Our national emblem counts – Eagle Count at Pipestem State Park January 7

            PIPESTEM, W.Va. – Weather permitting, “and it looks like it will,” the Eagle Count in the Pipestem area will be conducted on Jan. 7, 2012.  “It’s an annual survey that Jim Phillips, naturalist at Pipestem Resort, has conducted with the help of volunteers for many years,” said Mindy Waldron.

            Waldron and her husband Al are frequent volunteers for bird surveys in the Pipestem area and across West Virginia. The Waldrons are members of the Bibbee Nature Club and other nature-based organizations. Waldron is coordinating this year’s efforts.  

            From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, volunteers from novice to advanced birders are assigned to observation areas. Bird watching, especially watching eagles in southern West Virginia, can be addictive.  “We’re outside, pretty much regardless of weather. We enjoy each other’s company and birding stories and sighting.  And when we get a new person to take up bird watching, that is wonderful,” Waldron explained.

            There are several observation locations, including Bluestone State Park, Brooks, Sandstone Falls, Mouth of Indian Creek, Shanklin’s Ferry, Bull Falls, downstream in the New River Gorge, Glen Lyn (Va.), and along the Greenbrier River.   At the conclusion of the four-hour survey, participants will meet at the Hinton Dairy Queen to compare and compile sightings. Past bird surveys are posted on Pipestem Resort State Park website at www.pipestemresort.com/Surveys.html.

            Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, if possible. Waldron will provide other details, survey forms to use, and other related information. Participants must pre-register by noon of Jan. 6.  Novice birders are paired with more advance birders.