Eagle watch weekends available at Kentucky state parks

A Kentucky State Park tradition, Eagle Watch Weekends begin in January.

The park system will sponsor this wildlife-watching opportunity as bald eagles gather around the major lakes of western Kentucky looking for food. The park tours allow you to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

For four decades, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife.

The tours take place at three resort parks during weekends in January and February, on an excursion yacht and by van. They are led by state park naturalists and Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.

Ticket prices for the tours range from $25 to $50 a person.

Most tours last from two to  three and a half hours. The weekends also include an evening program on birds of prey.

Tour locations and dates for the 2013 Eagle Watch Weekends are:

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park: Jan. 12-13.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park: Jan. 26-27.

Kenlake State Resort Park: Feb. 2-3.

Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. Trips can take place under extreme weather conditions. The resorts offer lodges, cottages and restaurants. Registration is required for the Eagle Watch Weekends. Call the parks for registration, details and fee information.

The Eagle Watch Weekends at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake will include an option to view eagles from the CQ Princess, a 96-foot yacht. Guests can view eagles from inside the CQ Princess or from outside decks.

Any group or organization interested in a special cruise on the CQ Princess should call Karen Faughn at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at 1-800-325-0146.

Staff report.