about Heroes of Conservation
• Booths with information about Sodalis Nature Preserve, Missouri Department of Conservation Stream Team, Hannibal Tree Board and Missouri Bluebird Society

The Riedel grant goes to the Mississippi Hills Chapter of Master Naturalists to pay for the demonstrations at the Recreation Center.

In a press release, Riedel Foundation administrator Sarah Deien said, “We think this will be a great event that will draw people to our community. So many of us are fascinated by eagles, and there’s no better place to see them than along the Mississippi.”

Gloria Straube, local conservationist and wildlife ethologist, explained that bald eagles can be seen all day long along Hannibal’s riverfront, but they are most visible around dusk and dawn when they are hunting for food.  Straube recommended using a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope (a small telescope) to help in spotting.

She noted four bald eagle nests are in Marion County and 12 are in Pike County.  The birds select the tallest living trees that resemble a canopy to make their homes.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s mid-winter eagle survey, more than 2,000 birds are usually counted in the Show-Me State.  Missouri is one of the leading states in wintering eagle populations.

Other excellent spots to see bald eagles include Lover’s Leap and spots along Highway 79 as it follows the Mississippi River southward. Locks and dams along the river are also great viewing zones.