Eagles and Ag features Carson River raft trip

Staff Reports

Eagles & Agriculture, the annual celebration of birding and agriculture in Carson Valley, offers several programs over its three days each February. One of the most popular is a kayak/raft trip with expert birders on the Carson River. The experience is a serene trip on the river with the snowcapped mountains in the background while observing eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey roosting in the riverbank cottonwoods during the height of the winter calving season.

Birding from the perspective of a raft or kayak offers photo opportunities of water birds, shorebirds and raptors, sometimes passing under trees where they are perched. Our local birder will identify differences in shape, size, plumage patterns and colors, wing beat, flocking behavior, voice and habit.

After a stop to enjoy hot drinks and snacks, participants will continue through Washoe Tribal Lands and be greeted by a Tribal member sharing the history, biology, and geology of the land and then proceed to float through their blue heron rookery to witness dozens of large blue heron and egret nests.

Great Basin Sports operates the tour on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m., with rafts, sit-on-tops, or inflatable kayaks depending on river flow. Optional outfitting, including neoprene socks, neoprene gloves, neoprene shoes and wetsuits, is available for rental.

The cost is $75 per person. Sign up for tours by contacting the Carson Valley Arts Council at (775) 782-8207 or at www.visitcarsonvalley.org

The Web site includes information on lodging specials and more about the Eagles and Agriculture event. Additional lodging and visitor information at the Carson Valley Visitors Authority at (775) 782-8144 or toll-free at (800) 727-7677.

Great Basin Sports is a local outfitter running rafting, kayaking and snowshoeing trips throughout the Sierra. Information at www.greatbasinsports.com