Brandwein Institute Local Activities

Third Search for Eagles, 11 March 2012

The third 2012 Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, Search for Eagles took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with nine participants. The temperature at the start was 32 degrees and at the finish doubled to 64 degrees. It was a clear gorgeous day. The day began with watching feeder birds at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) that included Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and Fox Sparrow among others. We logged 147 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from PEEC. The trip concluded at the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and the Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 39 species of birds with 12 Bald Eagles (BE), 7 adults and 5 immature birds.

The first raptor of the day was a Red-tailed Hawk perched west of Route 209 at the Heller Farm. At the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were Song and Lincoln’s Sparrows, 2 Common Mergansers, 25 Canada Geese and 2 Mallards. The first BE, an adult was seen on the New Jersey side of the river flying over a corn field. About 5 minutes later the adult was joined by an immature BE. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted perched above the entrance to the access.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker was at the Eshbacks Boat Launch. No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access; however, Common Mergansers and a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos greeted us. Blackbirds including Red-wings, Rusty, and Common Grackles were flying around the Dingmans Bridge.

I have been unable to monitor the BE nest near mile marker 17 on Route 209 because the highway is closed to traffic due to storm damage and construction on the Raymondskilll Creek bridge. This nest has been active for at least the past five years.

The nine of us rendezvoused at the Callahan House, headquarters of the Brandwein Institute. Our third BE of the day was an adult seen flying down stream along the Sawkill Creek and over the historic Callahan House where our group was watching feeder birds. We added White-throated Sparrow.

At Milford Beach another adult BE soared above us soon after we watched a Red-shouldered Hawk lift itself high above us on a thermal current. A heterospecific flock of over 800 Blackbirds, Red-wings, Rustys, and Common Grackles flew above us from the PA to NJ side of the river. Well in the distance north of us were two skeins of Canada Geese of about 500.

An adult BE was in the Milford nest that has recently been reconstructed. Last year the nest crashed to the ground and the BEs began immediately constructing a new nest on the north side of the creek.

Our next BE was seen flying over the nest, above the ridge at the westbound lane of I 84 opposite the Kittatinny Camp Ground. As we were watching a perched Red-tailed Hawk two Common Ravens performed above us.  Next we watched the perched RT fly above the ridge with talons extended. It was joined by another RT. Both birds remained in the air together for a few minutes then left it to soar overhead. We were hoping for the RTs to do their courtship display, locking talons and tumbling through the air. In addition to the two Red-tailed Hawks, and a Turkey Vulture were Ravens soaring above the ridge.

On our way to the Riverview Restaurant we were treated to 7 RTs along the way.

At the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge 50 Ring-billed Gulls were present as were Common Mergansers and Mallards but no eagles. Along the shore where we were standing was a group of Canada Geese with 3 Killdeer.

We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center where we viewed an Eagle Institute exhibit and a diorama of the Roebling Bridge 

          No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook; however, we were greeted by Common Mergansers, 50 Canada Geese, Mallards, and 300 Ring-billed Gulls.

By Noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker. Great vista with 2 Ravens, An immature BE, 3 RT, and 4 TVs.

         At the Pond Eddy nest sight in a White Pine on the PA side of the river we saw an adult BE in the nest. Driving north to Pond Eddy we had a RT high above the ridge and an adult BE dropped behind the trees on the PA side of the river. 

As we crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Reservoir Observation Blind we searched upstream for BEs to no avail, there were none.

There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or from the Rio Reservoir Dam. This was the first time this eagle search season that no BEs were seen on the Mongaup – Rio loop. We returned to the Delaware and traveled upriver. As we passed Pond Eddy again we had a RT high above us as well as an immature BE. The BE was still in the nest.

No eagles were at Minisink Ford observation blind; however, a RT put on a display above us.

The Eagle Institute is where a video of area eagles is screened and where brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles is made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends; however, the Institute was closed for the season.

Approaching the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Dellaware Rivers opposite the Zane Grey Museum an immature BE was flying along side. An adult BE was spotted in the distance upriver. High above us was a skein of 50 Snow Geese, difficult to spot, but still a treat as was the 20 Tree Swallows.

At the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers above us on the north side of the river is an active BE nest. We were able to locate the nest with a BE in it.

         No BEs were seen as we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen and concluded our field trip at 4:30 p.m. but were able to see one more RT as we returned to Milford.

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA. 

An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out was provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.  Join us in the future to Search For Eagles. Four searches will be planned next season: December 2012, January 2013, February 2013, and March 2013.

In addition to the 12 Bald Eagles, 7 adult and 5 immature we saw:

• Snow Goose - 50
• Canada Goose – 500 +
• Mallard
• Black Duck
• Common Merganser
• Ring-billed Gull
• Killdeer
• Wild Turkey
• Turkey Vulture
• Sharp-shinned Hawk
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Red-tailed Hawk – 22
• Rock Pigeon
• Morning Dove
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Downy Woodpecker
• Tree Swallow
• Blue Jay
• American Crow
• Common Raven
• Tufted Titmouse
• Black-capped Chickadee
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• American Robin
• Eastern Bluebird
• European Starling
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Rusty Blackbird
• Common Grackle
• Northern Cardinal
• Purple Finch
• American Goldfinch
• Dark-eyed Junco
• White-throated Sparrow
• Fox Sparrow
• Song Sparrow
• Lincoln’s Sparrow
• Purple Finch
• House Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

North Shore Field Trip

Hi,

 

Search for Eagles 1/8/12 Report

Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen - Memorial Field Trip Series, 8 January 2012

The second in a series of four Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trips, Search for Eagles, took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. The day began with watching feeder birds at home and the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) that included, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and  Blue Jays. We logged 144 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River between the Bushkill Access and the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search with seven participants that recorded 27 species of birds including 21 Bald Eagles (BE), 19 adults and 2 immature eagles, 8 Red-tailed Hawks, and one Coopers Hawk. 

By the time we arrived at the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area we had seen five Red-tailed Hawks. Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers were seen in the parking area. No BE were at the access, at Toms Creek, or at Eshbacks..

Our first Bald Eagle (adult) was sighted flying down river from the Dingmans Ferry Access to the New Jersey side of the river where it perched. We observed the BE through a spotting scope. We searched the Dingmans Cemetery where I previously observed adult BEs perched and in flight.. None were present.

At the historic Callahan House we watched feeder birds. We saw Black-capped Chickadees, Juncos, Tufted Titmouse, and White-throated Sparrows. Two weeks earlier at 4:30 p.m. I observed two adult BEs fly upstream above the Sawkill and land in the top of a White Pine tree. Last year the BE nest along the Sawkill crashed to the ground and the BEs quickly began constructing another nest near the top of another nearby White Pine tree.

There were no BEs at Milford Beach.

From the scenic vista in the park at the end of Ann Street no BEs were to be seen on the river.

No eagles at the nest over the I-84 westbound lane across from the Kittatinny Camp Ground; however, we did see a RT along I-84.

Our next stop was the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge. Fifty Canada Geese were present. As we were about to depart an adult BE soared above the tri-states monument. Simultaneously, a pair of adult BEs appeared to be courting above us down river. Leaving the Riverview and approaching route 6 we found a Cooper’s Hawk perched on a utility wire.

We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center.

On the way to the Eddy Pond Resort overlook an adult BE was sighted flying upriver.

By Noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where Rock Pigeons and American Crows flew above us. An immature BE soared and disappeared over the cliff.

Our next stop was Pond Eddy where we viewed a BE nest on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. A pair of adult BEs was basking in the sun, perched in a White Pine tree high above us on the ridge on the NY side of the river.

Next we drove through Glen Spey to the Mongaup observation area. As we slowly crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Observation Blind three adult BEs were on the ground at the shore and one started bathing. Also upstream above where the BEs were on the ground were four perched BEs, three of whom were adult birds and one an immature bird.

There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or at the Rio Reservoir Dam.

We returned to he Delaware, traveled upstream  and saw the same two adult BEs above us on the ridge proximal to the Pond Eddy road sign.

No eagles were seen upriver from the bridge at Barryville, or at Minisink Ford observation blind; however, a Red-tailed Hawk soared above us. At the blind feeder we observed Northern Cardinal, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eved Junco. Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, and Blue Jays.

Before crossing the Delaware via the Roebling Bridge we saw an adult BE perched upriver from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers.  A visit the Eagle Instutue was next. Here is where videos of area eagles are screened and brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles are made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends.

On the north side of the Lackawaxen near the confluence with the Delaware River, we were able to locate the BE nest. It is high above the Lackawaxen River in a White Pine tree. We discovered it as we standing in the shopping center parking lot.

As we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen, one adult BE was seen perched near Church Road. It flew to the water and began to drink. Image is attached. Further along the road we saw a soaring Adult BE. Our 21^st BE for the day was perched above the Lackawaxen (image attached.)

The eagles’ nests we discovered will be monitored on our future Searches for Eagles:

Saturday, February 18, 2012   

Sunday. March 11, 2012.

 

 

 

Christmas Count 2011 & Black Vulture Roost

I did sections A & C of the PEEC Christmas count in Sussex County from Culver Lake to Hainsville and along the Delaware River on January 1, 2012. The Cackling Goose was on Culver Lake at 4:00 p.m. east of Savage Point. The Bald Eagle was at the Clubhouse at 10:00 a.m. (Photo attached with nest.) The Green-winged Teal and Wood Ducks were on the Hainsville Wildlife Management Area Lake. The 4,000 plus Common Grackles were at the Flatbrook Game  Management Area. 

Alphabetic Taxonomic		Location	S/P	Date
1	Cackling Goose - Branta hutchinsii	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
2	Canada Goose - Branta canadensis	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
3	Mute Swan - Cygnus olor	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
4	Wood Duck - Aix sponsa	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
5	American Black Duck - Anas rubripes	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
6	Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
7	Green-winged Teal - Anas crecca	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
8	Ring-necked Duck - Aythya collaris	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
9	Lesser Scaup - Aythya affinis	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
10	Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
11	Common Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
12	Hooded Merganser - Lophodytes cucullatus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
13	Common Merganser - Mergus merganser	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
14	Ring-necked Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
15	Wild Turkey - Meleagris gallopavo	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
16	Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
17	Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
18	Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
19	Sharp-shinned Hawk - Accipiter striatus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
20	Cooper's Hawk - Accipiter cooperii	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
21	Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
22	Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
23	Herring Gull - Larus argentatus	Dingmans Ferry	US-PA	01 Jan 2012
24	Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus	Dingmans Ferry

Search for Eagles 12/19/11 Report

Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen - Memorial Field Trip Series, 19 December 2011

The first in a series of four Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trips, Search for Eagles, took place in the Delaware Valley on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The day began with watching feeder birds at home and the Pocono Environme ntal Education Center (PEEC) that included, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-cappedChickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Blue Jays. We logged 148 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from the Bushkill Access. The trip concluded along the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River at 4:15 p.m.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that recorded 26 species of birds including seven Bald Eagles (BE), six adults and one immature eagle, 5 Red-tailed Hawks, and one Sharp-shinned Hawk.

At the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were American Crows and a Red-tailed Hawk flying across the river from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. No BE were see at the access, at Toms Creek, or at Eshbacks.

The second RT was seen just south of the Briscoe Mountain Road near PEEC and a third near the Dingmans Ferry campground. No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access. I searched the Dingmans Cemetery where previously I observed adult BEs perched and in flight. None were present.

At the historic Callahan House we watched feeder birds. We saw Black-capped Chickadees, Juncos, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and White-throated Sparrows. Two days previous at 4:30 p.m. I observed two adult BEs fly upstream along the Sawkill and land in the top of a White Pine tree. Last year the BE nest along the Sawkill crashed to the ground and the BEs quickly began constructing another nest in the top of a nearby White Pine tree.

There were no BEs at Milford Beach.

From the scenic vista in the park at the end of Ann Street no BEs were to be seen on the river.
No eagles at the nest over the I-84 westbound lane across from the Kittatinny Camp Ground.
Our next stop was the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge. Twenty-five Canada Geese were present but no eagles.

We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center.

No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook; however there was in excess of 250 Canada Geese on the river. By noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where Rock Pigeons and American Crows flew above us. Perched beneath us was a Red-tailed Hawk that launched over the river, soared momentarily, then flew down river to perch.

The Pond Eddy nest site on the PA shore has been reconstructed. Our first adult BE for the trip was basking in the sun, perched in a White Pine tree high on the ridge on the NY side of the river.

As we crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Observation Blind an immature BE took flight from a tree upstream, landed on the shore and started feeding on a fish. Also upstream a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree above where the immature BE was feeding. From the blind and across the water from us we observed a perched BE who took flight and perched further downstream.

There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or from the Rio Reservoir Dam.

We returned to the Delaware and traveled upstream until we saw two adult BEs soaring above the ridge proximal to the Pond Eddy road sign.

No eagles were seen upriver from the bridge at Barryville, at Minisink Ford observation blind, nor from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers.

A visit the Eagle Institute on weekends would be in order, Here is where videos of area eagles are screened and brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles are made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends.

On the north side of the Lackawaxen near the confluence, we were able to locate a BE nest. It is high above the Lackawaxenriver in a White Pine tree. We found it as we were standing in the shopping center parking lot.

As we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen, two adult BEs were seen perched within ten feet of each other. These two adult BEs were near Church Road.

Digital images of Eagles from this trip are attached.

The eagles’ nest we discovered will be monitored on our future Searches for Eagles:

Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
PHONE: 570.296.6752 or EMAIL jack@brandwein.org
AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House,
101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA – WEATHER PERMITTING.
Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THEREIS NO CHARGE

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with the National Park Service, members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.
An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out is provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation!

In addition to the 7 Bald Eagles observed were:

CanadaGoose – 275 +
CommonMerganser - 2
Sharp-shinnedHawk
Red-tailedHawk – 5
HerringGull – 4
Ring-billedGull - 35
RockPigeon - 15
MorningDove - 6
PileatedWoodpecker
Red-belliedWoodpecker - 2
DownyWoodpecker - 2
HairyWoodpecker
BlueJay - 6
AmericanCrow - 10
TuftedTitmouse - 10
Black-cappedChickadee - 8
White-breastedNuthatch – 2
EasternBluebird - 2
EuropeanStarling - 55
White-throatedSparrow - 2
Dark-eyedJunco - 20
NorthernCardinal
HouseFinch
AmericanGoldfinch - 4
HouseSparrow

Marie Kuhnen sixth search for eagles 2/20/10 report

Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip Report: NJ North Shore 2/14/10

Dr.S. Marie Kuhnen, NJ North Coast Region February 14, 2010 Memorial Field Trip

TheDr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, NJ North Shore took place on the New Jersey North Coast Region Sunday, February 14, 2010 and logged 265 miles fromand to Dingmans Ferry, PA. From 7:00 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. with a temperature range from 22 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds from the northwest were brisk andchilling. The tour began at Manasquan Inlet’s south jetty Point Pleasant Beach, and concluded at Lake Takanassee.

During a field ornithology course in 1967 at Montclair State University taught by Dr. Kuhnen I first birded the North Shore. Subsequently, Marie and I birded the NJ North Shore together for the next 39 years. Many of those trips led by Marie served as opportunities for Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) staff members’ professional development and personal enrichment.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC as well as Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, orchestrated the North Shore Tour that included visiting numerous fresh water ponds, estuaries, inlets, and ocean front. Jim Zamos of the Sussex County Bird Club participated adding new tour stops along the way.

Prior to the start at Ross’ Corner, I had the bald eagle perched above the nest in Culver’ Gap. En route “down the shore,” a New Jersey idiom, we birded looking for red-tailed hawks and other birds. Soon after we exited the park and ride we saw a sharp-shinned hawk on a utility wire.

A North Shore tour, November through March, is noted for loons, grebes, northern gannet, great cormorant, geese, ducks including dabblers, divers, and sea ducks, purple sandpiper, gulls, and if you’re lucky, alcids. It is also possible to see noteworthy species sighted in the past such as red-necked grebe, Eurasian widgeon, common and king eiders, harlequin duck, little, common black-headed, Bonepart’s, Iceland, lesser black-backed, and glaucous gulls, as well as black-legged kittiwake. A list of rare species observed in the past include eared and western grebes, tufted duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, sooty tern, black-tailed gull, Sabine’s gull, dovekie, common and thick-billed murres, black guillemot and razorbill, an impressive list of “target species” for the tour.

How did we do? Sixty bird species were observed as well as a common (Eurasian) teal. Highlights include two loons, common and red-throated, northern gannet, a black-crowned night, 16 ducks – common eider, long-tailed, common and white-winged xcoters,with Eurasian (common teal) concluding the tour at a pond behind LakeTakanassee, Three raptors, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s and Red-tailed Hawks,Shorebirds:, Greater yellowlegs, purple sandpiper,, and sanderling. The four species of gulls observed were: great black-backed, lesser black-backed, herring, and ring-billed.

Trip specialties included western grebe at the start in the entrance to ManasquanInlet. Most numerous bird seen was American robin followed by brandt. Just off the coast in Deal were well over 1,000 common scoter with six white-winged scoter mixed in with the three huge rafts of the common scoters. Also on pilings at Deal were six great cormorants. Throughout the day we saw numerous common loon. northern gannets were out at sea near the Shark River Inlet. We had a mixed flock of American robins with 50+ eastern bluebirds on Marconni Drive.

PEEC is offering a NJ North Shore field trip limited to 12 participants on March 7, 2010.

I will be leading Search for Eagles field trips in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday ,February 28, 2010

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP PLEASE email jack@brandwein.org or
PHONE: 570.296.6257 AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at PEEC or 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House, 101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA – WEATHER PERMITTING. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THERE IS NO CHARGE

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club and Eagle Institute,
An eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” handout will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation.

 

Fifth Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Search for Eagles

Fifth Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen
Memorial Field Trip Series, 7 February 2010

The fifth Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, "Search for Eagles," took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, February 7, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. The day began with watching feeder birds at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) that included purple finch, American goldfinch, dark-eyed junco, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, red-breasted nuthatch, blue jay. We logged 140 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from the Bushkill Access. Although the trip concluded along the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River ,an adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying above the Raymondskill Creek at dusk.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 33 species of birds including 27 bald eagles (BE), 16 adult and 11 immature eagles.

At the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water GapNational Recreation Area were a carolina wren, song and white-throated sparrows,100 + Canada geese, hairy, downy, and red-bellied woodpecker as well as yellow-bellied sapsucker and northern flicker. No BE were see at the access, at Toms Creek, or at Eshbacks. A red-tailed hawk (RT), perched in a tree at Heller’s farm was our first.

The second RT was seen just north of the Briscoe Mountain Road near PEEC. No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access; however, common mergansers and a flock of dark-eyed juncos greeted us. First BE adult was seen 9:34 a.m.perched north of the intersection of PA route 739 west of route 209. At the Raymondskill nest an adult BE flew from its perch near the nest and circled above us, landed in a tree near the top of the ridge. A second adult BE remained at the nest.

A few hundred yards north of the Raymondskill, an adult RT perched in a tree overlooking a field west of route 209 stressing it. Our third red-tailed hawk perched at the Milford Cliffs where in 1952 the last peregrine falcon was believed to have nested in Pennsylvania.

At the historic Callahan House our group of five watched feeder birds. We saw black-capped chickadees, juncos, tufted titmouse, northern cardinal and finches. At the southernmost boat launch, Milford Beach at 10:15 a.m. an immature BE soared above the Milford Bridge and flew upriver passing in front of us.

An adult BE was present at the Milford nest. We watched it leave the nest, perch above it, then fly toward the Delaware River. We remained in our cars throughout this observation.

From the park at the end of Ann Street we saw an adult BE soaring north of us above the river.

No eagles were at the nest over the westbound lane of I 84 opposite the Kittatinny Camp Ground; however, we did see two RT perched on the ridge that then flew above us over the Delaware River.

Our next stop was the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge. Lots of Canada geese were present but no eagles.
We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center.

No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook and by noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where a raven flew above us.

Near the Pond Eddy nest site a female adult BE was basking in the sun while perched in a white pine tree high on the ridge. Moments later an adult BE appeared above the ridge and flew to the west across the Delaware River.

As we crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Reservoir Observation Blind four immature BE took flight from trees upstream. It was a busy afternoon at the blind with at least a dozen eagle watchers present sporting binoculars, spotting scopes and digital cameras with huge lenses. From the blind we observed an additional three immature BE who stood on the ice then took flight. Three adult BE were at times perched or flying. One of the adult BE remained perched in a white pine tree opposite the blind throughout our stay.

There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or from the Rio Reservoir Dam.

We returned to the Delaware and traveled upstream until we saw a cluster of cars at the roadside north of Pond Eddy. At open water just before where the river was solid ice from shore to shore we stopped. Here we watched five BE, two adults, one sub-adult, and two immature. At one time four of the eagles were feeding on fish while standing on the Pennsylvania shore. We watched an adult BE displace an immature BE, making it move away from the fish it was eating then moving in to devour the fish. There was considerable activity at this site, BE coursing back and forth over the fish on the ice, soaring above, moving along the shore, and assuming threatening postures. It was an incredible happening that we enjoyed for about 20 minutes. An image is attached of an immature BE being displaced by an adult.

No eagles were at Minisink Ford observation blind or seen from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers. However, we did see a soaring red-tailed hawk. We stopped to visit the Eagle Institute where videos of area eagles are screened and where brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles is made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the institute is open weekends. The staff member present told us about an active nest on the north side of the Lackawaxen near the confluence. We were not able to locate the nest.

During the first search for eagles we saw no eagles along the Lackawaxen, on the second search two were sighted, and on subsequen ttrips as many as five. Three were seen on this trip. An adult BE flew at treetop level upriver along the Lackawaxen. An adult BE was perched near Church Road, and another perched further upstream.

The last BE I saw was one returning to roost in the Raymondskill gorge.
Two digital images of eagles I took this trip are attached:
1 BE perched above the nest at Raymondskill
2 BE, adult and immature on the ice north of Pond Eddy.

The eagles’ nest we discovered will be monitored on subsequent Searches for Eagles:
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
PHONE: 570.296.6752 AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR
Meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House,
101Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA –
WEATHER PERMITTING.

Dresswarmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THERE IS NO CHARGE

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.

An eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” handout will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation.

In addition to the 27 Bald Eagles observed were:

Canada Goose – 200 +
Mallard
Black Duck
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk – 7
Wild Turkey
Rock Pigeon
Morning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven - 3
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Purple Finch
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

 

Search for Eagles 1/31/10 report

Third Search for Eagles January 31, 2010 Memorial Field Trip Series

The third Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, "Search for Eagles," took place inthe Delaware Valley Sunday January 31, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The temperature at the start of the search was 7 degrees and at the conclusion 27 degrees. The search began at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and logged 130 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from the Bushkill Access and concluded along the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and the Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search with eight participants that included seeing 27 species of birds with 26 bald eagles (BE),21 adult and five immature eagles.

Six of us arrived at the Bushkill access at 8:15 a.m. and were greeted by pileated, hairy, and downy woodpeckers. The first adult BE was seen at 8:25 a.m. perched in NJ across from the access. Two additional adult BE soared above the ridge in PA where a red-tailed hawk (RT) was perched. There were no BE at the large nest near mile marker 5 north of the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. One adult BE was perched at Dingmans Ferry bridge where we also saw six eastern bluebirds. No BE were at the nest site at mile marker 17; however, an adult RT soared above the ridge.

We were joined by two additional participants at the Callahan House and proceded to Milford Beach. At 10:10 a.m. two adult BE were flying and exhibiting courtship behavior over Milford Beach. Two additional BE an adult and an immature were seen at the beach. We visited the nest at the end of Mott Street where at a feeder were red-breasted nuthatches. A sub-adult BE flew high over the nest. There were no eagles present at or near the nest over the westbound lane of I84 and opposite the Kittatinny Campground; however, a distant RT was in flight. The next two adult BE were seen in the distance soaring above the ridge in Westfall Township.

No eagles were seen at Eddy Farm or the Hawks Nest where we saw our first Raven. Crossing the bridge over the Mongaup we saw an adult BE perched on the upstream side where the Mongaup enters the Delaware. At 12:45 p.m. a sub-adult BE was perched in a white pine tree on the PA side south of Pond Eddy. The Pond Eddy nest was vacant.

No BE were seen from the Mongaup Reservoir Observation Blind. The next two adult BE were seen at 1:27 p.m. perched along Plank Road where a half-dozen cars were parked. One over-eager photographer violated protocol and got out of his car to photograph the birds. This is a No No and the area is posted with signs cautioning people to remain in their vehicles lest they disturb and stress the eagles. The next adult BE we saw was perched downstream from the Rio Dam.

At the Minisink Ford observation blind we spoke with volunteers monitoring eagles who reported it was a slow day with not too many eagles observed. We continued our search to the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware where at 2:45 p.m. we saw five BE. The first two adult BE were soaring upriver along the Delaware. We saw two additional adult BE from the parking area at the mouth of the Lackawaxen River soaring downriver from the Roebling Bridge. From the parking area we also watched an adult BE on the ice eating a large fish. After watching it for a while we saw the bird leave the fish, fly upriver, and perch.

We watched an additional five BE along the Lackawaxen. The first two, immature and sub-adult, were seen upstream in the vicinity of Appert road. Images of these two BE are attached. Further upstream from Appert road we saw two adult BE perched in trees on opposite banks of the Lackawaxen. We concluded our search by seeing a perched adult BE as we crossed the Lackawaxen.

Eight eagle nests were looked at. These nests will be monitored on subsequent trips:

Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
Please REGISTER via Email: jack@brandwein.org or
PHONE: 570.296.6257 AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.

Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot off of Route 209 along Briscoe Mountain Road or
Meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House, 101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA – WEATHER PERMITTING.

Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THERE IS NO CHARGE

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.

An eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” handout will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation.

In addition to the 26 bald wagles observed were:

Canada Goose
Mallard
Black Duck
Common Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk - 9
American Kestrel
Turkey
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Morning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker - 2
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven - 3
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 4
American Robin
Eastern Bluebird
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Search for Eagles 13 Jan '10 report

Third Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen
Memorial Field Trip Series, 13 January 2010

The third Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, "Search for Eagles," took place in the Delaware Valley Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. The search began at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and logged 130 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from the Bushkill Access and concluded along the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.

Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 28 species of birds including 30 bald eagles (BE), 15 adult and 15 immature eagles.

The first two immature BE were seen at 8:25 a.m. flying above the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area where 300+ Canada geese and a lone hooded merganser were present. A red-tailed hawk (RT), perched in a tree on the cliff above the access was our first RT. At 8:43 a.m. we were at the large eagle’s nest near mile marker 5 north of Tom’s Creek picnic area where last Wednesday I saw an adult BE place a six-foot long stick on the nest. No eagles were seen here or at the Dingmans Ferry Access. Two RT were perched north of the Briscoe Mountain Road near PEEC. At the nest site, mile marker 17, an adult BE flew from its perch near the nest and circled above us, landed in a tree near the top of the ridge, then flew down river. A few hundred yards north of the Raymonds kill, an immature BE perched in a tree overlooking a field west of route 209 at 9:45 a.m. We were able to view this bird through a spotting scope without disturbing or stressing it.

At the Callahan House four more people joined our group, now seven people. The bird feeders were refilled and we watched a few winter feeder birds. At the southernmost boat launch, Milford Beach at 10:15 a.,. an adult BE was perched in a white pine. Another adult BE was perched across the river from the swimming beach. Two immature BE were soaring above the beach as well.

At the nest at the end of Mott Street there were no eagles present nor were they at or near the nest over the westbound lane of I 84 opposite the Kittatinny Camp Ground; however, two ravens flew over the nest.

We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center.

No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook. By 11:35 a.m. we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where we saw three immature BE in flight. From the Hawks Nest northernmost overlook we watched a dozen crows mobbing a perched RT. We continued the tour to Pond Eddy where an adult BE flew, then perched. Two adult BE were also perched near the nest at Pond Eddy in a white pine tree on the PA side of the river. Simultaneously there were three immature BE present, one perched and two in flight. There was another mature BE perched near the nest in a pine at the top of the ridge on the NY side.

No eagles were at the Mongaup Reservoir observation blind; however, an Eagle Institute volunteer monitoring the site reported observing 21 BE that morning from the blind. The next eagles we saw were at 1:15 p.m. from the Rio Reservoir dam. Two adults were perched downstream from the Rio Dam while two immature BE flew downstream. One adult BE left the perch and flew downstream. The other remained perched throughout our stay.

No eagles were at Minisink Ford observation blind or seen from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers at 2:35 p.m.

During the first search for eagles there were no eagles seen along the Lackawaxen, on the second search two were sighted, and on this trip five. An adult BE flew at tree top level upriver along the Delaware. Two adult BE were seen perched near Church Road, another perched further upstream, and an immature BE flying down stream at treetop. The last eagle seen for the search was an immature perched upstream in the vicinity of Appert Road.

Three digital images of Eagles I took that trip are attached:
1 Pairof adult BE perched near of Pond Eddy
2 Adult BE along the Lackawaxen near Church Road
3 Immature BE near Appert Road

The eight eagles’ nests we discovered are being monitored on subsequent Searches for Eagles:

Sunday, January 31, 2010..
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
PHONE: 570.296.6752 AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR
Meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House,
101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA –
WEATHER PERMITTING.

Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch.

THEREIS NO CHARGE

Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.

An eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” handout will be provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute.

Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation.

In addition to the 30 bald eagles observed were:

Canada Goose – 300+
Mallard
HoodedMerganser
Common Merganser
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk - 6
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Morning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven - 2
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow