calving

Every winter, Carson Valley becomes a nesting ground for bald eagles, golden eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and other wildlife as they congregate to the region. Carson Valley’s expansive open space and cattle ranches provide habitat for the wintering birds of prey.

Spring is calving season in northern Nevada, and it is an important and profitable time of year for cattlemen across the state. The Nevada Department of Agriculture reminds Nevadans to let lone calves be.

Saw this beautiful Bald Eagle while walking the dogs on Conte Drive in Carson City.

The annual Eagles and Agriculture event kicks off this week in the Carson Valley, a wildlife viewing exhibition that attracts hundreds of visitors to the area to see birds of prey feeding and nesting below the eastern slopes of the Carson Range.

But Carson City residents don't have to leave the Eagle Valley to catch glimpses of raptors. We've got them in our own backyards.

An eagle in Carson Valley. This month Douglas County hosts Eagles and Agriculture, Feb. 18-21. Eagles and Agriculture is a once-a-year opportunity to see raptors that visit Carson Valley during the calving season each winter, including bald eagles.

Nevada’s New Year’s resolution is to ensure that travelers go home with more stories than souvenirs. With the lineup of events scheduled in early 2016, that is sure to ring true. As always, Nevada will offer fun, unique events for visitors of all interests and ages that will guarantee unforgettable experiences. Kick off the New Year at one of these Nevada-only events:

Eagles & Agriculture, the Carson Valley‘s annual gathering of eagles and celebration of agriculture, is now accepting reservations for the 2015 event.

The Feb. 19-22 event will be the 13th Eagles & Ag, and is a combined effort of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, UNR Cooperative Extension, The Nature Conservancy, Lahonton Audobon Society and Valley ranchers.

The 2015 version sees a few adjustments. For the first time ever, The Ranch & Eagle Tour & Luncheon will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation completed its first Nevada conservation easement which now protects 645 acres of prime elk habitat for a regional herd.

“This is big for us,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “RMEF has a history in Nevada that dates back decades, but this working relationship with a conservation-minded family solidifies the positive impact we can have on elk now and in the years to come.”

Courtesy of GrandViewOutdoors.com
A caribou herd shared by Alaska and northwest Canada has rebounded after a near one-third decline, according to a photo census announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

State biologists said the Porcupine Caribou Herd has grown to an estimated 169,000 animals.

"People on both sides of the Alaska-Canada border are pleased,'' said Jason Caikoski, an assistant area biologist.

Courtesy of www.GrandViewOutdoors.com
On a July evening a few years ago, a massive bull moose wallowed belly-deep in a small stream in the canoe country north of Ely. Facing the other direction, he had no idea a canoe was silently slipping up behind him. He kept dipping for the stems of water lilies and chewing them in the rich evening light.

We approached so closely that the 17-year-old in the bow of the canoe began backpaddling. He looked over his shoulder and shot me a silent glance that told me we were too close to that moose.
He probably was right.

Courtesy of GrandViewOutdoors.com
Alaska wildlife officials said last Tuesday that they were appalled the federal government rejected their plan to kill wolves to protect caribou on a remote Aleutian Island.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced this week it would not sign off on the state killing seven wolves in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on Unimak Island.