Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more, join the Chase and raise funds for an important cause.

What is The Golden Chase?

The Golden Chase, scheduled for May 19, 2007, will be a classic birdathon taking place in Highland and Bath Counties to raise funds for the first-time monitoring of radio telemetry from Golden Eagles that over winter in Highland County, VA. This is a joint project between Bear Mountain Farm and the Virginia Society of Ornithology.

Where do I send my tax deductible donation to support The Golden Chase?

You can mail your tax deductible donation to the Virginia Society of Ornithology, 1230 Viewmont Drive, Evington VA 24550

Why must funds be raised?

Principally to learn more about the natural history of Golden Eagles which use the Highland and Bath County area. This information will assist in land-use planning and conservation strategies. It costs a minimum of $5,000 for the initial stages of this project. Dr. Todd Katzer, of the National Aviary in Pittsburgh has offered to attach the transmitters and lead the monitoring of the telemetry.

Why Golden Eagles?

There are much fewer wintering Golden Eagles east of the Mississippi River than west which makes their presence very interesting. And, with the recent and historical database indicating spring to late summer presence of Golden Eagles in Highland Co., radio telemetry may aid in determining if this species breeds in the area (Golden Eagles are not known to breed east of the Mississippi).

by Brenda Tekin

How can I help?

Have your local bird club send a team for The Golden Chase, or form a team yourself, or support another team or the event. Several interesting properties have been made available to birders for The Golden Chase: The Goodall property from the state border, The Miller property near Laurel Creek (site of a Northern Saw-whet Owl response during last springs foray), and the Bear Mountain Farm area. (We are waiting for a confirmation for The Bratton property on Sapling Ridge and the Wildlife Management area near Jack Mountain). All of these are high altitude Virginia properties renowned for their wildlife – and hold many enticing possible species such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Long-eared Owls, Ruffed Grouse, Black-billed Cuckoos, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Winter Wrens, scads of warblers, Vesper Sparrows, Purple Finch, Pine Siskins, and Red Crossbills.

Is lodging available for the teams?
Yes. There are 4 cabins available at Bear Mountain Farm at a discounted price to team members. Teams should contact Patti Reum directly for reservations and more details. Patti can also arrange other accomodations in the area if any other individuals need lodging.

My friends and I don’t know much about Highland or Bath Co. and would not do a good job of finding a lot of birds.

You don’t have to find a lot of birds. Just find some fun and help in some fundraising! That is why we have arranged access to special, unique properties that are not generally open to the public. And what you see will add to the knowledge of avian use in Highland and Bath Counties. A special ceremony will take place the next day at Bear Mountain Farm to recognize the contributions of all who participated in The Golden Chase. And the meal is on us.

What bird species are present in Highland and Bath Co?

A special section of this website contains recent information about the 159 bird species thought to be present as well as estimates of abundance during mid-May. This information is far from definitive! Also, a brief section of this website discusses some important areas to bird.

How do the teams’ raise money?

They ask people & businesses they know to support the team, usually pledging some modest amount (such as 50 cents per species found) as an incentive for the team to go all out.

How can I learn more?

Contact Patti Reum, who is the chair of The Golden Chase: phone number is 540-468-2700 and email address is BearMountain@intelos.net.

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