Blackwater NWR Annual Mid-Winter Eagle Survey

The annual eagle count is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2009. Rain date is Friday, January 9. On the day of the survey, participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR administrative building (headquarters at the Refuge) at 2247 Key Wallace Drive. Schedule is as follows:

Non-roost Count
8:00 a.m. - Coffee and socializing, lunch room.
8:15 a.m. - Review of eagle identification, conference room.
8:30 a.m. – Organize survey parties, conference room.
9:00 a.m. – Depart for count stations.
10:00-10:30 a.m. – Non-roost count period.
10:30-11:30 a.m. – Return data sheets to conference room.

Roost Count
3:00 p.m. – Meet at headquarters conference room.
3:15 p.m. – Depart for count stations.
4:00-5:30 p.m. – Roost Count Period.
5:30-6:30 p.m. –Return data sheets to conference room.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in participating in either of these surveys, please contact Chelsea Corcoran/Quadt at Chelsea_CorcoranQuadt@fws.gov or by phone at (410) 228-2692 x108 to sign up for the non-roost count, roost count, or both.

If you are interested in a particular observation site or want to be partnered with a particular person, please provide this information. Please include your phone number in your e-mail or phone message so we can call you in case of cancellation. If the weather looks questionable early on January 8, please call Chelsea to verify a potential postponement before you begin your commute. (Cell phone number is 850-512-5812 if you need to call before 6:00 a.m.)

If you have them, please bring binoculars, field guides, spotting scope, clipboard and warm clothes. If you need directions to the Refuge, visit our FAQs page.