Spring and Summer 2005 at Patoka

Spring and Summer 2005 at Patoka has been very busy with programs and projects. Many folks have enjoyed a close-up view of DNR, Patoka's resident birds, learning about these fascinating raptors or birds of prey, Bald Eagle C52 and Barred Owl. With their precision tools, talons and beak, both the owl and eagle are very well equipped to grip their food with their talons and tear the meat in pieces with their strong beaks.

April 17th, Sunday, Patoka's resident red-tail Hawk died. Just one month away from turning 21 years old, quite old for a hawk. This amazing red-tail hawk was a vital part of our nature programs for many years from the mid 1980s, with a close-up look at the red tail feathers, the blue-black beak and many colors of feathers, habits and biology of this wild bird.

Owl is healthy at a weight of 1 pound 10 ounces, an average weight for a female barred owl.


Barred Owl is on the glove of handler, interpretive naturalist Tammy Emmons. Owl is doing well after her recent visit to the veterinarian, Dr. Sam Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn indicated that Owl may be an older bird as her beak is growing at a fairly fast pace. Owl now has three handlers who care for her and see that she is in her viewing area on most days at the Visitor Center.

On June 1st, a decision was made for Bald Eagle C52 to remain in his shelter for 2-3 months in order for feathers to correctly grow on his "elbow" areas of both wings. Eagle continues to see DNR staff who care for him, but he will not be out for public viewing until mid-August. To find out more about our Owl & Eagle programs, please call the Patoka Lake Visitor Center, 812.685.2447.


Bald Eagle C52 taking a bath. Yes, bald eagles and other birds take baths to clean and groom or preen. Patoka's resident bald eagle takes a bath approximately every week. He will step into his pool and dip his head in the water. It is indeed a sight to see. Reports of a bald eagle taking a bath are rare but have occurred on at least 2 occasions here at Patoka Reservoir in the last 10 years.

February was a busy month for the Patoka raptors

February was a busy month for the Patoka raptors. Approximately 200 people enjoyed a close-up of Bald Eagle C52, Red-tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl at Lake Monroe's annual Eagle Watch event on Saturday, February 5th. Raptor programs presented at Patoka have been well received with indoor and outdoor opportunities to see the resident raptors and hear their story. Care continues with cleaning of shelters, inventory of food, maintenance & upkeep of shelters and structures.

Media coverage regarding Patoka's raptors has increased awareness and initiated partnerships for the care of Patoka's Bald Eagle C52, Hawk and Owl. DNR, Patoka Lake staff receive calls and inquiries about Bald Eagle, his current condition and programs with increased awareness and interest in three birds of prey.

On Sunday, January 27th, Dr. Sam Vaughn, avian veterinarian, traveled over an hour from east Louisville to Patoka for a check-up of Eagle C52. He and his assistant examined Eagle, took blood sample, and observed the raptor shelter. With the continuing dedication of Dr. Sam Vaughn and his staff, detailed attention guarantees the best health for this marvelous bird of prey.

Sunday, March 6th. It is a sunny Sunday and Eagle is on his perch in the backyard garden of Patoka Lake Visitor Center. He looks up to view the turkey vultures and songbirds flying overhead.

Photos from January Eagle Watch




Here is a photo of a bald eagle & a photo of a redtail hawk taken by the Jeff Hochgesang family of Jasper, IN on January 15th at Patoka's eagle watch programs.

Eagle Watch provided a great outdoor experience for 80 participants who viewed our resident raptors as well as travelling around Patoka to look for eagles in the wild places.


Also, here is a copy of artwork by an 8 year old student named Savannah and her interpretation of the eagle and raptor handler. It is always exciting and rewarding to receive letters of appreciation for the interpretive programs.

Lake Monroe's Eagle Watch

Bald Eagle C52 will be traveling Saturday February 5th to Four Winds Resort for Lake Monroe's Eagle Watch Program. Eagle, Redtail Hawk, and Barred Owl will be featured in a raptor presentation at 7 p.m. as part of the three day event celebrating the natural heritage of Indiana's naturescape.

For more information regarding the exciting programs and special events at Patoka, call 812.685.2447

Week of 1/23

Bald Eagle C52 is in his NEW viewing area of the Visitor Center backyard garden. This enclosure offers more opportunities for visitors to enjoy a close-up look at Bald Eagle C52 & Redtail Hawk. On Tuesday, 1/25, 19 pre-schoolers and adults attended a program about Patoka's birds of prey. Eagle weighs 8lbs. 10 oz. a very good weight for a male bald eagle. On Wednesday, 1/26, 12 girl scouts and 2 leaders enjoyed Bald Eagle C52 and Redtail Hawk in programs as we talked about endangered species, bald eagle nests at Patoka and resident raptor C52.

For more information regarding viewing opportunities call Patoka Lake Visitor Center 812.685.2447

Eagle Watch!

Eagle Watch, an annual special event is scheduled for Patoka on January 15th of 2005. Bald Eagle C52 will be featured in this program as well as many other programs planned for the 2005 season. Since January 1989, when Bald Eagle C52 arrived at Patoka as the resident raptor, approximately 50,000 people have viewed him in his backyard viewing area at the Patoka Lake Visitor Center or offsite programs.

This one bird has traveled to the Indiana State Fair for annual programs, Lake Monroe’s Eagle Watch in February of each year, US F&W 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge and area schools. Bald Eagle continues to be an amazing asset to the Interpretive Services at Patoka