MINDEN, Nev.
Staff Reports
The Carson Valley agricultural and ranching community, with the Carson Valley Visitors Authority, Audubon Society and Great Basin Birding Observatory host Eagles and Agriculture, the annual birds of prey viewing and agricultural education experience, Feb. 27 through March 1.
The Eagles and Agricultural tours and workshops focus on bald eagles and other birds of prey that come to Carson Valley to feed on the rodents and nutrient-rich afterbirth during the winter calving season. The tours and workshops demonstrate how agricultural stewardship benefits wildlife and their habitat in Nevada.
The event attracts photographers and nature-lovers who come to observe bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and other wildlife. The seventh annual event features a birds of prey reception, field tours and falconing demonstrations, owl prowl barn tour, two-day photography workshop and Carson River trip.
Birds of prey lecture and reception with speaker Dr. Jeff Smith of Hawkwatch International is Feb. 27. Other speakers include Doug Busselman from the Nevada Farm Bureau, who discusses Nevada agriculture, and falconers Lew Souder and Mark Moglich who bring a North American goshawk and ornate hawk eagle. The $35 per person entry fee includes hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar. Cost is $30 for those who plan to attend the Ranch Tour on Feb. 28.
Observe birds of prey feeding among calves and cattle during the field tour of area ranches on Feb. 28. Learn about Carson Valley ranching and conservation with the opportunity to photograph wildlife from vantage points not available to the general public. Cost of $60 per person includes motor coach transportation with experts on Carson Valley history and wildlife and buffet lunch.
The owl prowl tour of owl habitat in historic area barns and falconing demonstrations by Lew Souder with his North American goshawk is Feb. 28. The tour is limited to 45 participants, weather permitting. Cost is $35 per person.
A two-day photography workshop is offered Feb. 28 and March 1. Instruction and discussion on Saturday and a nature photo shoot at an area ranch on Sunday. Cost is $60 per two-day workshop and is limited to 30 participants.
Observe eagles, hawks and falcons and other wildlife during a guided raft/kayak trip on the Carson River on March 1. Cost is $75.
Space is limited for all Eagles and Agriculture events, so early sign-ups are encouraged. Proceeds from the event benefit local wildlife, conservation and agriculture projects.
All events are staged or hosted by the Carson Valley Inn on Highway 395 in Minden.
Register for Eagles and Ag at the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department, 782-9835 or www.visitcarsonvalley.org
Special lodging rates and visitor information at the Carson Valley Visitors Authority, 782-8144 or (800) 727-7677.
