Eagle Watching Ready To Soar This February In The Pocono Mountains

02-02-2009

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, February 2, 2009 – The Pocono Mountains (www.800Poconos.com) are preparing to welcome some very important visitors – of the feathered variety – a free guided tour is available to make it easier to do so.  More than 150 migratory bald eagles are making their way through the Upper Delaware region of the Pocono Mountains during the month of February.  In addition to value hotel packages and habitat excursions, educational workshops are available for visitors through the Lackawaxen, PA winter field office of The Eagle Institute, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the protection of the bald eagle and other birds of prey. 

In addition, more than 50 Eagle Institute volunteers are staffing popular public viewing locations where bird-watchers can search the sky using scouting scopes or binoculars on-loan from the Lackawaxen field office.  Visitors are invited to take advantage of area maps from the field office for self-guided tours.  February guided tour:

 

Saturday, February 21: Catch a glimpse of the wintering eagles before they head back north to their breeding habitat. $10 per person, no pre-registration required.  For more information call 570-685-5960.

 

“The Upper Delaware region is by far the best place for eagle-watching during the winter months,” remarked Lori McKean, Founder and Director of The Eagle Institute.  “It’s an exciting time for us and we enjoy sharing our passion and knowledge with visitors to the Pocono Mountains region – especially as it’s a great opportunity to get outdoors and learn something new.”

According to Carl Wilgus, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, eagle-watching is one of the region’s hottest – and most rewarding – activities for winter visitors. “Nationally, wildlife viewing is a growing trend and one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities,” said Wilgus.  “It is a truly awe-inspiring experience seeing these majestic symbols of our land in our beautiful Pocono Mountains setting.”

Two Pocono Mountains properties are offering value packages allowing eagle-watching visitors to extend their stay in the region. 

East Shore Lodging – Eagle Watch Midweek Escape: Located just 20 minutes from the Lackawaxen River, East Shore Lodging’s convenient location lends itself perfectly to an eagle-watching getaway. The Eagle Watch Midweek Escape includes Continental breakfast and is based on a two-night stay.  Rates begin at $129, based on double occupancy.  For more information call 570-226-3293 or visit www.eastshorelodging.com.

Hotel Fauchere – Eagle Watching A La Fauchere: The luxury accommodations at Hotel Fauchere set the scene for a peaceful evening at a day spent scoping the skies. The Eagle Watching A la Fauchere package includes lodging for two nights, Continental breakfast for two both days, dinner and wine for two in the Delmonico Room, private pre-eagle watch "eagle etiquette" briefing by an Eagle Institute volunteer, private half-day guided eagle watching experience, complete with warm beverages.  Rates begin at $1,100 based on double occupancy.  For more information call 570-409-1212 or visit www.hotelfauchere.com.

To learn more visit www.eagleinstitute.org or call 570-685-5960. For more information on a Pocono Mountains getaway go to www.800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

 

 

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

                                                                                                                                 

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania. 

 

 

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