Freedom – August 4, 2008 – Have you seen the eagles on the lake this year? Their presence near the Natural Area and the Ossipee River is part of an exciting recovery for some of the state’s most threatened and endangered birds.

The return of big birds like eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons to the state is the result of the priority focus that has been given to the species by a coalition of agencies, including N.H. Audubon.

Mark Suomala is an experienced birder and naturalist who has worked as a field biologist for Audubon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has an extensive knowledge of these special creatures, and this Saturday, August 9th, he’ll share his experiences as part of Freedom Old Home Week in a special presentation called “Big Birds.”

The event is free and will be at 8 p.m. under the big tent at Freedom’s Calumet Conference Center on the shores of Ossipee Lake. If it’s rainy or cool, dress accordingly.

“Big Birds” is the latest in the Tales of Ossipee Lake series sponsored by Ossipee Lake Alliance. Directions to Calumet Conference Center are online at www.calumet.org or by phone at (603) 539-4773.

Information on Mark Suomala’s bird watching and nature tours can be found at www.marksbirdtours.com, and information on Ossipee Lake Alliance, now celebrating its fifth anniversary, is at www.ossipeelake.org.