Eagle Expo

The 4th annual Eagle Expo was very successful.

The day started with a tour of schools in Morgan City. The generosity of the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) allowed Eagle Expo to bring in David Hancock, a noted Eagle expert, two days early to give presentations to school kids. The kids truly enjoyed the presentation and asked lots of great questions.

The Thursday evening function at Oaklawn Manor was great. The Foster's were most gracious hosts and the photography of Jim Byron enhanced the evening.

Friday's boat tours were great. Each boat reported over 20 eagle sightings in addition to other raptors and assorted wildlife. Cajun Jack's tour in the Atchafalaya Basin enjoyed a flock of white pelicans taking off.

Kurt Mutchler, Deputy Director of photography for National Geographic Magazine was the speaker for the Friday evening presentation. Wow! What an evening! The food at the Petroleum Club was delicious and Kurt's presentation was terrific. It's hard not to enjoy spectacular photography.


Saturday morning started with presentations for Tom Hess, a biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Ben Thatcher, a biologist with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Donna Dittman & Steve Cardiff with the LSU Museum of Natural Sciences, Scott Thatcher, a student from UL of Lafayette and David Hancock of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation. The presentations were educational as well as entertaining.

Saturday's boat tours were just as successful as Friday's tours with over 20 eagle sightings - in spite of a sudden down pour at the end of the tour.

The Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau would like to thank Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Richard Demay for its knowledge and support. It's sponsors including BTNEP, America's Wetlands, Office of the Lt. Governor of Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Black Bear Conservation Committee, Johnny's Propellor Shop and Conrad Industries for its financial support. Thanks to US Fish & Wildlife Service, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries for their in-kind support and to volunteers Tom Hess, Mike Carloss, Mitch Smaha, Mike Musemeche, Donna Dittman, Steve Cardiff, Ben Thatcher and Scott Walter.