It's prime time for bald eagle watching in the Poconos. Here's where to go
'Tis the season for winter bald eagle watching in the Poconos and Upper Delaware River corridor.
While one may simply look up and hope to see the majestic bird, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy aims to make it easier with guided bus tours and tips.
The Conservancy notes that human presence can stress the eagles and require them to use their energy needed to survive.
"Remember, we share the healthy lands and clean waters of our beautiful Upper Delaware River region with a whole host of wildlife, including eagles," the Conservancy says on their website. "Being respectful, aware, and cautious means, we can continue to experience the joy and satisfaction we get from seeing eagles soar above our rivers and forests."
The Conservancy advises these "rules of eagle etiquette":
Remain in or near your vehicle at roadside viewing locations.
Move quickly and quietly to observation blinds, where you can remain hidden from view while watching the eagles. (Blinds are located at Mongaup Reservoir and at Minisink Ford locations).
Avoid loud noises, such as yelling, car door slamming, horn honking and unnecessary movement.
Use binoculars and a spotting scope instead of trying to get “a little bit closer.”
Don’t do anything to try to make the eagle fly.
The Conservancy’s Winter Field Office is provided by the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and staffed by Conservancy volunteers.
Visitors can learn more about viewing and protecting eagles, get maps and directions to eagle viewing locations, watch a short film, and view interpretive exhibits. The Visitor Center is staffed on Saturdays and Sundays in January and February, and open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Go birdwatching at local Eagle Observation Areas
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy has partnered with the National Park Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to maintain well-marked, public Eagle Observation Areas.
These viewing blinds are staffed by Conservancy volunteers on weekends through the winter season. Visitors can look through binoculars and spotting scopes to see bald eagles in the wild.
Visit DelawareHighlands.org/Eagles for directions and information about eagle viewing on your own.
The Upper Delaware River region is one of the largest wintering habitats for eagles in the northeast United States. The Conservancy notes that this is due to the abundant clean water and large, undisturbed stands of trees.
Protected lands in Pike and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania and Sullivan and Delaware Counties in NY provide a safe haven for these migratory birds, as well as breeding eagles that live here year-round.
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the natural heritage and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region.
If you go: Guided bald eagle tours
Saturday bus tours are set for these dates: Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, and Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. Snow dates for the trips are the Sundays immediately following.
An expert guide will teach about bald eagles and their habitat while riders can enjoy the scenery aboard a heated bus throughout the Upper Delaware River region.
The trips start at 11 a.m. at the Conservancy’s Winter Field Office at the Zane Grey Museum, 135 Scenic Drive in the village of Lackawaxen and run until 3 p.m.
Advance reservations are required due to limited seating. The fee is $20 for Conservancy members, and $30 for non-members; children under 12 are free. For tickets, call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010, or go online at DelawareHighlands.org.
Visit the Conservancy's website for the most up-to-date information. Refunds are not provided in the event of cancelled reservations or no-shows.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Head to the Poconos to spot a bald eagle on a guided tour
