Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a special birds of prey program by Doris Mager on Friday, July 25 at 10a.m. The program will be on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Doris Mager is shown with her gray phase screech owl. (NPS photo)
Known as “The Eagle Lady”, Mager has been working with raptors for over 35 years. She has cared for over 80 injured eagles and hundreds of other raptors, housing up to 36 birds at one time. In 1983, she established an educational and research group called Save Our American Raptors (SOAR). Part of her research work included conducting aerial surveys of bald eagle nesting sites for scientists studying the population and habits of birds in the wild.
At age 88, Mager continues to travel throughout the U.S. doing educational programs with a 31-year-old great horned owl known as E.T., screech owl, and American kestrel. Mager’s program provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see raptors up close as they learn about features and habits of these fascinating birds.
Info: Oconaluftee Visitor Center 497-1904 or visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/birds.htm
– NPS
