The park system will sponsor the wildlife-watching opportunity as bald eagles gather around the major lakes of western Kentucky looking for food. The park tours allow guests to observe and learn about these 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, a park's system news release said.
The tours take place at three state 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 Resources biologists.
New this year is a field trip cruise for students on Jan. 30 for $15 a person. Also new is a luncheon cruise on Jan. 31 for $65 a person. For reservations for the school and lunch cruises, which will leave from Kenlake State Resort Park, contact Lisa Deavers at (502) 564-8110, ext. 246, or email lisa.deavers@ky.gov.
Ticket prices for the weekend tours range from $25 to $50 a person. Most tours last from three to 3½ hours. The weekend tours include evening programs on Friday and Saturday.
The parks, phone numbers and dates for the 2015 Eagle Watch Weekends are:
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, (800) 325-0146: Jan. 9-11. Yacht tours and van tours to the Ballard Wildlife Management Area.
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, (800) 325-1708: Jan. 23-25. Yacht tours and van tours to the Land Between the Lakes.
- Kenlake State Resort Park, (800) 325-0143: Feb. 6-8. Yacht tours only.
Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. These 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 or visit: www.parks.ky.gov .
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 Tammy Nanney at Kenlake State Resort Park at (800) 325-0143.
