Eagle Watch Day in Pa. is Saturday

Staff report

WARREN, PA.

The Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam, 1205 Kinzua Road, will host an Eagle Watch Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to spot American bald eagles in their natural habitat.

The event is free.

As the Allegheny Reservoir freezes over and ice forms downstream in the Allegheny River, the open tail waters below the dam become prime fishing waters for eagles, according to officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Office.

Other wintering birds and cold-water creatures also will be observed.

The Big Bend Visitor Center and the Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail and Viewing Platform, located along Allegheny River tail waters, also will be open for the public viewing and lessons about America’s national bird.

Observation stations will be manned and spotting scopes will be available to better observe the eagles.

Participants 18 and older will be required to show identification to gain access to the roadway at the dam.

David Donachy, a conservation officer, will present an audio-visual program detailing eagle restoration efforts.

The Kinzua Cachers, a geocaching enthusiast group, will offer a “geo-meet” and teach “Caching with Eagles.”

The group will set up several temporary caches around the recreation area.

Event sponsors are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, game commission, Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council, Kinzua Cachers, Allegheny Outdoor Club and the Eagles Club, Warren Aerie #313.

Visitors to Warren, Pa., who are seeking hotel rooms can obtain a special rate by calling the Holiday Inn at 814-723-3000 or the Hampton Inn at 814-723-2722 and mentioning the eagle watch.

The Hampton Inn will offer a further discounted rate online.

For information, contact Steve Lauser of the Corps of Engineers at 814-726-0661, or Bill Massa of the Allegheny Outdoor Club at 814-723-2568.