Eagle Days at Smithville Lake

December 28, 2011

Did you know that the American Bald Eagles wing span ranges from 72 to 90 inches, or that they weigh from ten to fourteen pounds? Wild bald eagles may live as long as thirty years, and they sit at the top of the food chain. The eagle's lifting power is about 4 pounds, and their diet consist mainly of fish, but they will take advantage of carrion (dead and decaying flesh). Once paired with a mate, bald eagles will remain together until one dies. There are estimated to be 9,789 breeding pairs of bald eagles.

These are just a few of the fascinating facts you can find out if you attend Smithville Lake Eagle Days. Eagle days will be held at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course on January 7-8, 2012. Show times on Saturday are 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00p.m. Show times on Sunday are 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00p.m. Paradise Pointe Golf Course is located in Little Platte Park at 18212 Golf Course Road, Smithville, MO 64089.

This event is put on yearly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who have coordinated with Clay County Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation.  The two day event is open to the public and oriented towards learning all about the eagles that visit the lake annually. There will be live eagle programs given by Operation Wildlife, eagle videos and activities, information booths, and displays by various organizations.

There will be spotting scopes set up at the best viewing areas on the lake and Conservation agents, Clay County Park Rangers, and Federal Park Rangers will be available to assist visitors. So, please bring the family and come visit us at our local Smithville Lake and see the spectacular eagles that come to visit us every year. Be sure to bring your cameras, and binoculars and your warm clothing for the outside viewing.

If you have any questions regarding this year’s Eagle Days, please contact the Jerry Litton Visitor Center at 816-532-0174.

Leslie A.
Smithville Branch