Eagle-watching event set for Saturday in Pa.

Staff report

WARREN, PA.

During the winter, the Allegheny Reservoir freezes over and many resident and migratory American Bald Eagles in Warren County, Pa., feed on fish in flowing waters of the Allegheny River downstream from the Kinzua Dam.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partners will host a free Eagle Watch Day, an educational event for wildlife viewers, families and the public, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the dam, 1205 Kinzua Road.

Three locations will be manned by Corps staff and volunteers, but birds can be spotted anywhere along a mile stretch of open water.

Spotting scopes will be set up on the dam, outside the Big Bend Visitor Center, and on the wildlife viewing platform, 250 yards downstream from the boat-launch access road.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will present a program on eagle restoration in Pennsylvania at the visitor center throughout the day, explaining how the national symbol survived near-extinction and now thrives in the state.

The Kinzua Cachers will set out temporary geocaches around the Big Bend Recreation Area for those interested in that activity and will register participants at the visitor center.

The Jamestown Audubon Society will also be present.

Participants are urged to stay a few hours to increase their chances of spotting a congregation of birds.

Hot cocoa with marshmallows, coffee, cookies and doughnuts will be provided by the Eagles Club, Conewango Aerie #313, of Warren, Pa., at the visitor center.

Much of the event is spent outside, so participants are urged to dress warmly.

Other partners for the Eagle Watch include the Allegheny Outdoor Club, Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council and USDA Forest Service.

For information, call Bill or Mary Massa at 814-723-2568.