BARRYVILLE NY - Bald eagles have begun their annual southward migration to the Upper Delaware Region and the Eagle Institute is once again offering a variety of opportunities for safe, unobtrusive viewing, including  guided habitat excursions and assistance with self-guided eagle watching at public viewing areas.

Trained Eagle Institute volunteers will begin staffing the winter field office and three viewing areas Jan. 7 to provide information, help spot the eagles and collect data about the eagles and the habitat conditions. The volunteers will be available for as long as the eagles remain in the region, usually through the end of February.

A guided bus excursion is a great way to enjoy eagle watching, especially for those unfamiliar with the locations of the viewing sites and because it reduces the number of individual vehicles travelling and parking at those locations. Participants also learn about eagle habitat and about why this region attracts eagles each winter. Participants, who also will help the Eagle Institute collect data, should dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots; bring binoculars, camera, and a bagged lunch. Fees and starting times/for each excursion vary so call or email for more information.

• Saturday, January 21 at 10am: Sponsored by Northeast PA Audubon Society. Eagle Institute guide will share information about eagle biology, our unique habitat and how the eagle made its comeback from the brink of extinction. Meet the bus at our field office at 10 am. Reservations required. Call Bob at 570-676-9969 for reservations and information. A $12.50 per person fee will be charged to cover expenses. (Snowdate: Sunday, Jan. 22).
• Saturday, February 4 at 8:30-12:00pm & 1:00-4:30pm: Sponsored by PPL. Guide Katie Lester of PPL will share information about how PPL’s hydroelectric dam has helped in the return of the bald eagle. Explore eagle biology, habitat needs and proper eagle-viewing etiquette. Transportation provided. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. This program is free but space is very limited. Registration is required; contact PPL at 570-253-7001 or pplpreserves@pplweb.com and indicate which trip you prefer (morning or afternoon).
• Saturday, February, 11 at 10am: Co-sponsored by the Delaware Highland Conservancy and the Basha Kill Association, this distinctive excursion focuses on Sullivan County, NY, eagle habitat, including a history of the region’s largest and most critical area, the Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area. Meet the bus at the Eagle Institute field office at 10 am. Reservations required; $12.50 per person. Call the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at 570-226-3164 or 845-807-0535 to sign up with credit card or send a check to DHC at PO Box 218, Hawley, PA, 18428 with “eagle trip” in the memo line. For more information, call or email info@delawarehighlands.org. (Snowdate: Sunday, Feb. 12).

All Institute programs are designed to protect the bald eagle and its habitat and to educate eagle watchers about the “safest and least intrusive” way to view bald eagles. The non-profit organization, which operates out of a winter field office in Lackawaxen, PA, has been providing educational programs and collecting data for more than 10 years. Nearly 30 volunteers are trained in “Eagle Etiquette” to assist the eagle watchers and to collect critical data about the wintering eagles.

Eagle Institute volunteers and eagle watchers also are encouraged to assist with the National Mid-Winter Bald Eagle survey, which takes place throughout the US from Jan 4-18. The target dates for this region are Jan. 9-15. Data forms and instructions can be obtained at the US Army Corps of Engineers website at http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/employees/bird/midwinter.cfm or downloaded from the Eagle Institute website under ‘data collection.’ Participants are encouraged to send forms to the Eagle Institute, which will compile results and submit one report for the region.

Additional details about these programs can be learned by visiting the website at www.eagleinstitute.org , emailing eagleinstitute@yahoo.com or calling 570-685-5960 or 845-557-6162.