Eagles Et Cetera at DeGray Lake Resort State Park

Bald eagles were once endangered in all of the lower 48 states. But today the raptor, which became the national emblem of the United States in 1782, has come back. Increased awareness, protective legislation and widespread conservation efforts have assisted in the remarkable comeback. 

DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck, Arkansas celebrates the American bald eagle and the message of conservation during Eagles Et Cetera from January 25 to 27 at the park. 

Bald eagles are unique to North America. Some 1200 begin to arrive in Arkansas as early as mid-October and stay all winter long, departing around February and sometimes as late as mid-March. An estimated 200 nesting pairs stay in Arkansas year round. 

Visitors making the trek to the event, the largest of its kind in the state, can expect many opportunities to see eagles in their natural habitat. 

Eagles Et Cetera not only highlights eagles but also gives attention to birds of prey in general and also song birds, migratory birds, waterfowl, game birds, conservation practices and general lake ecology and health. 

Visitors will also have a chance to see birds of prey up close. The Little Rock Zoo will be on hand to show a variety of birds including owls, hawks, falcons, and, of course, a bald eagle. There will also be a live falconry demonstration.

Eagle tours will also scout DeGray Lake in search of eagles, loons, coots, herons, and other waterfowl and wildlife. Guided owl prowls and bird and woodpecker hikes are also on the lineup, along with presentations highlighting wildlife, such as an alligator presentation. 

DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located at 2027 State Park Entrance Road (off Highway 7) in Bismarck. All programs at the festival are free of charge, except for the Eagle Boat Tours, which are $9 for adults and $5 for kids age 6-12. Reservations are required for the boat tours and can be made by calling 501-865-5850. More details on the park as well as a program schedule for the event can also be found at degray.com. 

For more information about top events in Arkansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas.

Warm Welsh Welcome in Los Angeles

“We’ll keep a welcome in the hillside, we’ll keep a welcome in the glen” sing the Welsh ... and there will be a warm Welsh welcome awaiting you at the Los Angeles St. David’s Day Festival - National Day of Wales on March 3 at the Barnsdall Art Park. 

Presented by A Raven Above Press, the March celebration begins at 2pm with a Druid blessing, followed by a screening of the rare 1962 short film 'Dylan Thomas' starring Richard Burton. After this there will be a performance by the Welsh Choir of Southern California, Paul Child (from Cardiff), and in her debut North American appearance – Welsh soprano and harpist Siobhan Owen.

Outside the concert from 10am to 6pm visitors will be delighted in a free Celtic Marketplace, Welsh food, languages classes by Swansea instructor Jason Shepherd, workshops, Welsh Corgi lecture, Kids Crafts, and the LA Eisteddfod featuring poetry, storytelling, readings and performance. 

A Raven Above Press will be promoting artists from both Wales and the US in a special book release party on Welsh nursery rhymes written by Llanelli born author Peter Anthony Freeman and including works by Nathan Wyburn (Abergavenny) and Anthony Richards (Ammanford), among others

There is really no better place to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Welsh-Americans than at Barnsdall Art Park. Designed by Welsh-American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the park is nestled atop a shaded hill and away from the city bustle, with a clear view of the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park (named for Welsh philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith).

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.