Lake Barkley Naturalist and Recreation Blog

The official start of Spring is about a month away, but we are already seeing signs of it here at Lake Barkley. Daffodils have been blooming for a few weeks now and I even spotted a Spring Beauty blooming on the park yesterday. The White Pelicans have returned in large numbers and have been seen on a regular basis feeding on Little River in front of the lodge. Window's On The Water Restaurant is a great place to view them (and get a great bite to eat), but don't wait too long because the pelicans will be leaving the area in the next few weeks to return to their nesting grounds further north. Bald Eagles have been nest building and some have already laid eggs, not sure if the Lake Barkley nesting pair will return to the same nest this year, but I will keep you updated as the season progresses. The first of the season Osprey was spotted at Lake Barkley Dam, and a Pine Warbler was heard in nearby Land Between The Lakes.

This year you won't have to travel to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras, just stop by Window's on The Water Resturant at Lake Barkley on Fat Tuesday, February 21st for a Mardi Gras inspired buffet.

Lake Barkley State Resort is hosting another addition of their popular dinner theater series on March 10th, 6:30p.m – 9p.m. Sit back and enjoy a Lake Barkley buffet while listening to the songs of Johnny Cash performed by Ralph Curtis & The Tennessee Three.
Curtis & The Tennessee Three have been entertaining crowds across the county performing Johnny's greatest hits from Folsom Prison Blues, Walk The Line, to a Boy Named Sue. Tickets are $35/person and include dinner and entertainment. Call 1-800-325-1708 for reservations, or email mary.schmidt@ky.gov

My apologizes for not posting anything in the past few weeks, we have been busy here at Lake Barkley. January weekends were filled with Eagle Tours at KY Dam Village, KenLake, and Lake Barkley. Unfortunately the a collision by the Delta Mariner with the Eggners Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake led to some lengthy detours during Lake Barkley's Eagle Weekend January 27-29th. Just days after the bridge collapse and we still had a great turnout of participants and Bald Eagles! Guests were not only treated to tours that counted at least 20 Bald Eagles per tour (41 were counted on the Sunday morning tour), but also up close views of the Delta Mariner with the remains of the bridge on its bow.

Other interesting sightings (in addition to Bald Eagles and bridges) included coyotes, loons, Sandhill Cranes, coots, Godeneyes, and American White Pelicans were spotted aboud the CQ Princess Eagle Tours. Pictured is the CQ princess on its way under the Eggner's Ferry Bridge past the wreckage of the Delta Mariner. Photo credits: Dannye Wagner
cqprincessandbridge.JPG