Eagle Survey Day at the Wilds Jan. 12

By Toni Kellar

The Wilds will be hosting an Eagle Survey Day this Saturday, Jan. 12, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife’s annual mid-winter eagle survey.

The eagle survey begins at the Wilds at 8 a.m. and will go through 2 p.m. Participants will be guided by Al Parker, the Wilds’ conservation educator and birding expert, throughout the Wilds’ 10,000-acre property and along some adjoining land to look for golden and bald eagles.

Golden eagles are common at the Wilds during the wintertime, and bald eagles are occasionally sighted.

The mid-winter survey is conducted each January as part of a nationwide tally to determine the wintering eagle populations in North America.

“This survey is a fun way to explore the lands at the Wilds during the wintertime, and get a chance to see some eagles,” said Parker, who noted that eagle numbers will often increase during cold Canadian winters when the fish-feeding raptors are more likely to move into the Ohio area.

The Wilds, located near Cumberland in Muskingum County, has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.

Advance reservations are required to attend, and must be made by Jan. 10. Call 740-638-5030 x2286.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Participants bring their own lunch. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided.

Although closed for the regular visitor season, the Wilds provides an excellent opportunity for families, individuals, and groups to explore and experience the Wilds’ forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats through the Winter On the Wilds programs that take place on Saturdays throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

Designed by the Wilds’ professional conservation education staff, these day-long programs provide immersive and memorable learning opportunities on a wide variety of topics.

The mission of the Wilds, situated on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience.

The next Winter on the Wilds program will be Raptor Identification Day Feb. 9.

The full Winter On the Wilds event schedule, pricing, and details are available at www.thewilds.org.