Eagle sightings prevalent during next three weeks

By James A. Beemer
Fish & Wildlife Biologist

A bright spot in the recent cold spells of the past two weeks is that it has brought bald eagles back to spend the winter along the Hudson River.

These magnificent birds that are seen along the river each winter spend the breeding season (spring to fall) in Canada and Maine. When the waters there freeze up and temperatures plummet, the eagles fly down to spend some time along the Hudson River before returning when it warms up again in the north. The bald eagles that spend their winters along the Hudson are the second-largest concentration of wintering eagles in New York. Only the eagle population that spends its winters along the Delaware River is greater in number.

The next three weeks are when the greatest number of bald eagles can be seen in the Hudson Valley. Observers have counted as many as 45 eagles along the Hudson River during recent bald eagle surveys.

West Point captured four bald eagles in 1998 in a joint telemetry study with New York State. While the transmitters are no longer working, all four eagles were fitted with white wing tags displaying a black, 3-inch high number -- either "39," "43," "44" or "45." One of these birds, 43, has often been seen around Con Hook near the Town of Highlands wastewater treatment plant in Highland Falls. It is unknown if the other three birds are still alive, but if they are, you should still see their wing tags if they are in the area. If any one of these birds is spotted, please report it to the Natural Resources Branch at 938-3857 or by email (yj6936@exmail.usma.army.mil).

Eagle 45, an immature male now four years old, has been seen over in the Delaware River eagle wintering area. It is possible he will make day trips over to the Hudson River if he gets the urge.

As part of West Point’s commitment to sound management of its natural resources, USMA personnel are asked to report all bald eagles seen anywhere on USMA properties. Use the phone number or e-mail address previously listed.

For those individuals interested in just seeing an eagle, the North Dock area below Eisenhower Hall is an excellent place to view them. You will need binoculars or a spotting scope. Concentrate your viewing efforts between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. Additionally, the Natural Resources Branch has copies of the pamphlet "Bald Eagles of the Hudson River" which includes where the best locations to see bald eagles are locally. Copies can be requested from the Natural Resources Branch

Questions about eagles may be directed to the Wildlife Biologist at 938-3857.