Woodlands Nature Station naturalists will serve as guides to upcoming bald eagle viewing lake cruises and van tours in January and February 2023.
Friends of Land Between the Lakes are excited to announce that the Woodlands Nature Station will host bald eagle viewing cruises and van tours for the public in January and February 2023!
Eagle Viewing Cruises:
Kentucky Lake eagle viewing cruises will be hosted on the CQ Princess, a 96-foot, double-decker luxury yacht, on January 14, 15, & 16, 2023, all departing from Kenlake Marina at Kenlake State Resort Park, 888 Kenlake Marina Road, Hardin, Kentucky 42048. On-board naturalists from the Nature Station will help you spot eagles and other wildlife as well as tell the inspiring story of the bald eagle’s comeback from the brink of extinction in western Kentucky. In addition to bald eagles, visitors will likely see native wildlife such as ducks, turkeys, deer and herons. Please note, no catered meal will be provided this year, but light refreshments will be available.
Cruise Dates and Times:
-Saturday, January 14, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, January 15, 1 – 4 pm
-Monday, January 16, 1 – 4 pm
Eagle Viewing Van Tours:
Van tours throughout January and February will explore favorite Land Between the Lakes bays, shorelines and roosting spots of bald eagles. Search for these majestic birds as they soar through the sky and perch in the trees, and perhaps even catch one in action while hunting. Woodlands Nature Station naturalists will help you spot eagles and other wildlife, as well as zoom in with spotting scopes and binoculars for a closer look.
Van Tour Dates and Times:
-Saturday, January 7, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, January 8, 1 – 4 pm
-Saturday, January 14, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, January 15, 1 – 4 pm
-Saturday, January 21, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, January 22, 1 – 4 pm
-Saturday, January 28, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, January 29, 1 – 4 pm
-Saturday, February 4, 1 – 4 pm
-Sunday, February 5, 1 – 4 pm
Woodlands Nature Station will also be hosting “The Road Less Travelled” van tours on February 11 and 18, 2023. Join naturalists as they explore the nooks and crannies of Land Between the Lakes, discovering wildlife hot spots, scenic vistas and historic jewels tucked away in the landscape. Call 270.924.2020 to reserve your space.
Reservations and Deposits for Cruises and Van Tours:
Reservations and full deposits are required for all van tours and cruises. The popularity of eagle excursions calls for early reservations. A full listing of eagle viewing activities can be found on the Woodlands Nature Station webpage. Call 270.924.2020 to reserve your tour.
About Eagle Viewing at Land Between the Lakes:
In 2018, biologists counted close to 140 bald eagles wintering in the Land Between the Lakes area, as well as 30 active nests. The eagle cruises give visitors a chance to view these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
“Land Between the Lakes serves as a major wintering spot for bald eagles from northern areas such as Michigan and Canada,” said John Pollpeter, lead naturalist at the Woodlands Nature Station. “Since Kentucky and Barkley lakes remain unfrozen throughout winter, they attract northern bald eagles looking for open water where they can find fish. The 300 miles of undeveloped, forested shoreline at Land Between the Lakes provides eagles with the ideal habitat they need to thrive.”
