GOLDEN POND, Ky. – Friends of Land Between the Lakes will soon host eagle-viewing cruises and programs for the public in January and February 2022.
“Land Between the Lakes serves as a major wintering spot for bald eagles from northern areas such as Michigan and Canada,” said John Pollpeter, the Nature Station’s lead naturalist. “Since Kentucky and Barkley lakes remain unfrozen throughout winter, they attract northern bald eagles looking for open water where they can find fish. The 300 miles of undeveloped, forested shoreline at Land Between the Lakes provides eagles with the ideal habitat they need to thrive. “
In 2018, biologists counted close to 140 bald eagles wintering in the LBL area, as well as 30 active nests.
“The eagle cruises and programming give visitors a chance to view these majestic birds in their natural habitat,” Pollpeter said.
Kentucky Lake eagle-viewing cruises will be hosted Jan. 14-17, 2022, on the CQ Princess, a 96-foot, double-decker luxury yacht. All cruises will depart from Kenlake Marina at Kenlake State Resort Park, 888 Kenlake Marina Rd., Hardin, Kentucky. Each cruise includes a hot catered meal and opportunities for great views of bald eagles.
On board, naturalists from the Woodlands Nature Station will help participants spot eagles and other wildlife, as well as tell the story of the bald eagle’s comeback from the brink of extinction in western Kentucky. In addition to bald eagles, visitors will likely see native wildlife such as ducks, turkeys, deer and herons.
Brunch cruises will be held from 11 am until 2 pm Friday, Jan. 14; 8: 30-11: 30 on Saturday, Jan. 15; and 11 am until 2 pm Sunday, Jan. 16. Lunch cruises will be 1-4 pm Saturday, Jan. 15, and 11 am until 2 pm Monday, Jan. 17. Reservations and full deposits are required for all cruises. Reservations can be made by calling 270-924-2020.
“The popularity of eagle excursions calls for early reservations,” noted Arrianne Byrum, who is with Friends of Land Between the Lakes.
LBL also hosts other Eagle Viewing Programs. These on-location open-house style programs throughout Jan. and February explore favorite LBL bays, shorelines and roosting spots of bald eagles.
“Search for these majestic birds as they soar through the sky and perch in the trees, and perhaps even catch one in action while hunting. Woodlands Nature Station naturalists will help you spot eagles and other wildlife, as well as zoom in with spotting scopes for a closer look, ”Byrum said.
The weekend viewing programs will be held from 1-3 pm on: Saturday, Jan. 8 at Pisgah Point; on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Honker Lake; on Sunday Jan. 16 at Smith Bay; on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Barkley Dam; on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Honker Lake; and on Saturday, February 5 at Kentucky Dam.
A full listing of eagle viewing activities can be found at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/attractions/nature-station/.
Fourth graders can go to https://everykidinapark.gov, get their free Every Kid in a Park pass, and get their family in for free. For more information, call the Nature Station at 270-924-2299.
