Eagle Days planned Jan. 20-21 at Wyandotte County Lake Park

An eagle soared over Wyandotte County Lake Park during a past Eagle Day. (File photo by Steve Rupert)

An eagle was on exhibit at a past Eagle Day at Wyandotte County Lake Park. Different birds of prey are on exhibit during the event. (Wyandotte Daily file photo)

Eagle Days at Wyandotte County Lake is returning for its 17th year, Saturday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 21.

The first Eagle Days in 2001 welcomed over 200 adults and children. Last year’s attendance nearly reached 1,000, making it one of the most successful in recent years.

This free, entertaining and educational event is open to the public and will take place at the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library and James P. Davis Hall located at Wyandotte County Lake Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Highlights of the program include live birds of prey demonstrations by Operation Wildlife volunteers featuring a variety of eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions and help visitors with outdoor spotting scopes located near areas where eagles tend to visit. Visitors are urged to bring binoculars and cameras to view and photograph area birds in their natural habitat.

Children can enjoy arts and crafts stations at both locations, plus there is an opportunity to win a $25 gift card by entering the BPU Kids Coloring Contest. For kids that want to enter online, visit www.bpu.com/kidscoloringcontest to find coloring sheets and entry forms. The contest ends Friday, Feb. 2.

Schedule of events
Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library hours:
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
James P. Davis Hall hours:
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Indoor bird presentations available at both locations:
Saturday: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The event schedule and map are available in a downloadable format at http://kckpl.librarymarket.com/sites/default/files/content/events/files/2018_eagle_days_flyer.pdf.

Eagle Days at Wyandotte County Lake is made possible by Operation Wildlife; the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library; Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities; the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library; Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools; and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Parks and Recreation Department. For questions about Eagle Days at Wyandotte County Lake Park, call the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library at 913-295-8250.

– Story from David Mehlhaff, BPU communications