January 26th, 2020

Well it was a damp and disappointing end to the first weekend of Eagle Watch proper.  I'm sure the weather forecast deterred many from setting out from metro to join us and despite a dry first feeding at 8:30 the rain had started by the 10:30 session. 

Numbers were well down on site with only about 75 for the 8:30 feeding.  There were about 35 eagles and they came down to the field within about 10 minutes.  It is always spectacular to see them, but there wasn't the level of sparring on the ground to really excite photographers.  Nonetheless I think those that attended enjoyed the show.

Those who have been to site will know that it begins with a flat area before sloping away to the right.  For some reason at the 10:30 feeding there were 3 or 4 pieces of chicken not touched on the flat upper level until most people left the site.  The slope, however, was busy as 40+ eagles put on a better show than the 8:30 feeding.  Also, the eagles took longer to come down - 15 to 20 minutes - and for a while I was concerned that they would try to out wait us.  We had perhaps 150 spectators who all seemed pleased by the end result.

At the hall numbers were also down.  We served about 215 breakfasts bring the total for the first weekend to about 650.  That is a good number for us but when you consider that last year we did 600 on the first day it emphasizes the tremendous turnout in 2019.

The shuttle service was again a losing proposition but we have decided to stick with it next weekend.  Perhaps we have to break it in before it catches on.

Speaking of next weekend I'd like to point out the other attractions upstairs at the Hall.  We have two award winning photographers in residence with Sandi Little and David Elliott, Ducks Unlimited, Blomidon Naturalists Society, spectacular carved hiking sticks from Herman De Coste, bird exhibits, crafts for the kids (making bird feeders) and Tumbleweed Naturalist doing a demonstration of axe carving by the campfire out back.  Do join us if you are able!