Eagles and ag benefits from mild weather

January isn’t always the kindest month to outdoor events like Eagles and Agriculture.

However, the event was blessed this year by mild weather more akin to November than January.

“The weather was perfect, cool, clear, and calm,” event photographer JT Humphrey said.

Humphrey was in for a surprise at Friday’s dinner where the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Eagles & Ag person of the year.

“Which really threw me a curveball,” he said on Wednesday. He received a jacket.

Humphrey is the chief photographer for the event and conducted a photo workshop.

“The Friday dinner was probably the best we have had, ever,” he said. “Food from Sierra Chef was outstanding. The falconers presented Sen. (James) Settelmeyer a beautiful plaque for his help on a bill for falconry. Lauren McGough's presentation captivated everyone. We've received a lot of feedback so far about how great Friday dinner was, as well as the owl prowl, photo workshop, and all of the other events this past weekend.”

Buses filled with tour attendees set forth across Carson Valley fields over the weekend to find calm winds and sunny skies in a search for eagles and other raptors.

Held in the last weekend of January, the event is entering its third decade, after being inspired by the large numbers of photographers and bird watchers who were turning up to look for eagles enjoying the repast from calving season.

McGough was just one of the participants in both Thursday’s reception and Friday’s dinner.

She has a doctorate in social anthropology, and practices falconry around the world.

On Thursday, Mark Moglich and Corey Dalton of Raptors Live were at the CVIC Hall for the reception. Moglich has around 100 raptors at his Fish Springs property and a storefront in Virginia City.