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This is a female eagle from a New York nest along the upper Delaware during early March in 2006. The snow—about 1 foot’s worth—came after she started incubating. When the male and female perform an exchange, they have to be careful not to cause snow to pile on top of the eggs. The hole right after a storm that is snow-free may only be about 8 inches wide. The incubating adult keeps its brood patch, a small spot on its breast that is sparse of feathers on the eggs. This keeps the eggs at just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s the 27th of January as I write this column, two days after Sunday’s snowstorm. We had between 14 and 17 inches of snow during the storm, which will stick around for some time due to the … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 2/4/26

Felt-soled waders with titanium studs provide the best grip and ensure safe wading.

The art of wading

Of all the different aspects of fly fishing with which anglers are involved, wading seems to get the least amount of attention. Other than the advertisements by some of the premium wader … more

2/4/26

Ice fishing

“It’s all about the camaraderie” is what 75 percent of ice fishermen will tell you. The other 25 percent are all about the catching. Ice fishing is an activity best done with a group … more

By EVAN PADUA | 2/4/26

The Upper Delaware River region is richly endowed with abundant expressions of wild beauty, like this winter snowscape in Pike County, PA, in the heart of the season and its midpoint. Every day takes us closer to the warmer seasons, but each of these days offers endless gifts when viewed through the lens of gratitude. Consider celebrating Imbolc, the traditional Gaelic festival that typically falls halfway (on February 1 this year) between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and marks the beginning of spring. Have a feast and a fire while reflecting on the great abundance of our lives and appreciating every day we are given.

The heart of winter

It would be easy to complain about the winter weather we are receiving recently. It feels gratifying to gripe about getting up on icy mornings, having to don extra layers and do the back-busting … more

By SANDY LONG | 1/28/26

Gary the grouse just wanted to be with people...

The tale of Gary the Grouse and a lumberjack bear

One of the little joys of living out here is the sharing of tales between friends. One outdoorsman to another: You will find there are uncountable tales, some fictitious, others just a small stretch … more

By HUNTER HILL | 1/28/26

Polystyrene foam cooler on side of a road

Info and tips on the "styrofoam" ban

NEW YORK — Beginning on January 1, 2026, no covered food service provider, manufacturer or store is allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene containers that are not … more

NY DEC PRESS RELEASE | 1/21/26

On January 12 and 17, Forest Rangers Franke, Jeffery, Kocher, and Schweider taught the classroom and field portions of the basic wildland search class to the Sullivan County search and rescue team.

Sullivan county team gets training from rangers

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response … more

1/21/26

This is part of a winter flock, and appears to be hens. There is no snood on top of the head, nor a waddle that hangs from the neck. The snood may be at rest, flopped over on the side of the head. A female’s head can show a bit of red or blue, but is mostly brown and not very distinctive.

PA Game Commission requests help locating turkey flocks

In a January 6 press release, the PA Game Commission (PGC) requested public help in locating turkey flocks in the state for ongoing research. Trapping turkeys during winter is part of PGC’s … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 1/21/26

Two non-traditional little flies, given to me while fishing the Battenkill River.

A day on the Battenkill River with some interesting flies

There was a time when the spirit of adventure and excitement would call and we would be off to fish all over the Northeast. We fished for flounder in Quincy Bay, MA; for weakfish in Narragansett Bay, … more

By TONY BONAVIST | 1/21/26

The air is cold and the sun has just risen, still casting long shadows of trees upon the freshly groomed slopes. It’s time for the first ski trip.

Take to the slopes

The air is cold and the sun has just risen, still casting long shadows of trees upon the freshly groomed ski slopes. While waiting for the first chairlift ride and ski run, it is important to … more

By EVAN PADUA | 1/21/26

Two members of our local “family” flock—a solitary red-bellied woodpecker and a chickadee—have become fast friends. Recently I spotted them resting companionably for considerable time in the tree outside our kitchen window, simply observing their surroundings. When the chickadee eventually took flight, the woodpecker followed. Other members of this flock are typically dark-eyed juncos, tufted titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, blue jays and a pair of cardinals.

‘Kissing the joy’ in 2026

The arrival of the new year presents us with many choices, not the least of which is whether to remain mired in misery over whatever happened in 2025 or to consciously aspire to more joyful … more

By SANDY LONG | 1/13/26

This is a young-of-year bald eagle flying in a snow squall.

Monroe Conservation hosts bald eagle field trip

KETTLE CREEK, PA — Join an environmental educator on Friday, January 23 or Friday, February 6 for a field trip to the Upper Delaware River in search of the symbol of the United States: the bald … more

1/13/26

Corn silage management the focus of Penn State webinars

ONLINE — Silage, dairy and livestock producers have the chance to gain practical, research-based guidance on every step of corn silage production by attending webinars hosted by Penn State … more

1/13/26

Turkey teeth

Winter has beset us rather decisively this year, which, having prepared for it, makes me quite content. With time to hibernate outside of my regular work routine, I can reflect on the stories and … more

By HUNTER HILL | 1/13/26

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds expected to increase over winter months

REGION — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to infect birds and mammals across the U.S. and Canada, including New York State. With wild bird mortalities from HPAI increasing in late … more

1/12/26

Annual spring seedling sale is open in NY

NEW YORK — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery’s annual … more

1/6/26

Any rough-legged hawk seen in our region is a winter visitor from Canada. They arrive during the fall and stay for the duration of winter. They prefer open fields, where they forage on rodents. These are “booted” raptors; the leg feathers are present all the way to the foot. The best place to spot these raptors, along with wintering short-eared owls, is the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, just south of the New York-New Jersey border.

Mid-winter critters

It’s just after New Year’s, and a little cooler and snowier than we have had it for the last few winter seasons. Though not a lot, we have had some snow in the area, and most places had a white … more

By SCOTT RANDO | 1/6/26

Adventure outdoors at dusk to experience the golden glow of a winter sunset...

Licensed guide in NY? State exam dates for 2026 set

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced upcoming dates for the New York State Licensed Guide exam. Licensed Guides offer services for hire, … more

1/6/26

Snow in the Big Hole River Rockies, even at the end of June!

We tried to fish the Big Hole River

It was June in Big Sky Country, and three of us had just completed the spring quarter at the University of Montana. My two friends, Ed and John, had just graduated and all too soon would be returning … more

By TONY BONAVIST | 1/6/26

This photo in my house reminds me to be thankful every day.

A million miles by night

They say a man travels a million miles and more, traveling not door to door, but rooftop to rooftop with presents galore. In upstate PA works another such man, but a million miles traveled is not his … more

By HUNTER HILL | 12/30/25

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Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
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