Shannon Litz/File PhotoAn eagle is seen on Genoa Lane in January 2009. The eighth annual Eagles & Ag event on Feb. 19-21 provides opportunities to view eagles and other raptors as they feed on afterbirth during the winter calving season. Event includes demonstrations, tours of working ranches and a boat trip on the Carson River.
It has been described as a signature event in Northern Nevada's Carson Valley. Coming into its eighth year, the Eagles & Agriculture Event has shared the wonder of agriculture and wildlife with nearly 3,600 participants.
The centerpiece of the total experience is found in the Saturday chartered bus tour and buffet lunch. This is where "ahh!" can be felt the greatest.
By 8 a.m. the luxury coaches are boarded with bundled participants ready to see bald eagles and with a little luck, the birth of a calf.
The tour guides introduce the pair of bird experts. Typically members of the Lahontan Audubon Society, the bird experts are on hand to identify avian species, discuss biology, home range, and habitat requirements.
They also keep a tally of the birds spotted throughout the morning.
The coach is a buzz with questions and fun facts to know and tell. We are headed to the first ranch stop to meet the rancher that has worked and cared for a piece of Carson Valley land for many years.
As the bus unloads, the bird experts set up spotting scopes aimed at prime targets and the rancher begins to spin his story describing the agricultural livelihood. Some say the best part of the tour is being on the private ranches and hearing their history.
After the fifth ranch is visited, the last eagle, red-tailed hawk, waterfowl, bobcat, and other occasional wildlife are spotted and recorded, the bus heads back to the Carson Valley Inn where an unbelievable buffet lunch is being prepared.
En route, the guides help the participants select the best mooer. That's the one that can imitate a cow or bull the best.
At lunch, each bus will delegate their best to compete for the mooing contest prize, and bragging rights. Bird tallies are announced, raffled prizes are won, exhibits are visited, and new friends are made as lunch winds down. The ahh! of the Eagles & Agriculture experience is coming into view.
The chartered bus tour and buffet lunch is Feb. 20, starting at the Carson Valley Inn at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $60 per person.
For reservations contact the Carson Valley Arts Council at (775) 782-8207 or at www.visitcarsonvalley.org to download the registration form.
For additional lodging and visitor information call the Carson Valley Visitors Authority at 775- 782-8144 or toll-free at 800-727-7677.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment