HOBBS STATE PARK

Eagle Watch Cruises

Come the first of November, migrating bald eagles begin to visit Beaver Lake. They are beautiful when they soar overhead, swoop down to the water to catch a fish with their talons or just sit in leafless trees.

Dates for November and December cruises include: November — 16, 17, 23, 24, 29 and 30, and December — 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31

According to interpreter Steve Chyrchel, “Nature’s wonders are unpredictable. We may see four or five eagles on a cruise or maybe just one, and on very rare occasions we may not see any. If the weather is beautiful, the eagles are most likely looking for fish somewhere on the wing and not sitting in a tree. There are two things eagle watchers need to remember: 1) Eagle watching is not a warm-weather sport; and, 2) The nastier the weather, the more likely we are to see eagles. If it’s cold and a little rainy, that’s when eagles sit in a tree and wait for better weather.” Hobbs calls these times on the lake “Eagle Cruises,” but remember there is other wildlife to see as well, such as great blue herons, belted kingfishers, red-tailed hawks, and maybe a deer, beaver or several species of ducks.

Hobbs State Park provides a safe three-pontoon vessel, driver, and an interpreter to answer questions and share information about our national symbol, the bald eagle. Adult tickets are $10 plus tax, and children (ages 6-12) are $5 plus tax. Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3 p.m. For more information and/or to purchase tickets (which must be purchased in advance of the tour), call 479-789-5000.