MORGAN CITY — The 20th Annual Eagle Expo and More, scheduled Feb. 20-22 in Morgan City will feature presentations from wildlife and nature experts, a live raptor presentation, boat tours to view eagles and opportunities to meet fellow birders.
Heading into its 20th 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 St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.
This year’s Expo will include a presentation by Animalogy sponsored by the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program on Feb. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bayou Visita Community Center. This lively and informational presentation showcases a variety of wildlife for an interesting educational program. Private schools, parochial schools and home-schooled students will have the opportunity to attend an Animalogy presentation on Feb. 19 at the Patterson Civic Center at 10 a.m. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required. Contact info@cajuncoast.com or 985-380-8224 to place areservation.
Tours to view eagles will take place Feb. 21 and 22. Featured waterways include the Atchafalaya Basin, Bayou Black and Bayou Long. Tours will be on Friday, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1 p.m. and 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. on 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 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.
A photography only boat tour in Bayou Black will also be offered on Feb. 21. Participants will be limited so photographers can walk around. There is no birding or photography leader on the boat, just an opportunity to have room to take photographs.
Three walking tours into the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge are also being offered. The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge in Franklin was established to provide critical habitat for the Louisiana black bear. The refuge provides a home for an abundance of wildlife including neotropical songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians. There is no cost.
Friday evening will feature a sunset social on the Morgan City wharf at 6:30 p.m., and a dinner at Bay City Bistro.
There will be a panel discussion by Lawrence Datnoff, Michele Giroir, and Kathy Rhodes, facilitated by Marybeth Lima on Feb. 22. Those who attend this panel will hear stories about birds seen and missed, favorite moments, inspirations and challenges, and reflections on birding and life during their Louisiana big year adventure.
The Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau has partnered with the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), LUMCON and the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
For a complete event schedule, costs, registration forms and listings of hotel rates, contact the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau at 985-380-8224 or email info@cajuncoast.com. For tickets visit, CajunCoast.com/EagleExpo
