Kaw Lake Eagle Watch event slated for January 16

KAW LAKE — After all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in December comes January, time for the Kaw Lake Ultimate Eagle Watch on Saturday, Jan. 16.

“We encourage people to go ahead and put this popular event on their January calendar,” said Vanessa Foreselius, event coordinator for the Kaw Lake Association.

Indoor programs this year will be held at the Kaw City Community Center, Kaw Nation Learning Center, and Kaw City School in Kaw City. The Eagle Watch by Horseback will start at Sarge Creek campground on Kaw Lake, just east of Kaw City and ride the Five Fingers Equestrian Trail.

Several new programs along with updates to popular previous programs are being scheduled. Programs at the Kaw City School are being geared to children with live animals they can see up close.

This year will be the fifth year for the Eagle Watch by Horseback starting and ending at the Sarge Creek campground just east of Kaw City. Organized by Rick Boyd and Lori Young, riders can come for the day or camp Friday and Saturday evenings. Riders must have their own horse and are reminded to bring a sack lunch. Campers should be prepared for electric only at the sites. Family members who don’t want to ride can take advantage of the programs in nearby Kaw City. Riders will head out for the day at 11 a.m. and return that afternoon. The ride is by donation. Camping (electric only or primitive) will be $10 a night Friday and/or Saturday night.

“It’s a great opportunity to both ride and see eagles up close,” said Boyd. “We see several eagles each winter on the Five Fingers Equestrian Trail.”

More information about the Eagle Watch by Horseback can be obtained by contacting Boyd at 580-716-7425.

The Ultimate Eagle Watch is presented by the Kaw Lake Association, Kaw lake Educational Foundation, City of Kaw City, Kaw Nation, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Phillips 66, Shidler Public Schools, Sutton Avian Research Center, and Ponca City Energy. Although there is no charge for this event, donations are greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of the program.

Additional information about Ultimate Eagle Watch and the Kaw Lake area can be found at www.kawlake.com, the Kaw Lake Association Facebook page or by calling the Kaw Lake Association at 580-762-9494 or 877-671-6985.

The mission of the Kaw Lake Association is to develop and market the Kaw Lake area with the goal of economic growth for area communities. Individuals who would like to become involved with the Kaw Lake Association can phone 580-762-9494 or e-mail kawlake@cableone.net.