Each year, from late November to the end of February, roughly 100 to 200 bald eagles fish, loaf, and court their mates among the bluffs and along the river in southern Sauk County, Wisconsin.
The 2012 Bald Eagle Watching Days will celebrate its 25th Year in Sauk Prairie throughout Sauk City and Prairie du Sac on Saturday January 14. The festivities start on Friday evening (January 13) with the Live Birds of Prey Show at The Raptor Center.
The Bald Eagle Release on the banks of the Wisconsin River, presented by Marge Gibson of the Raptor Education Group, Inc., will return to the program for the 25th Anniversary.
This annual event draws hundreds of people to see these majestic and symbolic birds in their natural habitat. The Eagle Days programs also include eagle watching tours, children’s activities, wine tasting, a wildlife photography seminar and exhibits and shows presented by groups such as the Raptor Center from the University of Minnesota and humorist David Stokes.
In 1988, a small group of eagle enthusiasts formed the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council (FBEC) in order to work with the local community to protect area habitat for wintering eagles. A not-for-profit, grass-roots organization of volunteers, FBEC built and maintains the Overlook on Water Street in Prairie du Sac from which one can often view eagles on “Eagle Island”. Council members are stationed there for several hours each weekend in January and February to assist viewers with telescopes and answer questions.
Guided eagle watching tours are available for a small fee Saturdays at 10am in January and February. For a donation, guided tours and power point presentations on the life of the bald eagle can be arranged for groups. Call 800-683-2453 for reservations.
For more information on the Bald Eagle Watching Days visit www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/eagledays/index.html or visit Sauk Prairie at www.saukprairie.com/
For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin.