The daylong event attracts folks from across the Delaware Valley to experience the incredible concentration of birds of prey, including hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and, of course, eagles.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in 1973, there was just one nesting pair of bald eagles in the entire state of New Jersey – in a remote Cumberland County forest. The latest census estimates more than 100 nesting pairs of bald eagles statewide, with 60 percent of them in Cumberland and Salem counties.
According to the latest survey by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, 102 pairs of actively nesting eagles were counted, plus 11 more pairs in the process of establishing nesting territories. The survey documented a record 22 new nests, of which 16 are in southern New Jersey.
This year’s Eagle Festival will give visitors fantastic opportunities to see these magnificent species including guided and unguided trail walks, four staffed viewing sites, a sunrise walk and a dusk owl walk. The day also features indoor activities at the Mauricetown Fire Hall, including speaker presentations and vendors.
The day ends with the ultimate warm-up -- the annual Chili Bowl fundraiser hosted by Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries. The popular event features 25 different chili recipes, ranging from traditional to exotic.
A new Facebook site www.facebook com/
WinterEagleFest will connect festival-goers with the latest information, photos and interactive maps, speakers schedule and even a recipe or two from the Chili Bowl. Facebook fans who click “Like” on the site will be kept up to date on all things “Eagle” leading up to festival day.
Free transportation to and from the event is available for Cumberland County seniors and disabled by calling 691-7799.
The Winter Eagle Festival is sponsored by the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders with support from Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, New Jersey Audubon, the Cape May Bird Observatory, National Park Service, Natural Lands Trust and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Cost to enjoy the chili bowl event is $25 per person. For more information call 453-2177.
Planned staff viewing sites open throughout the day are: 7 a.m. Sunrise Walk at Turkey Point; 10 a.m. Tat Starr Trail walk; 1:30 p.m. Bald Eagle Trail walk; and 5 p.m. Owl Watch.
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