SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
CARSON VALLEY, Nev. — Eagles and Agriculture, the annual celebration of birding and agriculture in the Carson Valley, offers several programs over its three days each February. One of the most popular is a kayak/raft trip with expert birders on the Carson River. The experience, a serene trip on the river with the snowcapped Sierra in the background while observing eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey roosting in the riverbank cottonwoods during the height of the winter calving season, is unique to this event.
Birding from the perspective of a raft/kayak offers incredible photo opportunities of water birds, shorebirds and raptors, sometimes passing under trees where they are perched. Our local birder will identify differences in shape, size, plumage patterns and colors, wing beat, flocking behavior, voice and habit. After a stop to enjoy hot drinks and snacks, participants will continue through Washoe Tribal Lands and be greeted by a Tribal member sharing the history, biology, and geology of the land and then proceed to float through their blue heron rookery where participants will be able to witness dozens of large blue heron and egret nests.
Great Basin Sports will operate the tour on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m., with rafts, sit-on-tops, or inflatable kayaks depending on river flow. Optional outfitting, including neoprene socks, neoprene gloves, neoprene shoes and wetsuits, is available for rental.
The cost is $75 per person and registration for the tours can be done by contacting the Carson Valley Arts Council at 775-782-8207 or by going online to www.visitcarsonvalley.org to download the registration form. Once on the Web site you can also check out the great lodging specials and learn more about the Eagles and Agriculture event. For additional lodging and visitor information call the Carson Valley Visitors Authority at 775-782-8144 or toll-free at 800-727-7677. Great Basin Sports is a local outfitter running rafting, kayaking and snowshoeing trips throughout the Sierra. To learn more please visit its Web site at www.greatbasinsports.com.
