Preliminary mid-winter bald eagle survey results

For the 32nd consecutive year, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has conducted the annual mid-winter bald eagle survey in the region on January 11. The preliminary (aerial) portion of the results has been released for Southeastern New York, and a new record has been set for eagles counted in the region.

Peter Nye, head of the Endangered Species Unit of the NYSDEC, sums up the results of the flight: “Quick preliminary results from our heli survey of Southeast New York yesterday, the 11th; a great flight and lots of ice as well as eagles. Matter of fact, this survey turned out to be a record count, significantly eclipsing the past record of 238 eagles seen a decade ago along the same route (2000). Considerable ice along much of the route concentrated eagles well to the south and confined them largely to open water areas.”

Aerial eagle count, Southeast New York

January 11, 2010

Cohoes Falls-mouth of Mohawk River 1 (1 ad)

Hudson River (Albany to Croton) 50 (33 ad, 17 imm)

Sullivan County* 3 (2 ad, 1 imm)

Mongaup System 82 (42 ad, 40 imm)

Delaware River (mainstem) 96 (46 ad, 50 imm)

Delaware River (west branch) 8 (3 ad, 5 imm)

Cannonsville Reservoir 30 (11 ad, 19 imm)

Pepacton Reservoir 2 (1 ad, 1 imm)

Schoharie County/Creek 5 (3 ad, 2 imm)

Totals 277 (142 ad, 135 imm)

Key: ad=adult, imm=immature

*Sullivan County exluding Mongaup system and Delaware River Valley