Let the Rangers Train Your Eagle Eyes at Colorado’s North Sterling State Park
OutdoorHub 01.23.12
Sterling, CO– North Sterling State Park is the place to be on Saturday, Feb. 4 for the next session of the Winter Raptor Workshop. The two hour workshop begins indoors at 1 p.m. at the North Sterling State Park Visitor Center with an educational presentation, complete with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies. Attendees can learn all about the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls that spend the winter at the prairie reservoir. Visitors then venture out into the park to put their new knowledge to use, and learn tips and tricks for spotting the birds spending their days on the park. Past workshop participants this season have seen American kestrels, northern harriers, rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and of course, many juvenile and adult bald eagles. There have also been the rare sightings of a golden eagle and a ferruginous hawk!
February and March is the beginning of the courtship season and spring migration for many raptor species. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair at the visitor center, but remember to dress for the weather. The eagles are quite comfortable in 10-degree weather, and the workshop will only be cancelled in the event of a snowstorm or blizzard conditions. If it is cold, we will keep plenty warm inside the visitor center and in personal vehicles in the park – or if the weather is pleasant, we will take to the short trails for some spectacular views. If you cannot make it in February, join us for the final Winter Raptor Workshop of the season on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.
There is no cost for the presentation or materials, but all vehicles must have a valid daily or annual park pass. Visitors are encouraged to carpool. Interested in a free annual pass? Ask about our fun and interesting volunteer opportunities and earn a free annual pass with 48 hours of volunteer service! The workshop is family-friendly but young children may find it difficult to use binoculars.
Looking for other fun activities at North Sterling? Visit our website at www.parks.state.co.us/parks/NorthSterling for more detailed information, ideas, and printable activities and trail maps. You can also find information about free equipment you can borrow at the visitor center, check the calendar for upcoming events, get current updates on our resident bald eagles and more. Looking for a nature program tailored to your classroom, home-school group, youth group or other community organization? Call or email the park for more information about scheduling, 970-522-3657, north.sterling.park@state.co.us.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
