Eagle Numbers Peak At Lake

JANUARY BEST TIME FOR BEAVER LAKE EAGLE TOURS

STAFF PHOTO FLIP PUTTHOFF 
Eagle tour passengers look Saturday at a bald eagle perched in a shoreline tree in the Van Winkle Hollow arm of Beaver Lake. Seven eagles, a loon and numerous ducks and geese were seen Saturday.
STAFF PHOTO FLIP PUTTHOFF Eagle tour passengers look Saturday at a bald eagle perched in a shoreline tree in the Van Winkle Hollow arm of Beaver Lake. Seven eagles, a loon and numerous ducks and geese were seen Saturday.

It’s nice to sit in front of a cozy fi eplace or wood stove in January, especially after a fi ne afternoon on Beaver Lake watching bald eagles. This month is the best for seeing them.

The bald eagle population at Beaver Lake peaks in January. Some 200 or more bald eagles make their winter home at the big lake, visiting here from their summer territories up north. Eagles start their migration to the Ozarks as early as October, but their numbers peak in January into early February.

It’s been a great year for the Beaver Lake eagle-watch cruises offered by Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Passengers have seen good numbers of bald eagles on the lake this fall and winter. Eagles put on a good show for people aboard the cruise held Saturday afternoon, with seven bald eagles seen. Passengers also saw a common loon, vultures, ducks and gaggles of geese.

Steve Chyrchel, interpretive naturalist, said passengers have seen an average of 6.1 eagles per trip this season.

October may be the most comfortable month for a Hobbs eagle cruise, but January can’t be beat for seeing the most bald eagles.

The key is to bundle up for temperatures that are 20 degrees colder than it is on land. It’s always chillier and windier out on the lake in the park’s open-air pontoon boat.

It’s a good idea to bring some throw-away handwarmers and to wear warm socks and shoes or boots. There are blankets on the boat for extra warmth, or passengers can bring their own. Binoculars are provided as well.

Bald eagles have put on dazzling performances this year. On a couple of trips, passengers have heard an eagle call. You’d think a big bird like a bald eagle would really sound off, but their call is more of a soft cry.

Bald eagles roosting in trees occasionally let the boat come close enough so passengers can see fine feather detail through their binoculars. Trips will just get better as January moves along.

Everyone likes a bargain and these 90-minute eagle cruises ofter plenty of bang for your $10 ticket. You get a nice boat trip on a beautiful lake. There are all kinds of other bird life to see, bald eagles included. A guide is on board to regale passengers with amazing eagle facts and information about Beaver Lake. It’s fun to get to know your fellow passengers.

If it’s too windy, the roads are slick or it’s dangerously cold, cruises are cancelled.

Passengers can sign up for another cruise or get a refund. All payment and arrangements are made through Hobbs State Park and not Rocky Branch Marina, where the boat is docked. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at 479-789-5000 to sign up.

Sure it’s cold, but seeing our nation’s symbol in the beautiful setting of Beaver Lake will warm the heart.

FLIP PUTTHOFF IS OUTDOORS EDITOR FOR NWA MEDIA.

FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @NWAFLIP.

Outdoor, Pages 6 on 01/02/2014

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