Area residents are invited to join park rangers at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Jan. 24 and 31 for “Bald Eagle Watch 2009.”
Eric Leonard, CNRA park ranger-public information officer, said at one point in the not too distant past the American Bald Eagle species was near extinction. The combined efforts of private citizens, elected officials and government agencies led to the bald eagles being removed from the endangered species list in 2007.
“This increase in the eagle population allows us the privilege of seeing these birds in the wild. Bald eagles are flying once again over Lake of the Arbuckles at Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The annual return of the bald eagles to this area is always a cause for celebration during the winter season,” Leonard said.
This year the park ranger sponsored watch events will begin at 9 a.m. with a program at the Travertine Nature Center. Following the presentation, the group, including ranger guides, will caravan to Lake of the Arbuckles to locate and observe eagles in the wild.
Leonard said those planning on attending one or both of the watches should, “Dress for the weather, bring a camera and binoculars, and a sack lunch.”
