NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Winter
is a great time to view bald eagles in New York State. Viewing from a safe
distance and at established
observation sites can offer an
exhilarating and memorable experience. Wintering eagles begin arriving in
December and concentrations peak
in January and February. Most are heading to their nests by mid-March. The
Hudson River, the Upper Delaware River watershed, and sections of the St. Lawrence River are great places to view bald eagles during the winter.
DEC maintains two well-marked viewing areas in the Mongaup Valley on the Rio and Mongaup Falls reservoirs.
The following tips will help you to have the best possible experience:
- Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of trying to
get a little closer.
- Don't do
anything to try to make the bird fly.
- Respect
private property and avoid restricted areas.
- Scan the
tree line for eagles that are perched in the tree tops.
- Look
overhead for eagles soaring high in the sky.
- Arrive
early (7:00 am to 9:00 am) or stay late (4:00 pm to 5:00 pm), when eagles
are most active.
- Be
patient, this is the key to successful viewing.
Warning: Harassing, disturbing, or
injuring a bald eagle is illegal.
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