Eagle program recruiting volunteers

Winter Volunteer Eagle Monitoring Program and orientation session LACKAWAXEN — The Eagle Institute 10th annual volunteer orientation program to train volunteers for the winter eagle monitoring and interpretive program is set for Saturday, Dec. 1, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Institute’s winter field office, 176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen. The snow date is Sunday, Dec. 2. Volunteers will be trained to monitor and collect data on the more than 150 eagles that migrate to this region every winter. Volunteers also will learn how to help the thousands of people who want to view the eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner. Binoculars, spotting scopes, training manuals, data forms, handwarmers and foot warmers are provided by the Institute. Additional volunteers are being recruited to “staff” several new observation areas this winter, including a new observation blind along the Delaware River near Barryville, N.Y., and at locations near Milford. These new locations are in addition to the traditional viewing locations in Narrowsburg N.Y., Forestburgh, N.Y. and Lackawaxen. The winter season assignments for volunteers are three-hour shifts on either Saturdays or Sundays for 8-10 weeks, from January through mid-March. All new volunteers must attend the orientation session in order to participate in the program. The training includes a brief classroom session and field visits to the monitoring/viewing sites. Please dress warmly n waterproof boots, hats and gloves n and bring a bagged lunch. Registration is required. Call 845-557-6162 or 570-685-5960 or e-mail (preferred) at eagleinstitute@yahoo.com to sign up for the orientation session or for more information.