Mingo Eagle Day set for Feb. 3

The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge will host Mingo Eagle Day on Feb. 3.

The event is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Resident eagles always are present and other eagles migrate annually to the 22,000-acre refuge, as well as Duck Creek, an adjacent 6,000-acre conservation area.

Spotting scopes are available at both Mingo and Duck Creek, and staff members and volunteers will be on hand to assist the public with viewing wild eagles. Visitors can bring cameras -- with tripods for a steadier photo -- and should dress for the weather.

Live eagle presentations will be given by the World Bird Sanctuary, and will offer information about eagles and their needs. The free, hourly programs will be given at the Mingo maintenance shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, call the Mingo refuge at (573) 222-3589 or the Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 290-5730.

-- Southeast Missourian