MDC Hosting Eagle Days Next Month in Smithville

Western Missouri is fortunate to have large rivers and open wetlands that attract waterfowl and hold fish because, in winter, that attracts migrating bald eagles looking for food.

Missouri Department of Conservation staff will assist at the eagle viewing stations for the Smithville Lake Eagle Days Saturday and Sunday, January 8-9.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clay County Parks and Recreation Department, MDC, and their partners are hosting the event.

Operation Wildlife will present live captive raptor shows.

On January 8, the live eagle shows will be 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

On January 9, the live eagle shows will be at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

The shows and other wildlife displays will be at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course complex at 18212 Golf Course Drive in Smithville.

At Paradise Pointe, visitors can also learn where eagle viewing stations will be set up outdoors at the lake.

Eagles migrating from northern states travel through the area during winter.

Weather and food availability dictate their presence.

An extended period of severe cold can cause them to move farther south.

But the Kansas City region’s mixed winter weather often keeps eagles in the area during January and February.

During freeze-ups, they will be near open water like rivers or areas where large flocks of geese or ducks moving about on lakes have kept patches from freezing.

Northwest Missouri also has several access areas or conservation areas along the Missouri River, including the Bob Brown Conservation Area in Holt County.