Cold weather brings birds of prey

For ranchers in the midst of calving season - and those hoping to catch a glimpse of the eagles and birds of prey that the birthing season brings - recent cold temperatures are a blessing.

"Eagles prefer colder temperatures. So do the cows," said longtime Carson Valley rancher James Settelmeyer, whose ranch is featured in the Eagles and Agriculture bus tour. "When it gets colder it will force more eagles down in the area to get more food."

The eagles and birds of prey - more than 13 varieties in the Carson Valley - like to eat the afterbirth left on the ground after calving. Freezing temperatures can make a cow drop its calf faster because it is agitated, said Settelmeyer, whose family has ranched in the Valley since 1890.

The dance between the cows and the eagles can be viewed along the fence of the Settelmeyer ranch on the west side of Highway 395 between Johnson Lane and Airport Road.

For the past four years the family has left its field here open until right before the Eagles and Ag tour, when they move in the cattle.

Although it takes some planning Settelmeyer said it works to their advantage since the field is left untouched and is drier than the pastures where the cows have been grazing. The dry, clean field makes a good birthing area.

At the same time, bird enthusiasts can enjoy an abundance of birds. Though the ranchers appreciate the beauty of the birds and welcome the public they ask people to stay behind the fence and away from the newborn calves.

Each year the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority sponsors its Eagles and Ag tour designed to bring Nevada's ranching heritage together with its tourism-driven economy.

The Feb. 25 tour offers participants a chance to see birds of prey from vantage points not available to the public. Riders can expect to observe eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and a variety of other bird species. Last year, 428 birds of 39 species were spotted.

"I think a lot of people move to Carson Valley because it's so beautiful," said event coordinator Dan Kaffer of Western Nevada Resource Conservation and Development. "The beauty is exemplified by bald eagles."

Kaffer said approximately 700 people will participate in the event throughout the week. More than 22 different organizations are involved, including agriculture, bird-watchers, county, state and federal groups. Sen. John Ensign is the event's honorary chairman.

"The funds raised are used to promote the event and toward conservation projects and to encourage ranching and wildlife habitat," said Kaffer. "Our goals are to demonstrate the importance agriculture plays in Carson Valley. Water spreads out over ranch land. There are lots of problems in Reno where water has no place to go. Agriculture is the best use of land on valley bottoms. We need to encourage and support agriculture."

Sponsors cannot guarantee wildlife sightings and events are subject to weather and may change without notice. All tours and events are staged at or hosted by the Carson Valley Inn.