Counting eagles: the annual mid-winter eagle survey

For those who heard or saw a low-flying helicopter traveling along the river valley or other places in the region on January 10: it wasn’t an aerial search for lost persons or renegade bank robbers. The second week in January is traditionally the time for wildlife census takers to tally the number of eagles across New York State and most of the other states in the nation.

The helicopter was carrying a crew of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) observers who were spotting eagles, augmenting efforts of spotters on the ground and also covering remote or inaccessible eagle habitat areas.

Cold weather during December in Canada may have gotten the migrants moving this year to the wintering grounds of our area. According to Pete Nye, NYSDEC, the preliminary (aerial survey) count statewide for New York nearly doubled, with two routes yet to be flown.

Preliminary counts show that there were 199 eagles surveyed in 2008, versus 97 last year, with 30 spotted along the Delaware River versus 20 in 2007, and 42 along the Mongaup River, compared to 55 in 2007.

If you decide to do some winter eagle watching, visit eagleinstitute.org, or visit them in Lackawaxen, PA on weekends for up-to-date info and helpful hints.