The birds are back at county parks
January 19, 2010
St. Charles County, MO
One benefit of the recent cold temperatures has been the arrival of bald eagles in St. Charles County.
When the waters in their traditional hunting grounds to the north freeze over, the majestic eagles migrate to their winter aeries to feed and raise their young. As a result, several nesting pairs of maturing youngsters can now be spotted in and around County parks, including Hideaway Harbor Park (along the Mississippi River near Portage des Sioux) and Klondike Park (along the bluffs of the Missouri River near Augusta).
To celebrate the return of our nation’s symbol to our area, the St. Charles County Parks Department invites guests to view these creatures during open park hours (7 a.m. to ½-hour after sunset) throughout the week. In addition to these opportunities, the Department will host an organized Eagle Viewing Event/Guided Hike at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hideaway Harbor Park.
The third annual Eagle Viewing Passport Walk will focus upon the return of the bald eagles to their Mississippi River aeries along the Alton Basin. To gain the best possible vantage points, participants can walk the perimeter of this 49-acre riverside park to view the birds and other active wildlife in their natural surroundings. In addition to the eagle viewing and relaxing walk, park staff will discuss the history of Hideaway Harbor Park, which has served as a popular recreation area for more than 100 years. The Parks Department encourages advanced registration for this free event to help with staffing and planning, and guests may register by visiting www.stccparks.org or calling 636-949-7535.
The Department will provide a spotting scope and binoculars during this program, but guests are encouraged to bring their own materials for maximum viewing. Along with the scopes, fire rings and hot cocoa will be offered to combat the winter chill. As temperatures and wind-chill factors along the river are often colder than in urban areas, guests are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather when attending this program.
To get to Hideaway Harbor Park from St. Charles, take Highway 94 North from Highway 370 until reaching Grafton Ferry Road (approximately eight miles). Turn left on Grafton Ferry Road and turn right on Portage Road until you reach Sioux Drive. Turn left on Sioux Drive into the park.
From the St. Charles County Parks Department
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