Live Eagle Programs at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Have you ever wondered “How much does an eagle weigh?” How big is their wingspan?” The answers await you in these engaging and entertaining live eagle programs. Great for all ages.
No reservation required for individuals and small groups. Admission to the National Eagle Center is valid all day and includes programs.
Presenters:
Scott Mehus
Scott Mehus
Education Director
Scott’s interpretive programs tend to be very energetic and he tries to involve all people in the learning process as much as possible, especially kids. Scott’s presentations generally talk about the causes of the bald eagles’ population decline and its recovery and removal from the Endangered Species list. Scott also tends to chat about other creatures that still need our help that are still on the Endangered Species List. He also likes to talk about some of the “BIG” physical attributes of the eagle such as wingspan, weight, eye sight and nests among others things. Scott has been studying golden eagles since 1995 and always likes to share some information on the golden eagles that winter in this area. Scott is co-director of the Golden Eagle Research project and loves to share about the pioneering research that he is involved with. Scott rarely forgets to talk about some of the threats still facing eagles today like lead poisoning. Scott always welcomes questions about the natural world.
Scott Mehus is the Education Director here at the National Eagle Center and began working here in late 2006 just before the move to the new building in May of 2007. Scott has degrees in Environmental Interpretation and Recreation and Leisure Studies from Vermilion College and Winona State University. Scott since his childhood has always been interested in the natural world and has been an active bird watcher since 1986 and is proud to call himself a naturalist. Scott and his family live in Buffalo City WI along the backwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River. As a family they enjoy canoeing and taking trips together.
Bridget Befort
Bridget Befort
Eagle Care Manager
Interpreter
In Bridget’s program you’ll be introduced to our resident birds and the reasons why they live at the National Eagle Center. She’ll share all kinds of interesting facts about the eagle, including about eggs and nests, their eyes, talons, food, and much more! Bridget welcomes questions, so ask away. Her program is filled with laughs and will keep you on your toes and wanting to ask more questions. It’s great for all ages from kids to the kids at heart. Be prepared to get involved and have a wonderful time.
Bridget joined the National Eagle Center as intern from Winona State University, when we were still located in the little store front on Main Street. She continued to volunteer and ultimately joined the full-time staff. Bridget has training in captive raptor management from The Raptor Center in St. Paul and directs the care and husbandry of the resident eagles.
Bridget feels her nearly one hour commute from Rochester is worth it because everyday there is always something new and exciting happening here at the National Eagle Center!
Kari Fischer
Kari Fischer
Interpreter
Are you willing to go head to head with an eagle? How about toe to toe? Kari invites you to explore to the world of Eagles. Through hands on experiences you will learn all about the Eagles here at the National Eagle Center, as well as about their lives. From feathers to license plates a whole variety of items are shared and passed around in this classroom presentation. Kari enjoys talking about all sorts of different aspects about Eagles, and her assistant “Squeaky” is always there to help. Her favorite moment of the presentation is when the Eagle comes into the room – and the whole audience pauses from taking in their majestic beauty. She feels that the learning process becomes personalized when the Eagle can be right there in front of you. She encourages all those who are curious about Eagles to come attend her program.
It was her own curiosity that brought her to the National Eagle Center in the first place. Originally a Biology student at Winona State University she saw a presentation that featured Angel (the Eagle). The presenter of that program happened to be a graduate from Winona State through the Recreation and Tourism program. It was at that moment Kari knew she was in the wrong program for her and promptly switched over. Soon after that she became a volunteer with the National Eagle Center. In the summer of 2010 she became an intern here and finished up her degree. Through her time here she has decided that there is never a normal day at the National Eagle Center. Every day is another new adventure and challenge, which makes every day here worthwhile. She hopes by the end of her program, you will feel the same way.
Abbey
Abbey Ruppert
Interpreter
More information coming soon.
Bucky Flores
Bucky Flores
Interpreter
Bucky likes to have fun especially at your expense. Through the use of humor, storytelling, and audience participation Bucky’s hope is that learning can be fun for all ages. The “Human Connection” is a major theme in Bucky’s programs. A connection that includes history, culture, and stewardship, and of course you will get a strong dose of eagle anatomy and biology. Be prepared to take an active role in Bucky’s programs even if you sit in the back row.
Bucky is a graduate of Winona State University and Vermilion Community College. Bucky grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Rochester, Minnesota working with a wide range of domestic animals both large and small. He has traveled to three countries in southwest Africa, north of the Arctic Circle on two continents, and is a frequent visitor of Alaska. Bucky is passionate about healthy communities and has worked for and with several youth development programs. His time as a farmer, cook, logger, butcher, youth counselor, student, a professor, and his desire for travel give him a wide knowledge base and connection to his audiences.
Joe Krumrie
Joe Krumrie
Interpreter
Joe’s programs are packed full of lots of fun and interesting facts. He uses the audience along with a lot of different props and other educational tools to further enhance the educational experience. Joe’s official job title is “Education Specialist” which is fitting because Joe loves to teach people. Joe varies his programs a lot, teaching about everything from eagle flight and hunting tactics, to eagle health and physical care. He also uses other species of raptors in his education, “Eagles are some of the most beautiful birds on the planet, but the other ‘little guys’ have a lot to teach us as well.” Very interested in the sport of falconry, Joe explains how the techniques and equipment used here at the National Eagle Center are very similar to that sport.
Joan Schrnabel
Joan Schnabel
Volunteer
More information coming soon.
David Parker
David Barker
Volunteer
More information coming soon.
Karlin Symons
Karlin Symons
Executive Director
Karlin Symons’ lively and entertaining presentations focus on the fascinating life and behavior of eagles, including the remarkable recovery of the bald eagle, and on the eagles’ importance to the overall environment. With stories and demonstrations, you’ll find learning about eagles not only interesting and memorable but also fun.
Karlin is a retired lawyer and business executive with years of training and speaking experience. When not at the National Eagle Center, she will probably be found rescuing dogs, being a kid with her 5 grandchildren or studying reefs and their inhabitants around the world. While curious about all animals, her favorite subjects of study are the apex predators such as polar bears, wolves, sharks (no jokes about lawyers, please) and, of course, eagles.