Eagles, Ag Expo on tap for this week's MAIN EVENT

Missouri is typically home to about 2,000 bald eagles in the winter, as they seek out areas with open water and plentiful food.

This week’s MAIN EVENT offers a chance to see one in person and learn more about the majestic bald and golden eagle, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

An event will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Twin Pines Conservation Education Center, as part of the location’s Eagle Days events.

The center is partnering with Dickerson Park Zoo to bring the eagles for guests of all ages to ask questions and learn fun eagle facts.

“Eagle sightings are on the rise in our area, so we’re offering this opportunity to learn more about them, how to identify them, and how to be a friend to them and other wildlife,” said Reva Dow, Twin Pines CEC Manager.

Because of Missouri’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, the Show-Me state is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in Missouri.

“This is one of several programs scheduled during our seasonal closure that occurs from December through March,” Dow said.

The fishing pond and trails at Twin Pines will remain open to visitors during this time.

Seating is limited; advance registration is required online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/189304.

Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/events/eagle-days, and visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/events by searching “Eagle Days.”

Twin Pines is located one mile east of Winona on U.S. Highway 60.

Eagle Watching on Your Own

Can’t make an MDC Eagle Days event? Other local events and hot spots for winter eagle viewing include:

Duck Creek Conservation Area north of Puxico on Highway 51 in Stoddard

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge on Hwy 51 in Stoddard County

Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access east of Bagnell

Lock & Dam 20 in Canton

Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville

Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City

Moses Eagle Park in Stella

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off Riverview Drive in St. Louis

Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area east of West Alton

Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs

Smithville Lake north of Kansas City

Stockton Lake near Stockton

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner

Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson

Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw

Wappapello Lake’s Eagle Point in Southeast Missouri

Watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. Early in the morning, you can see them flying and fishing. Be sure to dress for winter weather and don’t forget cameras and binoculars,

Other upcoming events include:

— Book Buzz Club, 5 p.m. Jan. 19 WHERE The Wine Rack WHAT The theme for January is “New year, new you.” WHAT You could try a new genre, read about a new hobby, or find a different book that you think fits the theme. Event is hosted by the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library.

— Bootheel Bluegrass Festival, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 19-21 WHERE Bavarian Halle, Fruitland, Missouri WHAT 3 fun days filled with Bluegrass music, multiple bands, vendors and fun

— Ag Connect 2023, Jan. 20-21. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST $5 admission passes and $60 for all access passes. WHAT Information and workshops for all facets of agriculture found in Southeast Missouri and Northwest Arkansas — row crop, livestock, forestry, ag business side, etc. More information and registration links are available at blackrivercoliseum.com.

— Freedom & Misty Acoustic, 7 p.m. Jan. 20 WHERE Haff Whiskey Saloon

— Open Mic night, 7-11 p.m. Jan. 21 WHERE Forum Fifty Fifty WHAT All acts welcome.

— Yoga Basics, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 21. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT A yoga class presented by Kara Cummings. All skill levels welcome. Be sure to bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

— Volunteer Orientation 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Jan. 21. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Looking for an opportunity to give back to your community and make a lasting impact? Join the library for Volunteer Orientation and learn how you can make a difference.

— Open studio, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 21 WHERE Canvas & Grain Studio COST Prices range from $10-35, depending on the painter. WHAT Studio staff guide participants through each step of various projects.

— 85th Annual Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet, 6 p.m. Jan. 28. WHERE Black River Coliseum. COST $45 per person. WHAT A catered dinner with live entertainment. Dress is business formal. Please RSVP by Jan. 13 by calling (573) 785-7761 or email info@poplarbluffchamber.org.

— DIY Terrarium, 4–5:30 p.m. Jan. 24. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT An adult crafting event. Build your own mini terrarium and learn about the benefits of having indoor plants.

— Ladies luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 26 WHERE Bread+Butter WHAT Organized by the Church of the Holy Cross.

— In Conversation with Kanwal Haq, 6–8 p.m. Jan. 26. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Author Kanwal Haq discusses her new book “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health,” an easy-to-use and comprehensive non-reproductive health resource guide for every woman.

— Eagle Days, 6 p.m. Jan. 26 WHERE Twin Pines Conservation Education Center COST Free WHAT Staff from Dickerson Park Zoo will bring a bald and a golden eagle to give visitors a close up look and will answer questions.

— Megan Johnson, 8-11 p.m. Jan. 28 WHERE Bushwood’s WHAT Live music

— Back to the 80s Party, 9 p.m. WHERE Glory Days Bar & Grill

— Carden International Circus, 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 31 WHERE Black River Coliseum COST Varies WHAT Includes music, magic, aerialists and see the Carden Circus camels, horses, llamas and more.