Web posted
Friday, January 18, 2008
Eagle watch Saturday at Kaw Lake
See the schedule of events below
By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent
The Bald Eagle is an enduring American symbol. From its stark beak to its fierce eyes, it has a beautifully majestic, but determined appearance.
It makes sense that the Continental Congress chose this bird to adorn the Great Seal of the United States in 1782.
The Bald Eagle came off the endangered species list in June 2007 after 40 years of being considered such below the 40th parallel.
According to Kathy Tippin, executive director of the Kaw Lake Association, at one point there were no pairs of nesting eagles in Oklahoma. There are now 60. The birds travel through Oklahoma and Kansas in the winter months, specifically January and February.
Tippin has been involved with the Kaw Lake Eagle Watch for 10 years. The program began about 18 yeas ago with the Oklahoma Wildlife Department, but had since been forwarded to the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority. The program has grown quite a bit in the past 18 years.
Starting at the Kaw City school gym, the event is now held at two locations; the Kaw City Community Center and the Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters, with guided tours at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Aside from the viewing tours, there are several presentations that deal with different aspects of the Bald Eagle.
Mark Howery, an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation biologist, talks about the eagle's history and its habitat. Luther Pepper will discuss the eagle's position in Native American culture and customs -- Native Americans are the only people allowed to possess eagle feathers, which are used in their ceremonies.
According to Tippin, the turnout is pretty good each year, with an average of 300 to 400 people attending. The event is convenient for those attending, there isn't extensive walking and the admission is by donation.
Transportation is provided for the tours -- buses take the groups around Kaw Lake in search of the Bald Eagles. The cold weather has Tippin hopeful.
The cooler temperatures will push the eagles toward the large lake in search of food, she said.
Tippin hopes those attending the events will not only learn a lot about eagles and the history surrounding them, but will also take home a greater appreciation for eagles and wildlife as a whole.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at both locations with refreshments, those looking for more information may call (580) 762-9494.
The Chaplin Nature Center will also be hosting an eagle watch from 10 - noon Jan. 26. The group will take a 1.5 mile hike to the Arkansas River. For more information, call (620) 442-4133.
Saturday's schedule
Kaw City Community Center
7:30 a.m. - Doors Open with Refreshments
8 a.m. - First Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
9 a.m. - 9:45 am - Kathy and Gary Siftar, Raptor Rehabilitators
9:45 a.m. - Break/Refreshments
10 a.m. - Second Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
10-10:45 a.m. - Mark Howery, Biologist, ODWC,
Presentation on History of the Eagle and Its Habitat
10:45 a.m. - Break/Refreshments
11-11:45 a.m. - Ryan Van Zant from Sutton Avian Research Center with live eagle.
Noon - Lunch at Kaw Nation Community Building (Washunga Bay) or area restaurants
1 p.m. -Third Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
1 p.m. - 1:45 pm - Encore Presentation - Ryan Van Zant
2 -2:40 p.m. - Encore Presentation -Kathy and Gary Siftar, raptor rehabilitators
2 p.m. - Fourth Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Encore Presentation - Mark Howery, Biologist, ODWC
Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters
7:30 a.m. - Doors Open with Refreshments
8 a.m. - First Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
9 a.m. - 9:45 am - Luther Pepper, Significance of Eagles to Native Americans
9:45 a.m. -Break/Refreshments
10 a.m. - Second Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
10 am - 10:45 a.m. - Victor Roubidoux, Iowa Tribal Aviary
10:45 a.m. - Break/Refreshments
11-11:45 a.m. - Jennifer Lance, Critter Tales
Noon - Lunch
1 p.m. - Third Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
1 p.m. - 1:45 pm - Encore Presentation - Jennifer Lance
2 p.m. - Fourth Guided Eagle Viewing Tour Departs
2-2:45 p.m.- Encore Presentation - Victor Roubidoux
3-3:45 p.m.- Encore Presentation - Luther Pepper
A free Native American luncheon including corn soup, stir fry, fry bread and grape dumplings will be served at the Kaw Nation Community Center just west of Washunga Bay. Transportation will be provided from the Kaw City Community Center and Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters departing at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Below: Ryan Van Zant, with the Sutton Avian Research Center near Bartlesville, Okla., will bring a live eagle to the annual Kaw Lake Eagle Watch Saturday.
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