“Masters of the Sky”: Eagles, Falcons, and Hawks Oh My!

Published Dec. 11, 2019
Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers come together on the fourth Saturday in September to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more. From trail maintenance to tree planting—volunteers of all ages and abilities roll up their sleeves and work side-by-side to care for public lands. The day also features a variety of hikes, bike rides, community festivals, paddling excursions, and other fun outdoor activities—all set on the backdrop of the country’s public lands and waterways.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers come together on the fourth Saturday in September to assist with various projects designed to restore and enhance public parks, forests, waterways and more. From trail maintenance to tree planting—volunteers of all ages and abilities roll up their sleeves and work side-by-side to care for public lands. The day also features a variety of hikes, bike rides, community festivals, paddling excursions, and other fun outdoor activities—all set on the backdrop of the country’s public lands and waterways.

Attention all Eagle and Raptor Enthusiasts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer live Raptor shows to the public on Saturday, February 15 at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Ill. 

The event will feature three opportunities to see the Masters of the Sky show featuring live birds from the World Bird Sanctuary. Visitors can learn all about the adaptations that make raptors special. The Raptor Awareness show delves into topics surrounding raptors, features flying demonstrations and allows for an up-close personal view of each bird on the glove.

Shows are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., with a special live Bald Eagle viewing opportunity at 12 p.m., and will be held in the classroom and are limited to the first 85 participants. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children 3 and under.

Education stations for bird watching information, eagle crafts, movies and biological information tables will be located throughout the museum gallery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy free tours every hour during this event of Melvin Price Locks and Dam for a chance to see wild eagles from a bird’s eye view.

The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located upriver of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam.  Both areas play host to thousands of species of waterfowl that are either passing through, or stay in the area during the winter. For Locks and Dam tour information, maps and security restrictions, please visit www.mtrf.org or call the National Great Rivers Museum at 618.462.6979.


Contact
National Great Rivers Museum
618-462-6979

Release no. 19-068