Published February 7, 2024
Wapello County boasts a diverse range of wildlife species, among them the majestic bald eagle, which uses the Des Moines River as a winter stopover. To honor these incredible creatures, Meet Ottumwa and Wapello County Conservation have collaborated to organize On Eagles Wings’: Wapello County’s Wildlife Weekend. Join us at the Bridge View Center on February 24th for an entertaining and educational day suitable for all ages.
8-10 a.m.
- Bird Specialist Kelly McKay will be hosting a bird-watching session on the Bridge View Center patio. He will be showcasing and highlighting the various species that call the Des Moines River home.
9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Community organizations and our presenters will be set up in the lobby of Bridge View Center with fun kid's activities and informative resources about their groups. Discover more about upcoming events and camps in the area while enjoying the event.
10-10:45 a.m.
- Speaker - Bird Specialist Kelly McKay will be giving a presentation about Iowa's bird populations in the Wapello County Heritage Foundation Room.
- Speaker - Learn about Iowa's bat populations from renowned Biology Professor and bat specialist Russ Benedict in the Wapello County Children's Alliance Room.
11-11:45 a.m.
- Speaker - SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) will be doing a presentation in the Bridge View Center Theatre about Iowa’s Bald Eagle population and with the help of a live bald eagle.
- Activity - ISU Insect Zoo - The Iowa State University Insect Zoo will be doing a hands on demonstration with a handful of their insect friends (Limited to 30 participants)
12:15-1 p.m.
- Speaker - Wildlife photographer David Yunker will be presenting in the Wapello County Heritage Foundation Conference Room about his career and sharing tips and tricks to photographing wildlife.
- Activity - The Ottumwa Public Library and Wapello County Conservation will be hosting a story time in the Wapello County Children’s Alliance Conference Room.
1:15 - 2 p.m.
- Speaker - SOAR - Saving Our Avian Resources will be doing a second presentation in the Bridge View Center Theatre about Iowa’s Bald Eagle population and will have a live bald eagle with them to help.
- Activity - ISU Insect Zoo - The Iowa State University Insect Zoo will be doing a second hands on demonstration with a handful of their insect friends (Limited to 30 participants)
