Staff Reports
It's just a few weeks until Carson Valley's annual Eagles & Agriculture celebration and tours are starting to fill. As is the tradition, the Owl Prowl was the first to fill, followed by this year's new Raptors Highways & Byways tours. But there are still spaces available for the heart of the weekend, the Ranch and Eagle tour, Friday evening's opening reception, the photo workshop and the raft/kayak trip.
Saturday, Feb. 20, luxury motor coaches depart for the private Ranch and Eagle tour. As the guest of the ranches, you'll observe their operations up close and meet the men and women who run them. Attendees will learn about Carson Valley ranching and conservation plus have the opportunity to observe birds of prey from vantage points not available to the general public. This is a once in a year opportunity for eagle viewing and photography.
Following the tour, a buffet lunch will be served with a group discussion on sightings allowing participants to compare experiences and observations with their fellow attendees. The tour and luncheon is being offered for just $60 per person and includes luxury motor coach transportation along with expert guides on Carson Valley history and wildlife.
The night before, join us for the kickoff of Eagles & Agriculture 2010. Meet fellow enthusiasts and see what's new at displays from the many agency and business sponsors who make this event possible. A generous lineup of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and guest presenters set the tone for an evening of socializing and learning.
Presenters this year are Dr. Alan Gubanich, emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, and vice president of the Lahontan Audubon Society, on "Tell Me Why It's Not a Red-tailed Hawk" and Don Henderson, an agriculture and rangeland science expert on "Exactly What is Agriculture in Nevada?"
Falconer Lew Souder returns this year accompanied by a northern goshawk. Souder's presentation includes a question and answer session.
A two-day wildlife photography workshop led by Steve Ting of Steve Ting Photography is offered on Saturday and Sunday with instruction and discussion on Saturday and a nature photo shoot on location at an area ranch on Sunday. This is an opportunity to take your nature photography skills up a notch or two. The cost is $60 for the two-day workshop and is limited to 20 participants.
Another way to observe the eagles, hawks and falcons occurs on Sunday, Feb. 21, when a guided raft/canoe trip conducted by Great Basin Sports is offered. Participants will paddle down the Carson River and enjoy scenery and wildlife while benefiting from the expertise of local birders who accompany the trip. This is a great event for photography buffs. The cost is $75.
Participants on all the tours are encouraged to bring spotting scopes and cameras. Make reservations for all the events can be done at the Carson Valley Arts Council, (775) 782-8207 or at www.visitcarsonvalley.org
The Web site offers information on lodging specials and more about the Eagles & Agriculture Event. For additional lodging and visitor information, call the Carson Valley Visitors Authority at 782-8144 or toll-free at (800) 727-7677.
