DeGray Lake Resort State Park on Jan. 27 will to host its 40th annual Eagles Et Cetera festival.
The outdoor enthusiast event offers a guided eagle watch tour on DeGray Lake in Arkadelphia, an evening owl prowl adventure tour or golf course safari for searching for nocturnal creatures, or spectators can accompany a master falconer on a live falconry hunt on one of DeGray’s islands. There will also be festivities inside the lake’s lodge.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be the Little Rock Zoo’s birds of prey show featuring Lynn, an American bald eagle.
The festival offers the spectators up-close views of live birds of prey during presentations by some of Arkansas’ premier animal caretakers and educators. One can learn about a number of different conservation topics from experts like Rodney Paul of Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, Rusty Scarborough, a master falconer, as well as educators and handlers from the Little Rock Zoo. There are also a hands-on programs and crafts in the kid-friendly Eaglets Activity Room.
A full schedule of events is available at arkansasstateparks.com.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is offering all of the programs free of charge, with the exception of boat-based tours, golf course safaris, and select crafts.
Eagle Watch Tours are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
A limited number of reservations for Saturday’s eagle watch tours will be available beginning at noon, Monday, Jan. 21. Registration for exclusive live falconry hunts (one hunt each day on Friday and Saturday) opens Thursday, Jan. 24 at noon at $20 per person. All remaining tour reservations for the weekend, including the Owl Prowl Adventure Tours ($12 for adults; $6 children 6-12; under 6 free) and Golf Course Safaris ($10 for adults; $5 children 6-12; under 6 free) will be available beginning at noon the day before each tour.
Reservations for eagle watch tours can be made at the marina, or call 501-865-5841. Guests can register for all other tours or lodging by calling the lodge front desk at 1-800-737-8355 or 501-865-5851. Binoculars and cameras are welcome and encouraged. Please dress warmly for outdoor tours, especially lake tours.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located near Hot Springs and Arkadelphia, six miles north of I-30 at Caddo Valley (exit 78) or 21 miles south of Hot Springs, Arkansas on Highway 7. In addition to the 96-room lodge, RV, tent, and YURT camping are also available.
For further information contact the lodge at (501) 865-5851 or visit us online at www.arkansasstateparks.com.