Nature cinematographer and falconer Neil Rettig displays Cal, the endangered South American harpy eagle he has raised, to Service guests at the annual award recognition dinner in La Crosse. Photo credit: USFWS.

Emmy Award winning nature cinematographer Neil Rettig was recently presented the highest level of recognition for achievements by a non-Service employee in the Midwest, the Silver Eagle Award, by Regional Director Robyn Thorson. Photo credit: USFWS.

Chuck Chihak, the La Crosse NFWCO 2007 Volunteer of the Year, enjoys a portrait photo taken of him in action at a recent childrens ice fishing event. Photo credit: USFWS.

Bald eagles are now a common sight near La Crosse, Wisconsin, especially during late winter when they congregate in large numbers to feed on the bountiful supply of fish that appear as the blanket of ice covering the Upper Mississippi River recedes. 

Recently however, a select group of about 100 area residents had the chance to view two distinctly different and very rare types of eagles they had never seen before.  This unique opportunity occurred on a likewise unique date, Leap Day (February 29), at a recognition dinner for local Service volunteers, partners and friends.  The event, co-hosted annually by the La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) and the La Crosse District Office of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (UMRNWFR), was held this year at the friendly confines of the City Brewery Hospitality Center in downtown La Crosse.

Following a delicious meal of batter-fried cod that could have attracted a flock of eagles on its own, three-time Emmy-award winning nature cinematographer, falconer, and rural Prairie du Chien (WI) resident Neil Rettig introduced the banquet guests to Cal, an endangered harpy eagle from South America’s Amazon Forest that he has raised from a chick. 

The most powerful species of eagle in the world, this 10-pound bird has an owl-like facial disk, large ear tufts, and was an incredible creature to behold.  After a 15-minute exhibition period during which Cal perched upon a thick leather gauntlet glove that protected Rettig’s arm as Neil answered questions, the magnificent raptor was prepared for its return trip home.  Meantime, the audience was treated to an exclusive screening of scenes from a bald eagle film documentary that Rettig is now preparing for the Nature series on television's Public Broadcast System.

Robyn Thorson, the Service’s Midwest Regional Director, presented Rettig with the rare and prestigious Silver Eagle Award.  This is the highest level of recognition for achievements by a non-Service employee in the Midwest.  It was given to the cinematographer for his outstanding contributions to fish and wildlife resources of the region.  Rettig’s parents, who also live in southwest Wisconsin, were special guests at the dinner and enjoyed seeing their son recognized for his outstanding achievements. 

Following these highlights, the program continued, recognizing 58 volunteers and program partners for their contributions to the mission of local Service offices during the past year.  These efforts cumulatively totaled about 500 hours for the fishery program and 1,000 hours for the refuge program.  In keeping with the raptor-based theme of this year’s awards program, each of these individuals received a certificate of thanks bearing the impressive of image of a bald eagle in flight, as well as a token gift of appreciation. 

Sarah Bauer, Chuck Chihak and Barb Hammes received additional recognition for their enthusiastic efforts and were named Volunteer of the Year for the La Crosse Fish Health Center, the La Crosse NFWCO, and the UMRNWFR-La Crosse District Office, respectively.  Friends group organization members who have actively supported the mission of these Service offices were also present and were acknowledged for their continued commitment.

As the evening program concluded, one could not help but feel enthused by the genuine spirit of friendship, and thankful for the levels of support, that volunteers, partners, and friends annually provide Service employees who are fortunate to work here in “God’s Country."