Eagle Watch draws crowds to Sheffield Mills, surrounding communities

Break out the binoculars and cameras and put on your long johns, it’s Eagle Watch time once again in Sheffield Mills and surrounding communities. A large crowd of onlookers gathered at the main feeding site at the end of Middle Dyke Road on Sunday morning, Jan. 27 to witness Hope For Wildlife Society founder Hope Swinimer release a captive eagle back into the wild. The eagle, which is from the Kings County area, was taken to the society’s rehab facility in August. It was emaciated and had lost its tail feathers. It was decided to release the eagle at the main feeding site because the tail feathers haven’t grown back completely and doing so will help ensure the injured raptor has a food supply until fully recovered.

The Sheffield Mills community hall was a beehive of activity, as people stopped by for pancake and sausage breakfast, hear live musical performances and view the art show upstairs. Reporter Kirk Starratt was on hand and files a photo slideshow of Sunday morning’s events. Eagle Watch continues in Sheffield Mills and surrounding communities over the next two weekends.