Shenango River Watchers Host 2026 Eagle Fest in Mercer County

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TRANSFER, Pa. — Shenango River Watchers hosted the 2026 Eagle Fest on Saturday morning at Chestnut Run Swim Beach in Transfer, giving visitors the opportunity to observe bald eagles and other birds of prey in their natural habitat.

The annual event was organized in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mercer County Conservation District.

Volunteers set up spotting scopes along Shenango River Lake, allowing attendees to view eagles and their nests high in the treetops. At times, bald eagles could also be seen landing on the ice covering parts of the lake.

The Tamarack Wildlife Center of Saegertown participated through its “Wings of Wonder Program,” bringing live birds of prey for educational presentations. The program featured two American kestrels and a red-tailed hawk.

In addition to wildlife viewing and educational displays, the event included an Eagle Fest Art Competition for attendees.

Shenango River Watchers is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the Shenango River watershed and educating the public about its wildlife and natural resources.

Organization President Brandi Baros said the group hosts outdoor and recreational activities to encourage people to experience the river firsthand.

“We believe that when people come out and enjoy the watershed, they will fall in love with it just like we have, and they’ll want to protect it,” Baros said.

Baros explained that Eagle Fest is held in January because birds of prey are less territorial during the winter months, making it one of the few times they can be seen gathering in the same area.

“As river levels drop and fish move into the lake where the water is slightly warmer, the eagles follow the fish and tolerate each other for a short time,” she said.

Sharon resident James Douds said events like Eagle Fest help people better understand their connection to the natural world.

“It helps people understand that we’re part of nature and that we have a responsibility to preserve it,” Douds said.

Shenango River Watchers will hold its first public meeting of the year on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. The meeting location has not yet been announced.