Volunteers are needed to help with the 19th Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Nov. 11-17 in Haines.
This year’s event will include a live release of a rehabilitated eagle as well as presentations by Tlingit master carver Wayne Price and by “eagle lady” Doris Mager, founder of Save Our American Raptors, said organizer Cheryl McRobers of the American Bald Eagle Foundation.
Mager, 88, is an advocate for eagles, owls and other birds of prey whose life history includes spending several days in an eagle’s nest in 1979.
In the past 50 years, Mager has rehabilitated sick and injured birds, monitored their populations and traveled the nation and world lecturing about raptors and the importance of their habitat.
She travels with a screech owl, an American kestrel, a crested caracara and a great horned owl.
Carver Price of Haines will make a presentation on creating a dugout canoe and bring two to exhibit, including a 16-foot craft carved by local youths in Fort Seward last summer.
The festival includes photography workshops. Besides eagles and birding, presentations will include ones on local geology, biology, archaeology and natural history topics.
Evening events will include a Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet, a square dance and the 4th annual Flight for Freedom Auction and Banquet.
The festival coincides with the annual fall migration of eagles to along the Chilkat River, which already has started.
Organizer McRoberts said help is needed with festival admiission, gift shop staffing and set-up and tear-down. Call her at 766-3094 for more information or to help.