Feature
February
10
Annual Eagle Expo
Compiled by Mary Downer
Eagles have impressed humankind throughout history. In fact, gods were often depicted in the form of an eagle and the American Indians decorated their war bonnets only in eagle feathers.
Honoring the national symbol of the United States, the Sixth Annual Eagle Expo in Morgan City will feature boat tours to view eagles and seminars from wildlife and nature experts.
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 and greater public awareness and education have increased the bald eagle population throughout Louisiana and the U.S. Currently, there are 284 active nests in Louisiana with a large concentration in St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes, specifically in the area between Morgan City and Houma.
Annual Eagle Expo
February 10-12
Morgan City
For a complete event schedule
and registration forms, contact
the Cajun Coast Visitors and
Convention Bureau at 985.395.4905.
On Thursday, the event kicks-off with registration and a presentation by Save Our American Raptors. The presentation will feature a variety of raptors including a falcon, hawk, owl, black vulture and a bald eagle.
Aspiring photographers can participate in a special workshop taught by renowned wildlife photographer C.C. Lockwood on Friday, February 11. Lockwood is known for his numerous publications and books, especially his eleventh book, “Marsh Mission” which brought attention to the crisis of the vanishing Gulf Coast wetlands. His photography has been featured in prominent publications such as the Smithsonian magazine and National Geographic magazine. Early registration for Lockwood’s workshop is required.
Tours to view eagles will take place Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12. Featured waterways include the Atchafalaya Basin, Lake Verret, Turtle Bayou and Bayou Black. Each featured boat tour offers something unique to attendees.
The Atchafalaya Basin tour, guided by Captain Jack, showcases the largest overflow swamp in the U.S. with it’s10 distinct aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Home to over 170 bird species, 50 mammalian species, 40 reptilian species, 20 amphibian species and 100 species of finned fish and shellfish, the basin offers more than just eagles.
The Bayou Black tour, guided by “Black” Guidry, meanders through old oil and gas canals. Birds of prey include bald eagles, ospreys and various species of hawks. Other birds likely to be encountered include various species of ducks, wading birds and song bird species.
The Lake Verret tour, guided by Captain Ivy, highlights another part of the basin spillway. Past participants have seen bald eagles and osprey along the waterways. Other wildlife including blue heron, snowy egret, great egret, white ibis, belted kingfisher, red-tailed hawks, double-crested cormorants, anhinga, the American white pelican and an occasional peregrine falcon have been seen.
The Turtle Bayou tour, guided by Captain Wendy, includes two small natural bayous that provide 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.
Friday evening will feature presentations at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City by C.C. Lockwood and Kerry St. Pe’, programs director for B.T.N.E.P.
Saturday’s highlights include a variety of speakers including Michael Sealy with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Phillip Vasseur with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Dr. Javier Nevarex, Assistant Professor of Zoological Medicine and Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana Director.
