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Families flock to Eagle Watch 2010
Spectators join in on a round dance at Eagle Watch.
ByHolly
Ideal weather conditions brought record-setting crowds to Round Butte Overlook Park last weekend for the 15th annual Eagle Watch.
Paul Patton, event coordinator for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, estimated Saturday's attendance at over 650 people -- a new one-day record -- and Sunday's at 350, for a total of about 1,000 visitors -- breaking the previous attendance record of 900.
The free event is sponsored by OPRD, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Portland General Electric.
Attributing the turnout to the warm, clear weather, Patton commented, "Let's face it, last year, we had our worst weather, and one of our lowest attendances. This one, on the heels of that one, makes us really appreciate how great it is."
Despite the excellent turnout, eagle viewing was only fair, according to Patton. "The weather was a little too nice. The birds prefer weather that's a little overcast with a little wind." Temperatures warmed up to nearly 60 degrees each day.
Nevertheless, he said there were numerous sightings of bald and golden eagles, hawks, and other birds, such as great blue herons.
"It was great to have a lot of people out there, because that's what it's all about -- building awareness," Patton said.
Forest Service employee Anne Roberts, right, helps Cecelia Frank, 6, build a birdhouse. A variety of hands-on children's activities are part of the attraction for families attending Eagle Watch.
Visitors went on bird watching tours, were treated to live birds of prey displays, listened to presentations, and viewed exhibits during the two-day event. Children built birdhouses, made buttons and colored.
On Sunday, the Quartz Creek Drum and Dance Group entertained with traditional Native American dancing and drumming.
The Telephone Pioneers of America prepared a free hotdog lunch, serving over 300 hotdogs on Saturday, and over 100 on Sunday.
Bend resident John Gilmore, who has visited The Cove area before, brought his wife and daughters to the event for the first time, and was pleasantly surprised by the lunch and activities.
"I didn't expect all of this show," said Gilmore, pointing out his family's interest in the Native American dancing. "It's very educational."
Bob and Kathy O'Neal, of Bend, have been attending Eagle Watch events for the past decade. "It's something to do on the weekend," he said.
"We come to the Eagle Watch almost yearly," said Kathy O'Neal, noting that their attendance depends on the weather. "I'm a huge bird fan."