Events and activities in the NY, NJ and PA tri-states area, with photos by Jack Padalino.
Updated: 3 hours 10 min ago
Third Search for Eagles, 11 March 2012
The third 2012 Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trip, Search for Eagles took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with nine participants. The temperature at the start was 32 degrees and at the finish doubled to 64 degrees. It was a clear gorgeous day. The day began with watching feeder birds at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) that included Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and Fox Sparrow among others. We logged 147 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from PEEC. The trip concluded at the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.
Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and the Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that included seeing 39 species of birds with 12 Bald Eagles (BE), 7 adults and 5 immature birds.
The first raptor of the day was a Red-tailed Hawk perched west of Route 209 at the Heller Farm. At the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were Song and Lincoln’s Sparrows, 2 Common Mergansers, 25 Canada Geese and 2 Mallards. The first BE, an adult was seen on the New Jersey side of the river flying over a corn field. About 5 minutes later the adult was joined by an immature BE. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted perched above the entrance to the access.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker was at the Eshbacks Boat Launch. No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access; however, Common Mergansers and a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos greeted us. Blackbirds including Red-wings, Rusty, and Common Grackles were flying around the Dingmans Bridge.
I have been unable to monitor the BE nest near mile marker 17 on Route 209 because the highway is closed to traffic due to storm damage and construction on the Raymondskilll Creek bridge. This nest has been active for at least the past five years.
The nine of us rendezvoused at the Callahan House, headquarters of the Brandwein Institute. Our third BE of the day was an adult seen flying down stream along the Sawkill Creek and over the historic Callahan House where our group was watching feeder birds. We added White-throated Sparrow.
At Milford Beach another adult BE soared above us soon after we watched a Red-shouldered Hawk lift itself high above us on a thermal current. A heterospecific flock of over 800 Blackbirds, Red-wings, Rustys, and Common Grackles flew above us from the PA to NJ side of the river. Well in the distance north of us were two skeins of Canada Geese of about 500.
An adult BE was in the Milford nest that has recently been reconstructed. Last year the nest crashed to the ground and the BEs began immediately constructing a new nest on the north side of the creek.
Our next BE was seen flying over the nest, above the ridge at the westbound lane of I 84 opposite the Kittatinny Camp Ground. As we were watching a perched Red-tailed Hawk two Common Ravens performed above us. Next we watched the perched RT fly above the ridge with talons extended. It was joined by another RT. Both birds remained in the air together for a few minutes then left it to soar overhead. We were hoping for the RTs to do their courtship display, locking talons and tumbling through the air. In addition to the two Red-tailed Hawks, and a Turkey Vulture were Ravens soaring above the ridge.
On our way to the Riverview Restaurant we were treated to 7 RTs along the way.
At the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge 50 Ring-billed Gulls were present as were Common Mergansers and Mallards but no eagles. Along the shore where we were standing was a group of Canada Geese with 3 Killdeer.
We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center where we viewed an Eagle Institute exhibit and a diorama of the Roebling Bridge
No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook; however, we were greeted by Common Mergansers, 50 Canada Geese, Mallards, and 300 Ring-billed Gulls.
By Noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker. Great vista with 2 Ravens, An immature BE, 3 RT, and 4 TVs.
At the Pond Eddy nest sight in a White Pine on the PA side of the river we saw an adult BE in the nest. Driving north to Pond Eddy we had a RT high above the ridge and an adult BE dropped behind the trees on the PA side of the river.
As we crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Reservoir Observation Blind we searched upstream for BEs to no avail, there were none.
There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or from the Rio Reservoir Dam. This was the first time this eagle search season that no BEs were seen on the Mongaup – Rio loop. We returned to the Delaware and traveled upriver. As we passed Pond Eddy again we had a RT high above us as well as an immature BE. The BE was still in the nest.
No eagles were at Minisink Ford observation blind; however, a RT put on a display above us.
The Eagle Institute is where a video of area eagles is screened and where brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles is made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends; however, the Institute was closed for the season.
Approaching the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Dellaware Rivers opposite the Zane Grey Museum an immature BE was flying along side. An adult BE was spotted in the distance upriver. High above us was a skein of 50 Snow Geese, difficult to spot, but still a treat as was the 20 Tree Swallows.
At the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers above us on the north side of the river is an active BE nest. We were able to locate the nest with a BE in it.
No BEs were seen as we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen and concluded our field trip at 4:30 p.m. but were able to see one more RT as we returned to Milford.
Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.
An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out was provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute. Join us in the future to Search For Eagles. Four searches will be planned next season: December 2012, January 2013, February 2013, and March 2013.
In addition to the 12 Bald Eagles, 7 adult and 5 immature we saw:
- Snow Goose - 50
- Canada Goose – 500 +
- Mallard
- Black Duck
- Common Merganser
- Ring-billed Gull
- Killdeer
- Wild Turkey
- Turkey Vulture
- Sharp-shinned Hawk
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Red-tailed Hawk – 22
- Rock Pigeon
- Morning Dove
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Tree Swallow
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Common Raven
- Tufted Titmouse
- Black-capped Chickadee
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- American Robin
- Eastern Bluebird
- European Starling
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Rusty Blackbird
- Common Grackle
- Northern Cardinal
- Purple Finch
- American Goldfinch
- Dark-eyed Junco
- White-throated Sparrow
- Fox Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
- Lincoln’s Sparrow
- Purple Finch
- House Sparrow
Categories: Fellows' Blogs
North Shore Field Trip
Hi,
Had a great time birding the NJ North Shore on Sunday. Write up is attached. jack
NJ_North_Shore_Report.2-19-12.doc Download this file 2012_-_Second_Search_for_Eagles.doc Download this file
Categories: Fellows' Blogs
Search for Eagles 1/8/12 Report
Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen - Memorial Field Trip Series, 8 January 2012
The second in a series of four Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trips, Search for Eagles, took place in the Delaware Valley Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. The day began with watching feeder birds at home and the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) that included, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Blue Jays. We logged 144 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River between the Bushkill Access and the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River.
Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search with seven participants that recorded 27 species of birds including 21 Bald Eagles (BE), 19 adults and 2 immature eagles, 8 Red-tailed Hawks, and one Coopers Hawk.
By the time we arrived at the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area we had seen five Red-tailed Hawks. Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers were seen in the parking area. No BE were at the access, at Toms Creek, or at Eshbacks..
Our first Bald Eagle (adult) was sighted flying down river from the Dingmans Ferry Access to the New Jersey side of the river where it perched. We observed the BE through a spotting scope. We searched the Dingmans Cemetery where I previously observed adult BEs perched and in flight.. None were present.
At the historic Callahan House we watched feeder birds. We saw Black-capped Chickadees, Juncos, Tufted Titmouse, and White-throated Sparrows. Two weeks earlier at 4:30 p.m. I observed two adult BEs fly upstream above the Sawkill and land in the top of a White Pine tree. Last year the BE nest along the Sawkill crashed to the ground and the BEs quickly began constructing another nest near the top of another nearby White Pine tree.
There were no BEs at Milford Beach.
From the scenic vista in the park at the end of Ann Street no BEs were to be seen on the river.
No eagles at the nest over the I-84 westbound lane across from the Kittatinny Camp Ground; however, we did see a RT along I-84.
Our next stop was the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge. Fifty Canada Geese were present. As we were about to depart an adult BE soared above the tri-states monument. Simultaneously, a pair of adult BEs appeared to be courting above us down river. Leaving the Riverview and approaching route 6 we found a Cooper’s Hawk perched on a utility wire.
We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center.
On the way to the Eddy Pond Resort overlook an adult BE was sighted flying upriver.
By Noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where Rock Pigeons and American Crows flew above us. An immature BE soared and disappeared over the cliff.
Our next stop was Pond Eddy where we viewed a BE nest on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. A pair of adult BEs was basking in the sun, perched in a White Pine tree high above us on the ridge on the NY side of the river.
Next we drove through Glen Spey to the Mongaup observation area. As we slowly crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Observation Blind three adult BEs were on the ground at the shore and one started bathing. Also upstream above where the BEs were on the ground were four perched BEs, three of whom were adult birds and one an immature bird.
There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or at the Rio Reservoir Dam.
We returned to he Delaware, traveled upstream and saw the same two adult BEs above us on the ridge proximal to the Pond Eddy road sign.
No eagles were seen upriver from the bridge at Barryville, or at Minisink Ford observation blind; however, a Red-tailed Hawk soared above us. At the blind feeder we observed Northern Cardinal, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dark-eved Junco. Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, and Blue Jays.
Before crossing the Delaware via the Roebling Bridge we saw an adult BE perched upriver from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers. A visit the Eagle Instutue was next. Here is where videos of area eagles are screened and brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles are made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends.
On the north side of the Lackawaxen near the confluence with the Delaware River, we were able to locate the BE nest. It is high above the Lackawaxen River in a White Pine tree. We discovered it as we standing in the shopping center parking lot.
As we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen, one adult BE was seen perched near Church Road. It flew to the water and began to drink. Image is attached. Further along the road we saw a soaring Adult BE. Our 21st BE for the day was perched above the Lackawaxen (image attached.)
The eagles’ nests we discovered will be monitored on our future Searches for Eagles:
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday. March 11, 2012.
TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP PHONE: 570.296.6752 or EMAIL jack@brandwein.org AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House, 101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA – WEATHER PERMITTING. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch. THERE IS NO CHARGE Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with the National Park Service, members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA. An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out is provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute. In addition to the 21 Bald Eagles observed were: Canada Goose – 300+ Mallard 14 Common Merganser – 10 Wild Turkey - 3 Cooper’sHawk Red-tailed Hawk – 8 Herring Gull – 2 Ring-billed Gull - 25 Rock Pigeon - 30 Morning Dove - 8 Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3 Downy Woodpecker - 2 Hairy Woodpecker Blue Jay - 16 American Crow – 8 Brown Creeper 2 Tufted Titmouse - 10 Black-capped Chickadee - 12 White-breasted Nuthatch – 4 European Starling – 200 Common Grackle – 3 White-throated Sparrow - 5 Dark-eyed Junco - 75 Northern Cardinal American Goldfinch – 15 Jack Padalino jack@brandwein.org Phone: 570.296.6752
Categories: Fellows' Blogs
Christmas Count 2011 & Black Vulture Roost
I did sections A & C of the PEEC Christmas count in Sussex County from Culver Lake to Hainsville and along the Delaware River on January 1, 2012. The Cackling Goose was on Culver Lake at 4:00 p.m. east of Savage Point. The Bald Eagle was at the Clubhouse at 10:00 a.m. (Photo attached with nest.) The Green-winged Teal and Wood Ducks were on the Hainsville Wildlife Management Area Lake. The 4,000 plus Common Grackles were at the Flatbrook Game Management Area.
I came across a Black Vulture Roost today at 4:30 p.m. on the Clove Road just north of mile marker 1. (Image attached.)
See the full gallery on Posterous
I'll be leading a Search for Eagles field trip from PEEC at 8:00 a.m. and the Callahan House at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 8.
Categories: Fellows' Blogs
Search for Eagles 12/19/11 Report
Search for Eagles, Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen - Memorial Field Trip Series, 19 December 2011
The first in a series of four Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen Memorial Field Trips, Search for Eagles, took place in the Delaware Valley on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The day began with watching feeder birds at home and the Pocono Environme ntal Education Center (PEEC) that included, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-cappedChickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Blue Jays. We logged 148 miles in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic River from the Bushkill Access. The trip concluded along the headwaters of the Lackawaxen River at 4:15 p.m. Jack Padalino, president emeritus of PEEC and Brandwein Institute, a partner with the National Park Service, led the search that recorded 26 species of birds including seven Bald Eagles (BE), six adults and one immature eagle, 5 Red-tailed Hawks, and one Sharp-shinned Hawk. At the Bushkill Access in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were American Crows and a Red-tailed Hawk flying across the river from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. No BE were see at the access, at Toms Creek, or at Eshbacks. The second RT was seen just south of the Briscoe Mountain Road near PEEC and a third near the Dingmans Ferry campground. No eagles at the Dingmans Ferry Access. I searched the Dingmans Cemetery where previously I observed adult BEs perched and in flight. None were present. At the historic Callahan House we watched feeder birds. We saw Black-capped Chickadees, Juncos, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and White-throated Sparrows. Two days previous at 4:30 p.m. I observed two adult BEs fly upstream along the Sawkill and land in the top of a White Pine tree. Last year the BE nest along the Sawkill crashed to the ground and the BEs quickly began constructing another nest in the top of a nearby White Pine tree. There were no BEs at Milford Beach. From the scenic vista in the park at the end of Ann Street no BEs were to be seen on the river.No eagles at the nest over the I-84 westbound lane across from the Kittatinny Camp Ground.
Our next stop was the Riverview Restaurant near where PA, NJ, and NY converge. Twenty-five Canada Geese were present but no eagles. We enjoyed a rest stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center. No eagles were seen from the Eddy Pond Resort overlook; however there was in excess of 250 Canada Geese on the river. By noon we were at the Hawks Nest historical marker where Rock Pigeons and American Crows flew above us. Perched beneath us was a Red-tailed Hawk that launched over the river, soared momentarily, then flew down river to perch. The Pond Eddy nest site on the PA shore has been reconstructed. Our first adult BE for the trip was basking in the sun, perched in a White Pine tree high on the ridge on the NY side of the river. As we crossed the bridge approaching the Mongaup Observation Blind an immature BE took flight from a tree upstream, landed on the shore and started feeding on a fish. Also upstream a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree above where the immature BE was feeding. From the blind and across the water from us we observed a perched BE who took flight and perched further downstream. There were no eagles to be seen along Plank Road or from the Rio Reservoir Dam. We returned to the Delaware and traveled upstream until we saw two adult BEs soaring above the ridge proximal to the Pond Eddy road sign. No eagles were seen upriver from the bridge at Barryville, at Minisink Ford observation blind, nor from the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers. A visit the Eagle Institute on weekends would be in order, Here is where videos of area eagles are screened and brochures, newsletters, and information about eagles are made available to visitors. There is a gift shop and the Institute is open weekends. On the north side of the Lackawaxen near the confluence, we were able to locate a BE nest. It is high above the Lackawaxenriver in a White Pine tree. We found it as we were standing in the shopping center parking lot. As we traveled upstream along the Lackawaxen, two adult BEs were seen perched within ten feet of each other. These two adult BEs were near Church Road. Digital images of Eagles from this trip are attached. The eagles’ nest we discovered will be monitored on our future Searches for Eagles: Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012 TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEARCH FOR EAGLES FIELD TRIP
PHONE: 570.296.6752 or EMAIL jack@brandwein.org
AND INDICATE WHICH FIELD TRIP(s) YOU WILL BE ATTENDING.
Meet 8:00 a.m. at the PEEC parking lot OR meet 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Callahan House,
101 Route 209 South @ mile marker 21, Milford, PA – WEATHER PERMITTING.
Dress warmly, bring binoculars, field guides, and a lunch. THEREIS NO CHARGE Eagle observation data that we collect is shared with the National Park Service, members of the Sussex County Bird Club, Eagle Institute, and Hawk Migration Association of North America HMANA.
An Eagle identification field guide and a “Search for Eagles” hand-out is provided for participants by the Paul F-Brandwein Institute. Join us to Search For Eagles, the symbol of our nation! In addition to the 7 Bald Eagles observed were: CanadaGoose – 275 +
CommonMerganser - 2
Sharp-shinnedHawk
Red-tailedHawk – 5
HerringGull – 4
Ring-billedGull - 35
RockPigeon - 15
MorningDove - 6
PileatedWoodpecker
Red-belliedWoodpecker - 2
DownyWoodpecker - 2
HairyWoodpecker
BlueJay - 6
AmericanCrow - 10
TuftedTitmouse - 10
Black-cappedChickadee - 8
White-breastedNuthatch – 2
EasternBluebird - 2
EuropeanStarling - 55
White-throatedSparrow - 2
Dark-eyedJunco - 20
NorthernCardinal
HouseFinch
AmericanGoldfinch - 4
HouseSparrow
Categories: Fellows' Blogs