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 21st 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.
