Tips for spotting Bald Eagles

Sharpening those Bald Eagle eyes*

by niki@hvny.info

Bald Eagles have rebounded after being classified as an endangered species in New York State, and while they are still on the list of being threatened, monitoring and protecting their critical habitat has helped encourage over 170 pairs of eagle nests throughout the state. Each year, New York's Bald Eagles fledge about 10 percent more young eagles than the year before.

In the Town of Poughkeepsie, Bald Eagle nest NY62 has been busily preparing for the upcoming breeding season, as the female of the pair enters her 23rd year. 

Down the road, the adults of Bald Eagle nest NY372 were spotted bringing new timber to their nest, refurbishing, shoring up weak points that had been compromised by storms and many months of use.

Near the Hudson River in Senasqua Park, an adult Bald Eagle swooped down and snatched a gizzard shad out of the water. As it ascended off the river, a second adult eagle came dive-bombing out of the sky causing the fish to be dropped. The dive-bomber eagle caught the fish in mid-air and flew off. 

These sightings, along with a large number of immature bald eagles, have been taking place along the Hudson River this winter, according to the DEC’s Hudson River Almanac. 

Wintering eagles begin arriving in December with peak visitors in January and February. Most eagles head back to their nests by mid-March. Eagles tend to congregate around areas of open water, especially when cold weather causes ice to form on many open waterbodies.

Not sure what to look for? See tips below, and get expert advice from the Audubon Society, who will be scoping out eagles at Constitution Marsh from the vantage point of Boscobel’s Belvedere Mansion, or during a special bird walk as part of Teatown’s Eagle Fest this weekend (details in the calendar, below). 

What to look for:

• White head and tail with a wingspan of six to seven feet

• Immature eagles (up to five years old) are chocolate brown and mottled with white

• Wings are held straight out, not in a V-shape like turkey vultures

• A bald eagle nest is a large structure, usually located high in a tall, live white pine tree near water. The nest is reused and added to (decorated) each year, often becoming eight or more feet deep, six feet across, and weighing hundreds of pounds.

Where to look:

• Scan the tree line for eagles that are perched in the tree tops.

• Look overhead for eagles soaring high in the sky.

• Check ice floes or river islands for eagles sunning themselves or enjoying a meal.

• Arrive early (7 to 9am) or stay late (4 to 5pm), when eagles are most active.

• Be patient – the key to successful viewing is patience.

• Popular DEC viewing locations: 

  • Norrie Point State Park, Hyde Park

  • Constitution Island from North Dock, West Point

  • Route 6/202 overlook above Iona Island

  • Riverfront Park, Peekskill

  • Charles Point/China Pier, Peekskill

  • Verplanck waterfront

  • George's Island Park parking area, Montrose

  • Also, the river side of any train between Albany and Croton-on-Hudson.

Eagle Etiquette:

For the safest and least intrusive bald eagle viewing, the DEC recommends the following:

• Remain in or immediately next to your vehicle, and don't approach eagles closer than a quarter mile. 

• Avoid roosting areas.

• Refrain from loud noises: honking horns, door slamming, radios playing, yelling, etc.

• Keep pets at home.

• 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.

Report your sightings

Not all eagle sightings need to be reported, but certain observations are helpful in managing and protecting eagles. Contact DEC's Bureau of Wildlife by email or by calling 518-402-8883 if you see:

• Adult eagles between April 15 and June 15 (this could lead to the discovery of new nesting pairs).

• Four or more eagles in one location, especially after 3pm (this could reveal a significant winter roost site).

• Eagles with colored wing tags or leg bands

*The eagle eye is among the sharpest in the animal kingdom, with an eyesight estimated at 4 to 8 times stronger than that of the average human. Although an eagle may only weigh 10 pounds, its eyes are roughly the same size as those of a human. [ Source ]

Please note: This piece originally appeared in our January 31, 2022 newsletter, “This week in the Hudson Valley.” Sign-up to get the free weekly newsletter delivered on Mondays at: hvny.info/sign-up

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