American Bald Eagles will soon be gathering around the major lakes of Western Kentucky as they look for food on their way south. And the Kentucky State Parks will take you there to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

For more than three decades, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife.

“Eagle Watch Weekends are among our most popular and unique wildlife-viewing opportunities offered by the Kentucky State Parks,” said State Naturalist Carey Tichenor. “This is a great opportunity for amateurs and experienced bird watchers to see eagles and other animals in their natural habitat.”

The tours take place at four resort parks during weekends in January and February on an excursion yacht, barges, pontoon boats and by van, depending upon the location and tour. They are led by state park naturalists and Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.

Ticket prices for the tours range from $20 to $50 a person. Most tours last between two and three and one half hours. The weekends also include an evening program on birds of prey.

The parks, phone numbers and dates for the Eagle Watch Weekends are:

Dale Hollow State Resort Park (800-325-2282): Jan. 18-19, Jan. 25-26, Feb. 15-16.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (800-325-0146): Jan. 18-20.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park (800-325-1708): Jan. 25-27.

Kenlake State Resort Park (800-325-0143): Feb. 1-3.

Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. These trips can take place under extreme weather conditions. These resorts offer lodges, cottages, and restaurants. Registration is required for the Eagle Watch Weekends. Call the parks for details and fee information or visit http://www.parks.ky.gov/specialevents/default.htm

Guests attending Dale Hollow tours on a barge or pontoon need to bring their own personal flotation devices.

The Eagle Watch Weekends at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake will include an option to view eagles from the CQ Princess, a 96-foot yacht. Guests can view eagles from inside the CQ Princess or from outside decks.

In addition to the Eagle Watch Weekends, Kenlake State Resort Park on Kentucky Lake near Hardin, will also be offering cruises on the CQ Princess during the week and on weekends through Feb. 24. Packages will include rooms, meals and a cruise. Call Kenlake at 1-800-325-0143 for details.

The weekends are offered in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov