Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 13th Annual Eagle Festival on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The public is invited to participate in the many great activities planned for the day. All activities are free, including access to the Wildlife Drive.
The Eagle Festival celebrates birds of prey with educational programs that allow the visitor an up-close view of this unique class of birds. Scheduled presentations will include: an interactive birds of prey program with the Salisbury Zoo; a raptor identification program with Naturalist and Raptor Educator Liz Smith; a peregrine falcon program and flight demonstration with falconer Andrew Bullen; and a live bald eagle program and a “Wings & Things” program with Maryland DNR ‘Scales and Tales’ Naturalists. Pickering Creek Audubon Center will be leading a guided walk focusing on the importance of wetlands. For history enthusiasts, Underground Railroad historian Tony Cohen will be leading a one-mile walk while sharing stories of Harriet Tubman, who used her knowledge of the natural world to help others find freedom.
Blackwater’s experienced volunteers and staff will be leading several guided tours throughout the day. “Early birds” to the Eagle Festival can start the day with a birding tour at 8:00 am beginning at the festival parking area with experienced birder Terry Allen. During the event, visitors can choose to look for eagles on one of our eagle prowl van tours, or take a motor coach bus ride around the Wildlife Drive to view wildlife and learn about refuge habitats. Registration for eagle prowl van tours and bus tours will begin at 9:30 am the day of the festival. Registration is not required for any other activity.
There will be no shortage of fun for children at the Eagle Festival. A youth archery range will be open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, where kids can learn how to safely shoot a bow with our knowledgeable instructors. Kids can also test their aim at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s BB gun shooting range. Kids’ make-and-take activities will also run throughout the day while supplies last. Activities include: build-your-own blue bird nest box, owl pellet exploration, make your own wildlife button, paint your own eagle t-shirt, and construct a pine cone owl. In addition, Blackwater’s “Habitat” puppet show will take place at 12:15 pm and 3:15 pm. All puppet show attendees will receive a free Albert the Delmarva Fox Squirrel coloring book. The George Fox Middle School Ukulele Ensemble will provide musical entertainment before and after the 12:15 pm puppet show.
Exhibitors include the Carrie Murray Nature Center, Salisbury Zoo, and Raptor’s Eye, each with live birds of prey and other critters that you can see up close. Representatives from Pickering Creek Audubon Center will also be on hand with information about wetlands and the Audubon Society. In addition, visitors will have a special chance to get close-up photographs of Maryland DNR’s bald and golden eagles from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
As always, the Friends of Blackwater’s “Eagle’s Nest” Bookstore will be open for business, stocking one of the best collections of nature-related books and gifts on the Delmarva, as well as Blackwater-specific items. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase throughout the day, benefitting the Chicone Ruritan Club, Cub Scout Pack 532 and the Cambridge South Dorchester High School junior class.
Blackwater NWR’s main Visitor Center is currently closed due to renovation work. Programs and activities will take place in large heated tents located adjacent to the temporary Visitor Center along Wildlife Drive. Don’t miss out on this free event for the whole family! For more information, please call 410-901-6124 or visit www.fws.gov/blackwater.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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