Sangamon Sun

Illinois State Museum issued the following announcement on Jan. 19.

The annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day event will be held on February 2, 2019. Activities will include live raptor programs, hands-on activities and crafts for kids, and wildlife viewing in various locations along the Illinois River in Fulton and Mason counties in central Illinois. Admission to all event locations and activities is FREE and open to all ages.

Dickson Mounds Museum will host a suite of activities from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Visitors may enjoy interacting with scientists and wildlife experts and viewing native and invasive fish and wildlife displays. Ameren Illinois will present an interactive display featuring birds of prey and electrical safety. Kids may have fun with different make-and-take arts and crafts and learning about chemistry, wetlands, waterfowl, and bats through hands-on science activities.

The World Bird Sanctuary will present ‘Raptor Awareness’ at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Dickson Mounds Museum auditorium. This one-hour program, featuring live hawks, owls, and an eagle, will highlight their important relationship to the environment and some of these creatures’ unique qualities through free-flight demonstrations. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance, but will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Museum’s lobby the day of the event. Seating is limited.

“The Wandering Flatlanders: A Photographic Journey for Illinois Wildlife,” featuring images by Dwight Eddington and Kevin Wright, will be open for public viewing in the Museum’s exhibit gallery.

Food will be available for purchase from Holy Smokes BBQ during the event. Eagle Day T-Shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting future Eagle Day events (cash or check only).

At the Emiquon Preserve’s Wetland Observatory, off of Illinois Route 97/78, Lewistown, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., The Nature Conservancy and the University of Illinois Springfield Therkildsen Field Station will host a warming station, displays, and lakesides activities, including wildlife viewing. Visitors will also be able to tour Illinois Natural History Survey’s Traveling Science Center and view the Illinois River Biological Station’s electro-fishing boat and equipment.

Several activities are being held in Mason County. The Havana City Center, located at 326 W. Market Street in Havana, will feature Wildlife Prairie Park’s Birds of Prey living exhibit and a variety of educational activities from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Havana Park District’s Nature Center will host wildlife viewing opportunities and kid’s activities throughout the day. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge visitors are welcomed to explore and view wildlife from the refuge’s cross-dike at Eagle Bluff, one mile north of the refuge headquarters. Guided hikes and a headquarters open-house with light refreshments and giveaways are contingent upon the federal government shutdown being lifted.

Emi and Emmett the Eagle mascot will greet visitors at various locations throughout the event. Kids under 16 years old are encouraged to participate in an Eagle Coloring Contest through January 31. Sheets are available at the following locations: Havana Public Library, Havana Nature Center, Dickson Mounds Museum, and Lewistown Public Library. Prizes will be awarded.

Admission to all event locations and activities is free and open to all ages. For up-to-date event details and schedule, please visit www.experienceemiquon.com.

Fulton-Mason Eagle Day is sponsored by the City of Lewistown, City of Havana, Forbes Biological Station, Havana Oktoberfest Committee, Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds, Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon, The Nature Conservancy, USFWS Illinois River Refuges Complex, Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, Spoon River Electric Coop, and Plum Hill Vacation Rental Properties. Activities and displays will be contributed by the Astoria High School's Environmental Club, Havana Park District, Emiquon Audubon, Mason County Arts Council, and the University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists.

The Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds is located between Lewistown and Havana off Illinois Routes 78 and 97. The museum is open free to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Tours and special programs are available for groups with reservations. For more information call 309-547-3721 or TTY 217-782-9175. Also visit us on Facebook at Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds or online at the Dickson Mounds link on the Illinois State Museum website at www.illinoisstatemuseum.org

Original source can be found here.