Eagle volunteers get set for the season

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Ready to launch its 12th season, the Eagle Institute provides training to the volunteers so that they can collect data about the 150 to 200 eagles that migrate to this region, and so they can help more than 6,000 visitors view eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner. This year they trained about 50 volunteers.

Beginning the first weekend in January, 2010, volunteers will staff public viewing locations in the Upper Delaware watershed where eagles frequently congregate (visit www.eagleinstitute.org/planavisit/map/map.php for map). They are equipped with binoculars and spotting scopes, and will be looking for and recording data about the eagles such as their behavior, habitat conditions, approximate age and where they are from (color-coded leg bands can reveal their state of origin). Volunteers also are trained to answer visitors’ questions about eagle biology and characteristics, statistics and data and other helpful info, such as how to get to the other viewing locations.

In addition, the Eagle Institute winter field office, 176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, PA, located just across the Roebling Bridge from Minisink Ford, NY, will be staffed Fridays through Sundays and by appointment during the week. Visitors can stop at the field office before they begin their eagle watching adventures to learn where eagles are being sighted, road conditions, etc. and to watch an informational video. Hot chocolate and coffee are available.

Four guided eagle excursions, eagle festivals and more also are planned throughout the winter eagle season. For more information visit eagleinstitute.org or call 570/685-5960 or 845/557-6162.