Volunteer for Mid-Winter Eagle Survey - Blackwater NWR

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge staff are holding the annual Mid-Winter Eagle Survey on Tuesday January 10, 2023, with a rain date of Wednesday, January 11th. This is a 30-minute count of fixed survey points on and around Blackwater NWR. It is part of a national survey effort that started in the 1980s to monitor eagle populations.

If you are interested in participating or want more information, please contact Matt Whitbeck by email at matt_whitbeck@fws.gov, or by phone at (410) 221-2034 so that you receive details directly from the Refuge.

Please register directly with Blackwater NWR so that you get updated information as it becomes available, including weather postponements. There is also a video to watch to help with Eagle Identification, especially distinguishing immature Bald Eagles from Golden Eagles. You'll get the link to the video once you register with Matt Whitbeck.

Please also register here with Women Outdoors so we can find each other at the Refuge on that day. If anyone is interested in carpooling to this event from the Washington DC area or the west side of the Bay Bridge, contact Becky at Becky@womenoutdoors.org.

Bring: 

binoculars (some are available for loan from the Visitor's Center)

spotting scope (if you have one)

water and snacks

dress warmly!!

RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

Be sure to copy down the address, directions and trip leader contact information from the confirmation email to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location.

If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. 

If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your registration confirmation for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.

To Cancel: Go to your Registration List

• Click on this event in your list.
• Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
• At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
• Ignore the link to contact the administrator.