Enthusiasts to gather at EagleFest

Art and science for all ages Narrowsburg — Celebrating a decade of education and entertainment, the Delaware Valley Eagle Alliance, has planned expanded and new programs for the 10th annual EagleFest in Narrowsburg. Festivities are scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 15, rain, snow or shine. The day will kick off with a pre-opening festival music program at 8:30 and the opening dedications at 9:30 a.m. in the former Narrowsburg School auditorium. Combining entertainment and education, the award winning EagleFest is an event aimed at all ages. Successful in bringing in local residents and out-of-town visitors to the day’s multifaceted series of activities, it brings attention to the natural resources of the Delaware River Valley region, according to officials. In addition to live birds of prey demonstrations by Lauren Butcher of The Raptor Trust of Millington N.J., Kathy Uhler of the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Stroudsburg, Pa., and Bill Streeter, of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center in Milford, Pa., this year’s EagleFest features additional educational programs and exhibits. Biologists/naturalists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York will gather to present updates on current recovery initiatives for eagles and other bird of prey, and discuss environmental and habitat issues. In addition, there will be: exhibits by regional conservation groups; the fifth annual Nature and Wildlife Art Show; silent auction of original art posters by regional artists; programs for children; ice sculptures; a special photography show, “A Decade of Eagles” by John DiGiorgio; and eagle viewing. For additional information, call the Delaware Valley Eagle Alliance at 201-841-5168; email to: jyd630@aol.com or visit: www.dveaglealliance.org. EagleFest speakers and programs Don Hamilton of the National Park Service will host an update on current regional eagle initiatives. Scott Van Arsdale, of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will present a status on bald eagle recovery in New York state. Maria Wheeler, Duquesne University, will give a presentation on her golden eagle research study. Tim Gallagher, editor-in-chief of Living Bird, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology will be presenting “Hot on the Trail: Ivory-billed Woodpecker” — the history, ecology and status of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.” He will tell the story of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker through the eyes of history, human culture and science. Ron Rohrbaugh, assistant director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, will be discussing “Birds: Bio-indicators in a Developing World.” Robert Smith, a professor at the University of Scranton, will be presenting “Landbird Migration” and discussing his research which focuses on identification and evaluation of stopover habitat for migratory land birds as well as linkages between the migratory and breeding periods of the avian annual cycle. Peter Capainolo, senior scientific assistant, Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History, will be presenting the “Biology and Ecology of North American Birds of Prey.” He will also had available his most recent book “How Fast Can A Falcon Dive?” with co-author Carol Butler. Richard Fritsky, biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be bringing several owl mounts with him as part of his talk on the “Barn Owl Conservation Initiative” - a five-year study of the biology and ecology of barn owls in Pennsylvania.. Barbara Arrindell, founder of the Damascus Citizens for Sustainability (DCS) will be discussing “Gas Drilling: Impact on Wildlife..” Jason A. Porter, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, will be exhibiting and giving two presentations: “Human Ecology and Sustainability: Lessons Ecological Footprint” — a quantitative measure of the impact an individuals lifestyle has on the resources available and demonstration how individuals can calculate their footprints; and “Offsetting the Carbon Footprint: Discussions Sustainable Practices” — understanding why sustainable living is an important goal to strive.