Friday, February 7, 2003

Press Release
South Dakota Department of Agriculture

Bald Eagle Awareness Days celebrates its twelfth year of entertainment and education emphasizing the need for conservation and appreciation of bald eagles and other birds of prey.  Therefore, Governor Rounds has proclaimed February 23–29, 2004, as Bald Eagle Awareness Week.  The public is invited to attend the twelfth annual Bald Eagle Awareness Days events on February 26 at the Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus Theater in Sioux Falls and February 27 and 28 in Pierre.

On Thursday, February 26 a birds of prey program will be held at the Outdoor Campus Theatre in Sioux Falls (4500 S Oxbow Ave) beginning at 7:00 p.m.  On Friday, February 27, the Pierre Mall will host a birds of prey program beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Mall Center Court.  Additional programs will be held on Saturday, February 28 at the Pierre Ramkota Inn-Best Western in Theatre II, in conjunction with the KCCR Farm, Home and Sport Show.  Saturday’s programs begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.  All Bald Eagle Awareness Days shows are free to the public.

The programs will feature a bald eagle, a peregrine falcon, a turkey vulture, and a saw-whet owl.  The programs will be conducted by The Raptor Center, located at the University of Minnesota.  People attending will learn how these birds became injured and can observe the unique traits of raptors.  Special activities, including a life-sized eagle nest will be available for younger children during the Saturday programs, so parents may want to bring their cameras.

There will also be an open house on Saturday, February 28, at the Oahe Wildlife Center, located north of Fort Pierre on State Highway 1806.  The open house will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Interested visitors will be able to learn more about the Oahe Wildlife Center and also have the opportunity to observe injured raptors currently at the center.

Bald Eagle Awareness Days activities will also include presentations on Friday, February 27 for students in the Sioux Falls school district.

In addition to the educational programs, a bald eagle poster contest will be held for all South Dakota sixth graders.  Posters of original artwork will be judged for best artwork, best conservation message and most creative.  For more information on the poster contest, contact Chad Tussing at 605-773-2541 or chad.tussing@state.sd.us.

These annual events are a joint effort by local organizations, merchants and conservation agencies to increase public involvement and awareness about bald eagles and other birds of prey.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.

For more information about Bald Eagle Awareness Days, visit our internet site at: http://www.state.sd.us/doa/das/bead/beadmenu.htm or contact Alison Squires with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at 605-773-4432 or 1-800-228-5254.