Hudson Valley Eagle Watch – February 12th  by Scott Silver

Hudson Valley Eagle Watch – February 12th  by Scott Silver

We’ve just celebrated the continuation of what has become a very popular, and much anticipated annual event:  at Boscobel House and Gardens, the annual Constitution Marsh Eagle Watch.   Co-sponsored by Boscobel, Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary, and the Putnam Highlands Audubon Society, visitors came out to Boscobel’s great lawn overlooking the 240 acre Marsh, and observed Bald eagles that make the marsh their home, or at the very least, visit the marsh over the winter.

Approximately 400 people took advantage of the lovely weather and joined Audubon staff and volunteers to observe eagles throughout the day perched on the large trees adjacent to the Hudson River; sitting on the ice drifting down the river or covering the cove; or sometimes flying overhead.  A lucky few even had the chance to see two adult eagles (identifiable by their characteristic white heads and tails) hunting in the marsh, trying to catch an unwary duck (fortunately for the duck, they were unsuccessful this time).  Spotting scopes and binoculars helped ensure that nearly everyone had a chance to spot the eagles, and everyone learned a little bit about eagle biology and natural history thanks to the staff and volunteers from PHAS and Constitution Marsh.   

All-in-all, the cooperation of the weather, the eagles, and the hosts, made for a wonderful day.  Many potential eagle watchers came to Boscobel with their own stories about having seen eagles before, but nearly everyone who attended had one by the time they left!  

If you missed it, do not worry.  The eagle watch takes place every winter during the first or second weekend in February. Next year will be here before you know it!