Utah's annual Bald Eagle Day is being held Feb. 13 at three waterfowl refuges in northern Utah. The great raptors that are the official symbol of the United States come to Utah each winter looking for an easy meal. They find a particularly easy feast at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, 1325 W. Glover Lane (925 South) on the west side of Farmington, when the state kills off troublesome carp by the thousands each February.

The largest event will be held at Farmington Bay from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and volunteers will be on hand at each of the sites with spotting scopes and binoculars to help visitors get a close look at the eagles. Visitors to Farmington Bay can also head to the Great Salt Lake Nature Center for hands-on activities for children, to see live birds of prey and to watch a slide show on raptors from HawkWatch International. There will also be information about bald eagles and wildlife watching and birding opportunities in Utah.

Other events will be held at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area 10 miles northwest of Corrine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and near Split Mountain on the Green River north of Jensen and near Dinosaur National Monument from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge west of Brigham City is also hosting Bald Eagle Day events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free REI clinics

Learn the basics of walking on snow Feb. 9 at the Salt Lake REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South, in East Millcreek at 7 p.m. Michael Healthfield of REI will talk about picking your gear and tips to make your first snowshoeing expeditions fun.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team members will talk about the traveling safety in the Wasatch Mountains Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Sandy store, 10600 S. 230 West. The discussion will focus on the 10 essential items people should always have when hiking, skiing, snowshoeing or climbing.

Photo contest

The National Wildlife Federation is accepting entries for the organization's 40th annual photo contest. There are seven categories with professional, amateur and youth divisions. Two $5,000 grand prizes will be awarded. The deadline is July 6, 2010. Winners will be announced in November. Visit www.nwf.org/photocontest to learn more.

State Park events

Feb. 11 » The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal is holding a presentation on small mammal fossils at 7 p.m. Paul Murphey will lead the presentation. Call 435-789-3799.

Feb. 12 » Learn the geologic history of Snow Canyon State Park near Ivins from retired geologist Marc Deshowitz at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Call 435-628-2255

Feb. 13 » Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum in Fairfield is holding a Valentine's Ball. Take a step back in time to the 19th century with a social gathering held in the historic Fairfield Schoolhouse and enjoy an evening of dance and socializing. Call 801-768-8932.

Feb. 13 » Learn the basics of building a snow cave from Wasatch Mountain State Park staffers at 9 a.m. Call 435- 654-1791.

Wasatch Mountain Club

The Wasatch Mountain Club is offering the following activities for members. Check in with the trip leader before the event. For information on becoming a member, visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org.

Feb. 9 » Snowshoe. Park City. Vince, 435-649-6805.

Feb. 10 » Backcountry ski. TBA. Alex, 801-971-9245.

Feb. 11 » Snowshoe. Cottonwood Canyons. Norm, 801-266-3703.

Feb. 11 » Evening climb. Local climbing gym. Peter, 801-733-0313.

Feb. 13 » Snowshoe. Corner Canyon. Jude and Andy, 801-216-4597.

Feb. 13 » Snowshoe. Lake Blanche. Steve, 801-474-0031.

Feb. 14 » Snowshoe/hike. TBA. Clayton and Conley, 801-897-8911 or 801-967-2846.

Feb. 14 » Snowshoe/hike. Catherine's Pass. Dave, 801-581-9650.

Feb. 14 » Backcountry ski. Nordic ski tour, Mill D, Creek Basin loop. Bob, 801-274-0250.

Feb. 14 » Backcountry ski. Alpine backcountry tour, Tricanyons. Mark, 801-363-4504.

Compiled by Brett Prettyman. To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@sltrib.com or mail it to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.