Eagles & Agriculture reception offers chance to see raptors

There's a 20-person waiting list for the annual Eagles & Agriculture bus tours, but those interested in Carson Valley's raptors can still get up close with a falcon or hawk at Friday night's birds of prey lecture.

Dan Kaffer, of Western Nevada Resources Conservation and Development, said the bus tour and the owl prowl are booked.

"We're looking real good," he said. "We've got eagles all over the Valley now. There were five eagles at Clarence Burr's ranch on Friday and every morning at Settelmeyer's."

The event started in 2003 to help educate people about the Valley's agriculture. Proceeds benefit wildlife, conservation and agricultural projects.

Kaffer said there are still spots available on the raft trip down the Carson River on Sunday, a few spots on the photo workshop Saturday and Sunday and plenty of room at Friday's lecture and reception.

Speakers are lined up and just as importantly, people can get a close-up look at hawks and falcons.

People really enjoy that," he said. "You can fill up your whole camera view with the bird. It's a great opportunity for people who have never gotten close to hawk or falcon."

Eagles are attracted by the afterbirth from winter calving, which typically occurs in February.

"Everything's great as long as the calves keep coming," Kaffer said. "Our eagles are looking for afterbirth. As long as there's food, they'll stay in the area."