CLARKSVILLE, Mo. — Every winter, Missouri welcomes record numbers of bald eagles and boasts some of the most plentiful viewing areas in all of the lower 48 states. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages eagle-lovers of all ages to discover nature and get outdoors to view our nation’s most iconic raptor at the annual Eagle Days event in Clarksville.  Activities will take place at Lock and Dam 24 and the Apple Shed Theater in Clarksville on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eagle Days events feature activities to entertain and educate the whole family.  MDC will have spotting scopes set up at River Front Park and volunteers and event staff will help visitors watch eagles and migrating waterfowl.

At the Apple Shed Theater, MDC will offer hands-on exhibits and displays, children’s activities, and viewing of the MDC video Eagles in Missouri featuring past years’ Eagle Days events in Clarksville. Every hour on the hour, the World Bird Sanctuary based in St. Louis will host a live-eagle program at the Apple Shed Theater. This building is not heated, so be sure to dress warmly.

This year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will also host tours of Lock and Dam 24 every hour on the hour.

“Eagle Days are a great way to enjoy nature in the winter and also a fun way to spend time as a family,” said MDC Conservation Education Consultant Karen Armstrong. “Be sure to bundle up the family as temperatures can be chilly.  Bring blankets and don’t forget your camera and binoculars.”

All events at Clarksville Eagle Days are free. MDC hosts the annual celebration of winter wildlife watching in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the World Bird Sanctuary, and the City of Clarksville.

Clarksville is located south of Louisiana on Missouri Highway 79.

For more information about this and other Eagle Days events in Missouri, contact MDC Conservation Education Consultant Karen Armstrong at 660-785-2420, or go online to mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.