Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 7, 2001
For more information:  Beth Ullenberg, 885-6320

EAGLE DAY CELEBRATION AT SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

PIERRE – Huge flocks of waterfowl, as well as raptors and other wildlife, can be found at the free Eagle Day Celebration at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen.

All activities take place at the Sand Lake Refuge Headquarters and are free and open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 25. 

"People can see hundreds of thousands of migratory birds resting and feeding in the wide open spaces of northeast South Dakota," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Outdoor Recreation Planner Beth Ullenberg. "They will encounter huge flocks of snow geese, mallards and northern pintails as well as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, white tailed deer and other wildlife."

The schedule of activities includes:

• Noon – Visitor center opens. Building bird feeders, kid’s Touch-N-Feel Table, exhibits, traveling interpretive displays. 
• Live bird demonstrations – Get up close and personal with a live bald eagle and other birds of prey as the University of Minnesota Raptor Center provides informative talks and information on these magnificent birds. 
• Guided wildlife tours: (weather and road conditions permitting) Hop on the bus for a guided tour of the refuge! View wildlife up close! 
• Kids art contest display: Do not miss the best part of the day, as the creative art works of local elementary students will be displayed in the visitor center throughout the day. 

• • Kid's Activity Table (make your own bookmarks or Duck Stamp, take a wildlife fun quiz, create your own wetland. For kids of all ages!

For more information, directions or special needs, contact the refuge headquarters at (605) 885-6320. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located about 25 miles north of Aberdeen.

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