Live raptors, artwork, chili at Guttenberg Eagle Watch Feb. 11
Wildlife watchers may catch a glimpse of magnificent Bald Eagles fishing south of Lock and Dam 10 during Saturday's event. (Press photo by Molly Moser)
By Molly Moser
Witness spectacular views of America's national bird at the Marina Visitor Center in Guttenberg on Saturday, Feb. 11, when Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Eagle Watch and Cabin Fever Day. Live raptors, hot chili, and cool ice sculpting are among the entertainment planned.
Painting class: New this year is a beginning oil painting class offered at Bent Willow Studio & Gallery, now located at 14 Schiller Street. The class will be taught by studio owner and artist Rabecca Hennessey from 3:30-5:30 p.m. All supplies, plus a complimentary glass of wine, will be furnished, and the subject of the painting is a wide-eyed owl. Call 583-845-1524 by Thursday, Feb. 9, to reserve your spot, or email bentwillowgallery@hotmail.com. Cost of the class is $30, with all proceeds to benefit the RARE group.
Live raptors: The RARE Group (Raptor Advocacy, Rehabilitation, and Education) of Iowa City will also be at Eagle watch, giving a presentation featuring a rare chance for a close up experience with a live eastern screech owl and a majestic American kestrel at 2:30 p.m.
Eagle viewing: Binoculars will be available to help participants catch a glimpse of the magnificent Bald Eagles that can often be seen fishing south of Lock and Dam 10. There are spotting scopes along Guttenberg's river walk to view eagles all weekend.
Photography: Dubuque photographer Gary Fagan will share his extensive body of wildlife work, including many shots of bald eagles in flight and on the hunt, diving for fish in the Mississippi.
Ice carving: Professional ice carver Matt Meadows of Bettendorf returns for another impressive display, transforming a 350-pound block of ice into a work of art. While Meadows braves the cold, spectators have a bird's eye view from inside the warm Marina Visitor Center, located at 715 S. River Park Drive. The carving begins at 11 a.m.
Meadows learned ice carving from Dawson List, a member of the American Olympic ice carving team, while living on the Gulf Coast. He moved north after Hurricane Katrina and brought his skills with him.
Chili cook-off: A 32-inch television will be the grand prize for winners of the Chamber's annual chili cook-off. Only the first eight entries will be admitted. Cooks should contact Chamber Director Emily Sadewasser at 563-252-2323 by Feb. 10 to enter.
Winners are chosen by popular vote, so community members are invited to warm up with a taste of each chili for a free-will-donation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the marina center. The grand prize television has been purchased locally from Guttenberg Electronics and donated by the Guttenberg Motel.
Scavenger hunt: The Siberian Scavenger Hunt, a photographic scavenger hunt for eagle and river themed objects in Guttenberg, will keep participants warm and moving, whatever the weather brings. Other activities will be available for children to enjoy.
"Eagle Watch and Cabin Fever Day is a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy some fascinating entertainment this winter. We have activities for all ages and we invite the community to join us for this free event provided by the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Guttenberg Motel," said Sadewasser. For more information, contact Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce at 252-2323.
