Project Purpose:

• To collect data about eagles and other wildlife in areas known for use by wintering bald    eagles.

• To collect data about the people who come to see those eagles.

• To provide education and interpretation of the resource for those visitors.

Background:

EAGLE WATCH! is a volunteer program designed to provide the safest and least intrusive eagle viewing opportunities in the Delaware River Highlands, Upper Delaware and Mongaup River watersheds in Sullivan County, NY, and Pike County, PA, where bald eagles are known to winter. It is a program of The Eagle Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Each winter, 150-200 bald eagles migrate to this region in search of open water, fresh fish and undisturbed habitat for safe perching and roosting. Publicity about the eagles brings an ever-increasing number of people who want to see them. EAGLE WATCH! provides those people with the information they need to safely view the eagles without disturbing them.

Where Are the Eagles?

Three general habitat areas have been identified as the most popular for the eagles AND the eagle watchers:

1. The Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area in Sullivan County, NY;

2. The Upper Delaware River and its tributaries, including roadside pull-offs and parking areas along Route 97 from Pond Eddy to Callicoon, and designated viewing areas in Lackawaxen, PA, Narrowsburg, NY and Minisink Ford, NY.

3. The middle Delaware River in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Viewing locations are unmaintained in winter.

When Is the Best Time:

Best time of year: January and February. Sometimes eagles begin arriving by mid-December. Some winters they stay into early March. It's best to check with us before you head out to find out if the eagles have arrived or if they are still around. Call, email or check the Eagle Forum message board.

Best Time of Day:

Early morning and late afternoon eagle watching provides a glimpse of eagles coming out for their first or last feeding of the day. Or you can witness hours of playful and energetic flying and soaring — or the sometimes lethargic loafing — of eagles during mid-afternoon hours. Bright, sunny and cold days are favored for eagle activity.