There was a time in America where seeing a bald eagle was a rare and special occasion. In fact, from 1968 to 1972, there was only one remaining pair of bald eagles on the Mississippi River between Wabasha, MN and Rock Island, IL, a distance of 261 miles! Older visitors to the National Eagle Center frequently tell us that they never saw a wild bald eagle growing up.
Today, the number of bald eagles continue to increase and seeing a bald eagle soar in the sky is common occurrence that viewers of all ages enjoy.
After spending more than three decades as an endangered species, the bald eagle, our nation’s symbol, was removed from the list in 2007. Each year in June, we celebrate this remarkable recovery with special programs and activities.
Celebrate with us!
SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY LATSCH!
Meet our newest eagle ambassador!
Saturday, June 23rd
EAGLE ANSWERS GIVEN LIVE EVERYDAY
All Day
Drop-in and visit the live eagle ambassadors where they live! Our naturalist educators will be on hand to answer your questions, feed the eagles, and provide you with an unforgettable up-close experience with our resident bald and golden eagles. Bring your eagle enthusiasm, eagle questions, and your camera!
CLASSROOM PROGRAMS
11am and 3pm
Have you ever wondered, “How much does an eagle weigh?” or “How big is their wingspan?” Have all your eagle questions answered in these hands-on and entertaining live eagle programs. Our naturalists will share the biology, ecology, and natural history of bald and golden eagles. All of our presenters are knowledgeable, engaging and eager to share their passion for eagles with visitors of all ages.
A live eagle program typically last about 45 minutes and each program features an eagle feeding. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Cameras are encouraged!
OUTDOOR EAGLE PROGRAM
1pm (weather permitting)
Join us for a special outdoor eagle program and learn about these majestic raptors against the backdrop of rich bald eagle habitat – the Mississippi River! Learn about eagle behavior, biology, and more in this engaging program featuring one of the eagle ambassadors. In the event of bad weather, this program will move into the first-floor classroom. Classroom seating is on a first-come, first served basis.
A live eagle program typically last about 45 minutes and each program features an eagle feeding. Cameras are encouraged!
EGG CRUSHING DEMONSTRATION
TBD
Eggs are incredible and possess remarkable structural strength! That is why the effect that DDT had on bald eagle and other raptor eggs during the mid-20th century was so shocking. Bird were crushing their own eggs during incubation! Join one of our naturalist educators for an egg-crushing demonstration and witness just how strong eggs are and learn the story of DDT’s use, it’s impact of eagles and other birds, and the remarkable recovery of bald eagles following the federal ban on its use. Check out this fascinating demonstration – fun for kids and adults alike!
Sunday, June 24th
EAGLE ANSWERS GIVEN LIVE EVERYDAY
All Day
Drop-in and visit the live eagle ambassadors where they live! Our naturalist educators will be on hand to answer your questions, feed the eagles, and provide you with an unforgettable up-close experience with our resident bald and golden eagles. Bring your eagle enthusiasm, eagle questions, and your camera!
OUTDOOR RAPTOR PROGRAM
NOON (weather permitting)
Enjoy a special outdoor raptor program and learn about the wide world of raptors beyond eagles! Hear about the raptors that call Minnesota and Wisconsin home, learn what makes them all unique, and gain insight into their favored habitats and how to identify them. In the event of bad weather, this program will move into the first-floor classroom. Classroom seating is on a first-come, first served basis.
This raptor program is scheduled to last 30 minutes.
OUTDOOR EAGLE PROGRAM
1pm (weather permitting)
Join us for a special outdoor eagle program and learn about these majestic raptors against the backdrop of rich bald eagle habitat – the Mississippi River! Learn about eagle behavior, biology, and more in this engaging program featuring one of the eagle ambassadors. In the event of bad weather, this program will move into the first-floor classroom. Classroom seating is on a first-come, first served basis.
A live eagle program typically last about 45 minutes and each program features an eagle feeding. Cameras are encouraged!
EGG CRUSHING DEMONSTRATION
TBD
Eggs are incredible and possess remarkable structural strength! That is why the effect that DDT had on bald eagle and other raptor eggs during the mid-20th century was so shocking. Bird were crushing their own eggs during incubation! Join one of our naturalist educators for an egg-crushing demonstration and witness just how strong eggs are and learn the story of DDT’s use, it’s impact of eagles and other birds, and the remarkable recovery of bald eagles following the federal ban on its use. Check out this fascinating demonstration – fun for kids and adults alike!