Eagle watchcruises slated
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area offers eagle watch tours on Beaver Lake through February 2017.
Jan. 14, Hobbs State Park and the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas will offer a very special and personal eagle watch cruise. This cruise will concentrate specifically on how to photograph eagles.
Jay Stout, chairman of the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas, will begin with a lecture on the dock at Rocky Branch Marina and then accompany the group on the water, fielding questions on how best to photograph eagles. Stout loves to photograph landscapes, historical buildings and especially wildlife. Don't miss this uncommon opportunity to "pick the brain" of an accomplished wildlife photographer for an hour and a half.
Due to the extra photographic equipment that participants may bring along, seating is limited on this cruise.
Tours will take place on:
• Jan. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29
• Feb. 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults are $10 plus tax and children 6-12 are $5 plus tax. Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, call 479-789-5000.
Mother Nature at Hobbs State Park
Mother Nature herself has become a frequent visitor to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. She visits the park every second Saturday of the month to read nature stories to her little followers. The next reading, "Where Are the Animals?" will tell us how to find signs of animal life in the winter. It begins at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 14.
Storytime will be followed by hands-on nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome; however, most stories target children 3-6 years of age.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center is located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the War Eagle Road intersection. This event is free. For more information, call 479-789-5000.
Wonders ofWinter Wildlife
If the onset of "cabin fever" is beginning to set in, the Wonders of Winter Wildlife at Hobbs State Park Saturday, Jan. 21, will set you free. Bring the whole family.
From 9 to 10:30 a.m. enjoy some coffee, juice and donuts on Hobbs State Park at "Birds 'n' Breakfast." The University of Arkansas will be catching, banding, measuring and recording data on birds and then releasing them back into the wild.
Master Naturalist Ken Leonard will exhibit an eagle nest model from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A short nature hike of the Ozark Plateau Trail starts at 11 a.m.
At 1:30 p.m., bird expert and author Joe Neal will present "Birds of Beaver."
Local wildlife rehabilitator, Lynn Sciumbato, will give her always-popular "Raptor Rescue" program staring at 3 p.m., using live birds native to northwest Arkansas.
Also starting at 3 p.m. is the eagle watch cruise. (Tickets must be purchased in advance. To make reservations, call 479-789-5000.)
Memorable and family-orientated programs, including craft tables, complete the activities.
Most activities will be at the Hobbs State Park visitor center located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the intersection with War Eagle Road. A food truck will be on site for lunch needs. Tables will be set up for use inside the visitor center.
Community on 01/11/2017