Eagle Expo set for Feb.25-27

The 11th Annual Eagle Expo and More, scheduled for Feb. 25-27 in Morgan City, will feature seminars from wildlife and nature experts, a live raptor presentation, boat tours to view eagles, a photography exhibit and opportunities to meet fellow birders.
Heading into its 11th year, the Eagle Expo is a tribute to the return of the American bald eagle to Louisiana, which was removed from the endangered species list in June 2007. Laws banning the use of harmful pesticides such as DDT and greater public awareness and education have increased the bald eagle population throughout Louisiana and the United States. Currently, there are nearly 300 active nests in Louisiana with a large concentration in the St. Mary and Terrebonne Parish areas.
This year’s Expo will include a presentation by Wings to Soar 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Bayou Vista Community Center. This lively and informational presentation showcases an array of eagles, falcons, hawks and wwls soaring overhead.
A photography workshop taught by renowned wildlife photographer C.C. Lockwood will be Feb. 26. Lockwood is known for his numerous publications and books, especially his 11th book, “Marsh Mission,” which brought attention to the crisis of the vanishing Gulf Coast wetlands.
Tours to view eagles will take place Friday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Feb. 27. Featured waterways include the Atchafalaya Basin, Bayou Black, Turtle Bayou and Bayou Long. Tours will be 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Friday, and 9-11 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. o Saturday. Each featured boat tour offers something different to attendees.
The Atchafalaya Basin Tour takes attendees into the largest overflow swamp in the U.S. with 10 distinct aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Home to over 170 bird species, 50 mammalian species, 40 reptilian, 20 amphibian species and 100 species of fin fish and shellfish, the basin offers more than just eagles.
The Bayou Black Tour meanders through old oil and gas canals. Birds of prey including bald eagles, ospreys and various species of hawks call this place home. Other birds likely to be encountered include various species of ducks, wading birds and song bird species.
The Turtle Bayou Tour includes two small natural bayous that provide for fantastic views and local wildlife. Aside from eagles other birds likely to be encountered include anhingas, double-crested cormorants, red-shouldered hawks, white ibis, yellow-rumped warblers, Carolina chickadees and various species of terns and gulls.
The Bayou Long Tour includes various waterways including Lake Verret, Bayou Magazille, Fourmile Bayou, Grassy Lake, Bayou Cherami, Bayou Milhomme and Lake Palourde. On this tour, you will be able to view bald eagles and their nests, blue heron, great egret, belted kingfisher, white ibis and various species of birds.
Full registration includes the seminars Saturday morning, breakfast Saturday morning, a T-shirt, one boat tour, and the Wings to Soar presentation on Thursday evening. Registration fees start at $125 for adults and $70 for children for full registration. One-day registration starts at $95 for adults and $60 for children and includes seminars, one boat tour and Saturday breakfast. Boat tours only start at $60 for adults and $45 for children.