12/8/2008
Look to the skies on Jan. 3 in the Pipestem area, and chances are good you’ll see eagles. Participants in the 4th annual Winter Eagle Survey will become valued “observers,” says Jim Phillips, Pipestem Resort State Park Naturalist.
“Attendees who haven’t participated in a survey or ‘eagle watch’ will be teamed with experienced birders such as myself, Ron and Wendy Perrone of Three Rivers Avian Center, and other noted birdwatchers or naturalists,” Phillips explains. Teams of observers will be stationed at points along the New, Bluestone and Greenbrier Rivers in Virginia and West Virginia. “Our goal is to get a better idea of the number of eagles wintering in southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia.”
During the winter of 2007/2008, the winter survey results reported and confirmed at least nine bald eagles and two golden eagles. “In recent weeks we have had reports of four bald eagles and one golden eagle in the area,” says Phillips. “If you’ve never attended an eagle watch and survey, there is something very special about observing these birds in open skies.” The event is open to anyone interested.
The Winter Eagle Survey is a day-activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bad weather date will be Sunday, Jan. 4. Participants will be notified if weather conditions warrant cancellation for the entire weekend
To participate, contact Jim Phillips, Park Naturalist, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem, WV, by calling (304) 466-1800, extension 344, or e-mail pipestemsp@hotmail.com by Jan. 2, 2009. “Forming our observation teams is an important aspect to this four-hour survey,” Phillips explains. “Anyone planning to be part of the survey will learn where to meet, what to wear, survey sites and so forth.”
Pipestem Resort is open year-round. Participants choosing to stay the weekend or overnight will appreciate the low winter rates that are in effect at the park lodge. Reservations are available online at www.pipestemresort.com or by phone at 304-466-1800.
For activities and special programs at Pipestem Resort, call 304-466-1800. The 2009 state parks calendar of events is online at www.wvstateparks.com, or for more information about activities at Pipestem Resort, ask for Jim Phillips, Naturalist, or Melissa Jacobs, Special Events Coordinator.
Contact Information
Melissa Jacobs
304-466-1800
melissajacobs@wvdnr.gov