NPS Photo
Red-tailed Hawk
Special Public Events and Programs
Join us throughout the year during our large scale public educational events or special topic ranger-led programs. Bird walks, living history "Moonlight Hikes", Winter Film Festival, evening illustrated (slide) talks, American Indian cultural and archeology demonstrations are presented annually along with our largest attended event - "HawkWatch Weekend".
HawkWatch is a volunteer sponsored event on the first weekend in October.
Hawk Watch Programs
Binoculars and spotting scopes are provided to assist raptor enthusiasts in identifying as many as eleven raptor species including Broadwings, Redtails, Swainsons, Sharp-shinned, and Coopers Hawks. Northern Harriers, Ospreys, and eagles can be included with all three falcons: kestrels, merlins and peregrines. A raptor banding station is staffed where migrating raptors are lured, banded, and released. The releases occur at the Effigy Mounds Visitor Center, so event participants can appreciate sharing the same air space with migrating birds.
Kid's Activities
A variety of FREE "hands on" activities, such as drawing hawk silhouettes, falconry knot bracelets and making owl masks will be available. So enjoy yourself and go wild!!
