March 12 Update:
The 25th annual Eagle Watch, an event celebrating Central Oregon’s raptor population, has been canceled to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. The event was originally scheduled for March 28 at Round Butte Overlook Park, near Culver.
The decision to cancel the event was based on Gov. Brown’s recent announcement regarding large public gatherings and social distancing.
Todd Honeywell, park manager at The Cove Palisades State Park, says the cancellation decision was difficult but necessary, given event logistics.
“Eagle Watch typically draws a large number of people, and they often share optics like binoculars and telescopes for viewing the raptors,” said Honeywell. “Visitor health and safety is our first priority, so we decided cancelling the event was best for protecting our visitors and slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
Eagle Watch has been held annually in the area since 1995, and is jointly sponsored by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Portland General Electric, Crooked River Grassland and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Oregon, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage.