FEEDING TIME

FEEDING TIME — Majestic bald eagles can often be seen flying around Reelfoot Lake, with several pairs nesting at the lake on an annual basis. Well-known photographer Dr. Robert Clendenin of Union City recently captured one feeding its young in a rarely-seen up-close view of the nest. An eagle’s diet is primarily made up of fish, which can be snatched from the water with the bird’s talons. More of Clendenin’s photography can be viewed at Discovery Park of America. Visitors to Reelfoot Lake may be able to get a glimpse of bald eagles and other wildlife June 1 during a National Trails Day hike. Area residents may meet with a ranger at 2 p.m. at Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitors Center for a nature hike of Grassy Island Hiking Trail. There is no fee to participate, but reservations are requested at (731) 253-9652. The half-mile easy to moderate trail is handicap accessible and has interpretive signs at each entrance. The hike will last about 11⁄2 hours. Reelfoot Lake State Park also offers scenic pontoon boat tours from May through the end of September. Participants can learn about the history and wonders of Reelfoot Lake. In addition to seeing a variety of flowers along the shore and the lake’s beautiful water lilies, many birds can be seen including Great Blue Herons, ducks and the occasional eagle soaring above. The tour is about three hours long. For groups of 10 or more, special afternoon cruises may be planned Mondays through Fridays. Short, one-hour cruises are offered on weekends at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Short cruises are $6 per person for all ages. Longer cruises are $10 per person for ages 16 and older and $6 for those younger than 16 years. Reservations are required.