Photo submitted to Times Observer After being on the verge of extinction and nearly being wiped out in the United State as recent as the 1970s, the bald eagle is soaring back into a recovery. With Warren County being home to more than a fair share to the almost 20,000 now in existence, the US Army Corps of Engineers at Kinzua Dam will host the annual Eagle Watch along the Allegheny River from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.

After being on the verge of extinction, the bald eagle is well into a recovery.

The species was almost wiped out in the United States as recently as the 1970s, with fewer than 1,000 known individuals.

The national symbol was subsequently listed as an endangered species and that number has grown to almost 20,000.

Warren County is home to more than a fair share of those.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kinzua Dam will host the annual Eagle Watch along the Allegheny River.

Photo submitted to Times Observer With Warren County being home to more than a fair share of the now burgeoning bald eagle population , the US Army Corps of Engineers at Kinzua Dam will host the annual Eagle Watch along the Allegheny River from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.

“Polish your binoculars and get ready for eagle viewing near Kinzua Dam,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir Park Ranger Steve Lauser said. “Numerous eagles spend winter along Allegheny River and Reservoir, and this is prime time to spot them, as our country’s national symbol perches and flies high above the trees.”

“Eagle Watch Day, held at Big Bend Recreation Area, is a great opportunity for nature lovers interested in seeing American bald eagles in the wild,” Lauser said. “A popular resting area for eagles that appreciate the unfrozen water conditions, this area offers exceptional views of the birds’ temporary stopovers in vicinity of Kinzua Dam.”

“On wintry days during early Februarys past, hundreds of visitors to Big Bend Recreation Area viewed juvenile and adult eagles just downstream from the dam,” Lauser said.

In addition to eagles, other birds and mammals can often be observed during the event.

Other event partners include: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Kinzua Cachers, Allegheny Outdoor Club, and community volunteers.

“Three sites will be open for public viewing and learning about America’s national bird: Big Bend Visitor Center, Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail and Viewing Platform (along the tailwaters), and Kinzua Dam overlooks,” Lauser said. “Sites will be staffed and spotting scopes will be available to observe the awesome eagles.”

There will be an audio-visual program by Pennsylvania Game Warden Eric McBride and a geomeet — Caching with Eagles — with several temporary caches, organized by Kinzua Cachers

Registration is not required and the event is free to the public.

Additional information is available by calling Lauser at (814) 726-0661.