In the 1990s, so many bald eagles began wintering at Lake Pueblo State Park and along the Arkansas River that a free festival was created to celebrate their arrival.
On Feb. 3 to 4, that traditional celebration will resume with the 22nd annual Pueblo Eagle Days festival sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and partners including the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center of Pueblo, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, Black Hills Energy, CSU-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits, Mountain Park Environmental Center and the Pueblo Zoo.
Over the years, Eagle Days has evolved into more than just an event showcasing the bald eagles at the lake. Today, it spotlights a variety of birds of prey that visit or call Lake Pueblo home.
And it has become one of Southeast Colorado’s most family-friendly festivals with two days of fun and discovery for all ages.
Eagle Days is an opportunity to encounter live birds and animals that will be on display, enjoy a scavenger hunt, meet some of the birds that live at the raptor center, enjoy a story walk, meet CPW’s mascots Talon and Elbert and even witness the release of a rehabilitated raptor back into the wild.
A wildlife viewing trailer with scopes will be set up to help visitors spot eagles and other birds around the lake. There is a driving tour to view birds including golden eagles, owls and hawks. Shutterbugs can participate in a wildlife photo contest and there will be lectures along with kids activities.
“This is one of our signature events at Lake Pueblo,” said Monique Mullis, state park manager. “Everyone looks forward to the arrival of bald eagles and the Eagle Days festival. Seeing these majestic birds in their natural setting is a thrill and we’re tickled to be hosting this event again.”
All activities are free with a valid $7 day pass or $70 annual park pass per vehicle. For more information, details of activities and maps, please visit the Eagle Days website at www.puebloeagledays.org.