The bald eagle is America’s national symbol and is quite majestic when seen out in the wild! This is why Lake Guntersville State Park hosts the annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, so that wildlife enthusiasts can have a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The popular weekend events attract people of all ages from all over the United States who come here to spend a winter getaway in one of Alabama’s most popular state parks and be immersed in nature-based learning. The Eagle Awareness Weekends will be held every weekend from January 24 through February 2, 2025.
Now in its 39th year, Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park was started as an activity for people of all ages to experience the joy of watching eagles and other birds in their natural habitat and as a way of educating the public about the importance of protecting the area’s wildlife.
(photo by Pat Yancey)
The weekend events feature live bird demonstrations, programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles and other creatures in their natural habitat and plenty of photo opportunities for those with camera in hand. The 2025 dates are January 24-26, January 31-February 2. Activities get underway at 5:30pm Friday, with activities throughout the day on Saturday and wraps up Sunday following the 11:30am program.
(photo by Pat Yancey)
The 2025 Eagle Awareness Weekends scheduled programs and presenters are (subject to change):
January 24-26, 2025
Featured Programs and Excursions: Wine Tasting & Hot Cider Social (Sponsored by Jules J. Berta Winery); Majestic Flights: The Legacy of Eagles in Alabama; Eagle Watching Field Trip; Guided Trip to Eagle’s Nest (City of Guntersville); Live Bird Performance: Raptor Ridge; Live Bird Performance: Wings to SOAR; Naturalist Workshop: Biodiversity of Alabama’s Birds; Live Bird Performance: Alabama Wildlife Center; Guided Eagle Watching Field Trips: City of Guntersville and Town Creek Pier
January 31 – February 2, 2025
Featured Programs and Excursions: Wine Tasting & Hot Cider Social (Sponsored by Jules J. Berta Winery); Majestic Flights: The Legacy of Eagles in Alabama; Eagle Watching Field Trip; Campground of Town Creek Pier; Guided Trip to Eagle’s Nest (City of Guntersville); Live Bird Performance: AU Southeastern Raptor Center; Naturalist Workshop: Biodiversity of Alabama’s Birds; Live Bird Performance: Alabama Wildlife Center; Guided Eagle Watching Field Trips: City of Guntersville and Town Creek Pier
(photo by Robert Posey)
Sessions typically fill up quickly and participants are encouraged to reserve a weekend by calling 256-571-5440 for lodge reservations or 256-571-5455 for campground reservations. Lodging packages start at $348 and include lodging, two breakfasts, one dinner, a welcome packet, VIP access to presentations, discounts at the restaurant and gift shop, photo opportunities with birds of prey, activities for children, engagement with featured sponsors and one-on-one access with the naturalists. Day passes will be sold first come, first serve each Saturday morning of Eagle Awareness Weekends. These will include the guided tours to the eagle nests and live bird programs only. A day pass is $25/adult and $10/child under 12 years old.
For a complete list of scheduled events, speakers and lodging packages, visit www.alapark.com/EagleAwarenessWeekends.
