Fifth Annual Eagle Expo

by Mary Downer

Eagles have impressed humankind throughout history. In fact, gods were often depicted in the form of an eagle and the American Indians decorated their war bonnets only in eagle feathers.

Honoring the national symbol of the United States, the Fifth Annual Eagle Expo in Morgan City will feature boat tours to view eagles and seminars from wildlife and nature experts.

Moving into its fifth successful year, the Eagle Expo is a tribute to the return of the American bald eagle to Louisiana, which was recently removed from the endangered species list in June 2007. Laws banning the use of harmful pesticides and greater public awareness and education have increased the bald eagle population throughout Louisiana and the U.S. Currently, there are 284 active nests in Louisiana with a large concentration in St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes, specifically in the area between Morgan City and Houma.

Highlighting this year’s expo will be a workshop taught by renowned wildlife photographer C.C. Lockwood on Thursday, February 25. Lockwood is known for his numerous publications and books, especially his eleventh book, “Marsh Mission” which brought attention to the crisis of the vanishing Gulf Coast wetlands. His photography has been featured in prominent publications such as the Smithsonian magazine and National Geographic magazine.

Friday evening will feature Kurt Mutchler the chief deputy director of photography for National Geographic magazine at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City. Mutchler is responsible for overseeing the editing of all photographic content for the magazine and has worked there for 15 years.  

Saturday’s highlights include a variety of speakers including Deborah Fuller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Donna Dittmann & Steve Cardiff with the Louisianan State University Museum of Natural Science, Melanie Driscoll with the Audubon Gulf Coast Initiative and Bill Clark, a birds of prey enthusiast.

Tours to view eagles will take place Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27. Featured waterways include the Atchafalaya Basin, Lake Verret, Turtle Bayou and Bayou Black. Tours will be held at 9a.m.-11a.m. and 1p.m.-3p.m. on Friday and 2p.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.  Each featured boat tour offers something unique to attendees.

The Atchafalaya Basin tour showcases the largest overflow swamp in the U.S. with it’s10 distinct aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Home to over 170 bird species, 50 mammalian species, 40 reptilian species, 20 amphibian species and 100 species of finned fish and shellfish, the basin offers more than just eagles.

The Bayou Black tour meanders through old oil and gas canals. Birds of prey include bald eagles, ospreys and various species of hawks. Other birds likely to be encountered include various species of ducks, wading birds and song bird species.

The Lake Verret and Bayou Magazille tour highlight another part of the basin spillway. Past participants have seen bald eagles and osprey soaring overhead, fishing, or resting on treetops along the waters edge. Other wildlife including blue heron, snowy egret, great egret, white ibis, belted kingfisher, red-tailed hawks, double-crested cormorants, anhinga, the American white pelican and an occasional peregrine falcon have been seen.    

The Turtle Bayou tour includes two small natural bayous that provide fantastic views and local wildlife. Aside from eagles, other birds likely to

be encountered include anhingas, double-crested cormorants, red-shouldered hawks, white ibis, yellow-rumped warblers, Carolina chickadees and various species of terns and gulls.

Fifth Annual Eagle Expo
February 25-27 • Morgan City
For a complete event schedule and registration forms visit http://eagles.btnep.org, www.cajuncoast.com or contact the Cajun Coast Visitors and  Convention Bureau at 985-395-4905.