Eagle viewing in Pa. is Feb. 4

Staff report

WARREN COUNTY, PA.

The public is invited for an eagle viewing from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Feb. 4 near Kinzua Dam. Numerous eagles spend winter along Allegheny River and Reservoir, and this is prime time to spot them.

Eagle Watch Day take place annually at Big Bend Recreation Area. A popular resting area for eagles that appreciate the unfrozen water conditions, this area offers views of the birds’ temporary stopovers in vicinity of Kinzua Dam.

In addition to wildlife observation, activities include an audio-visual program detailing eagle restoration efforts presented by David Donachy, Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer, and a geomeet – “Caching with Eagles” – organized by Kinzua Cachers.

Several temporary caches will be set up around the recreation area. A representative from Audubon Nature Center in Jamestown, N.Y., will also be available to provide information.

Three sites will be open for public viewing and learning about America’s national bird: Big Bend Visitor Center, Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail/Viewing Platform (located along Allegheny River tailwaters), and Kinzua Dam roadway. Sites will be staffed, and spotting scopes will be available to better observe the eagles.

No pre-registration is required, but people 17 and older must show photo identification to gain access to the roadway at the dam.

This program is recreational, observational, educational and free. Partners include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council, Kinzua Cachers, and Allegheny Outdoor Club.

For information, contact Steve Lauser, Corps of Engineers, at 814-726-0661.