Alton, Ill. – The National Great Rivers Museum along with the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation announces the return of the “Masters of the Sky” show, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary, February 16-18, 2013, at the National Great Rivers Museum.
These one-hour long educational programs bring several birds of prey and offer an opportunity to view live eagles, owls, falcons, vultures, and hawks up close. The program highlights the importance of raptors in the food chain, the challenges faced on their annual migration, and interesting traits of each species. While these rehabilitated birds may no longer soar in the wild, they provide an unforgettable opportunity to educate us about their role in the Mississippi River ecosystem. Spectators can look forward to specially trained birds that soar before your eyes!
Shows are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each of the three days. Seating is limited to 200 tickets per show. Shows are conducted in a heated tent just outside the museum doors; please dress accordingly. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 4-12 years of age, and free for children 3 and under who can sit on a parent or guardian lap. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the National Great Rivers Museum, over the phone by calling 618-462-6979, or online at www.mtrf.org.
Cameras and binoculars for eagle spotting are welcome. Other activities that weekend will include crafts, photos with “Eric the Eagle,” a 14-minute film “Where Eagles Soar”, and more. Visitors will also enjoy free tours of Melvin Price Locks and Dam for a chance to see wild eagles from a bird’s eye view!
This program is made possible by the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and preservation of our great rivers. The National Great Rivers Museum is located off River Heritage Parkway (IL Hwy 143) at #2 Lock & Dam Way, Alton, IL 62024, adjacent to Melvin Price Locks & Dam. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has free admission and tours of the locks and dam. For more information, or to purchase tickets to a “Masters of the Sky” show, call 618-462-6979 or toll free 877-462-6979, or go online to
www.mtrf.org. You can also find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/GreatRivers.