DEGRAY LAKE -- DeGray Lake Resort State Park will host its annual Eagles Et Cetera festival from Jan. 28-30.
Attendees can take a guided Eagle Watch Tour DeGray Lake; embark on an evening Owl Prowl Adventure Tour or Golf Course Safari in search of nocturnal creatures; or accompany a master falconer on a Live Falconry Hunt out on one of DeGray's islands.
"There will be plenty to see and do inside the warm, comfy lodge as well," a news release said, with presentations by some of the state's "premier animal caretakers and educators."
Presenters will include Rodney Paul of Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, Rusty Scarborough, a master falconer, as well as educators from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Little Rock Zoo.
Families with children will enjoy the programs and crafts in the kid-friendly Eaglets Activity Room.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be the Little Rock Zoo's Birds of Prey Show featuring several species of birds including the "namesake star of the event" -- an American bald eagle.
A full schedule is available at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park will offer all programs free of charge, with the exception of boat-based tours and golf course safaris.
Tickets for Eagle Watch Tours on Jan. 29 and 30 and the Owl Prowl Adventure Tour the evening of Jan. 29 are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children younger than 6.
Admission to the limited participation Live Falconry Hunts, one on Jan. 28 and one on Jan. 29, is $20 per person.
Tickets for the Golf Course Safari on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29 are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children younger than 6.
Registration opens for all tours starting Monday at the lodge front desk. Call 501-865-5851. Binoculars and cameras are "welcome and encouraged. Guests are advised to dress very warmly for all outdoor tours, especially lake tours -- it will be significantly colder and windier out on the water."
"In light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the Little Rock Zoo requires all audience members over the age of 9 to wear face coverings and socially distance from non-household members during their live animal presentations. Face coverings and social distancing will be strongly encouraged at all other presentations and outdoor tours where social distancing is not feasible. Seating will be limited," the release said.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located 21 miles south of Hot Springs on Highway 7. In addition to the 90-room lodge, RV, tent, and YURT camping are also available.
Call the lodge at 501-865-5851 or visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com for more information.
Falconer Rusty Scarborough and his red-tailed hawk are shown during a previous year’s Live Falconry Hunt. Photo is courtesy of Michelle Edmonds. - Submitted photo