Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in Keokuk, Iowa (2024)
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in Keokuk, Iowa. It’s a two-day event with activities in Keokuk on the first day, followed by activities in Montrose.
When and where are the Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in 2024?
Saturday, Jan 20th, 2024 9 am to 5 pm
Location: First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street, Keokuk, Iowa
Activities at First Christian Church include:
- Live Raptor Program every hour: 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm provided by the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis.
- Lee County Conservation Eagles Nest and Nature Displays
- Native American Displays and Artifacts by the Iliniwek Village
- Eagle Dancer, Rudy Vallejo and the Spirit of the Rainbow Singers with dancing, storytelling & singing
- Insect Zoo Live Bug Displays from Iowa State University
- Various vendors selling products and food served by the Disciple Women from First Christian Church
- Eagle Photo Contest and Voting
Sunday, Jan 21st, 2024
Binoculars and Breakfast at Southside Boat Club (625 Mississippi Dr, Keokuk, IA 52632) When: 8 am to noon
Eagle Photo Contest and Voting at Southside Boat Club (625 Mississippi Dr, Keokuk, IA 52632)
In Montrose, Iowa at the Riverfront Landing, 203 N. First Street, Montrose, Iowa
- Eagle viewing at the Landing Observation Deck with trained spotters
- Indoor activities with food and vendors
- Hunold Heritage Center opens with historic displays
Where is my best chance to view wild bald eagles during the appreciation days?
You have three options: Head out on your own, head out to a location with trained spotters, or your last option is a guided bus tour.
Do it on your own: Drive the river road between Keokuk and Montrose is a popular route to spot bald eagles. Another option is to head to the Southside Boat Club, which has free spotting scopes.
Get some help: Stop at Victory Park (8 N Water St, Keokuk, IA 52632) along the riverfront where Lee County Conservation has trained spotters available to assist you.
Guided Tour: Join a guided bus tour with Conservationist Clay Steele. There are only two guided bus tours: one leaving at 10 am and another leaving at 2 pm. Each tour is 90 minutes long and seating is limited. Cost is $10 for ages 16 & older, $5 for ages 5 to 15, free for ages 4 and younger. Payment takes place as you enter the bus for the tour.
Are bald eagles still endangered in 2024?
Although bald eagles are no longer technically listed as endangered, they are listed as threatened in all lower 48 states. In addition, it is not only illegal to hunt or poach eagles, it is also illegal to possess or sell any part of the bird including feathers, talons, etc.
What are some interesting facts about bald eagles?
- Their eyesight is eight times stronger than humans.
- They can reach altitudes of over 10,000 feet
- They mate for life
- Their talons have incredible grip strength of 400 pounds per square inch.
