Ultimate Eagle Watch Set for Jan. 17

Oklahoma is one of the top states in the nation for winter eagle viewing and Kaw Lake is a prime location to see the eagle in its native habitat.

On Jan. 17 the Kaw Lake Ultimate Eagle Watch will be held in Kaw City and around Kaw Lake.

This year's event offers more free educational presentations and activities than ever before both at the Kaw City Community Center and the Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters in Kaw City.

"Our Eagle Watch is more than observing the nesting eagles, it is a total educational, yet fun, experience for all ages and we encourage you to spend the day," said Kathy Tippin, executive director of the Kaw Lake Association.

"Admission is by donation and there is no extensive walking. Each program is new so we encourage you to spend the day."

Activities will be held at both the Kaw City Community Center and the Kaw Nation Tribal headquarters.

A live American Bald Eagle with trainer Ryan VanZant will be a part of the program.

VanZant will present an American Bald Eagle natural history program.

Kathy and Gary Siftar, will discuss their work as "Raptor Rehabilitators."

The Broken Arrow couple is involved in the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, which includes eagles and small mammals. Gary will give a separate program on work of the Native American tribes to rehabilitate eagles and other birds.

In addition, Mark Howery, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation biologist, will discuss the history of the eagle and its habitat.

Luther Pepper will relate the significance of the eagle to the Native American culture and its customs. The work of Native American tribes and their aviaries will be presented by Gary Siftar.

Jennifer Lance, program director for Critter Tales Inc., will give a presentation focusing on looking for animal clues when going on a nature hike. She also will bring various critters with her for both children and adults to see up close.

Critter Tales Inc. is a non-profit (501c3) outreach organization in Oklahoma City designed to promote awareness of wildlife and conservation through educational programs. These programs consist of live animals, bio-facts, books, posters, puppets, songs and crafts that provide hands on learning experiences for children ages 3-10 years.

In a separate program Michele and Ron Walenciack of Cinnamon Valley Exotics will show small animals they raise and give a presentation. A USDA Licensed educational exhibitor, they have been raising many different species of exotic animals for over nine years.

The Walenciaks also raise animals for sale to homes with the capability of caring for them. Many of these animals are born on the farm itself. Cinnamon Valley Exotics is located and operated in north central Oklahoma.

Tour buses will depart from both locations at 8 a.m. 10 a.m., and 1 p.m. to view eagles around Kaw Lake. Tour buses are loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no charge or reservation needed.

A free Native American lunch, compliments of The Kaw Nation, will be served in the new Kaw Nation Community Center west of Washunga Bay on Kaw Lake. The free lunch includes meat gravy, fry bread, and grape dumplings. In addition, meat pies will be sold. The buses also will take people from the viewing sites to the lunch during the noon hour.

Everyone attending the Kaw Lake Ultimate Eagle Watch should dress for the weather and bring binoculars/viewing scopes. To get to the Kaw City Community Center and tribal headquarters, drive north on SH 77 (also 14th Street) out of Ponca City. Turn east on SH 11 for 12 miles until you reach Kaw City. Signs will guide you to the Community Center on the south side of the highway and to the Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters, north of the highway.

For more information about the Ultimate Eagle Watch, contact the Kaw Lake Association, 580-762-9494 or 877-671-6985, kawlake@cableone.net.