Known as “The Eagle Lady,” presenter Doris Mager has been working with raptors for more than 35 years, caring for more than 80 injured eagles and hundreds of other raptors, housing up to 36 birds at a time. At 88, Mager continues to travel across the nation, doing educational programs with a 31-year-old great horned owl known as E.T., a screech owl and an American kestral. Those who attend Mager’s programs get a chance to see raptors up close while learning about the features and habitats of these birds. Mager founded Save Our American Raptors in 1983, an educational and research group whose work includes aerial surveys of bald eagle nests. 

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road approximately 2 miles north of Cherokee. 828.497.1904.

Raptors visit Haywood 

A birds of prey program geared for kids will be held at the Canton and Waynesville libraries, hosted by the “Eagle Lady” Doris Mager. She will introduce the audience to some of her live raptors and discuss their ecology.

Held in Canton at 10 a.m. July 30 and in Waynesville at 10 a.m. August 7.