2023 Recap & Eagle Count
2023 was a successful, prosperous year for Bald Eagles in Schoharie County. The year started off with a convocation of more than 20 Bald Eagles gathered at viewing site #15 (Gilboa Dam Spillway) and ended with over 25 Eagles in the same area at the end of the year. The overwintering Eagles stayed in the area until mid-March and then dispersed to other areas of the country.
We had a great nesting season with more than 20 Bald Eagles being born in the county this year, with nests located in Gilboa, Blenheim, Fultonham, Middleburgh, Broome, Schoharie, Central Bridge, Sloansville, Esperance, Carlisle, Cobleskill, Seward, Jefferson, South Gilboa, Summit, Middleburgh and Schoharie. Schoharie County has become a hotspot for Bald Eagles to settle in and for seasonal overwintering Eagles to spend their Winter here.
We were excited to discover three (3) new nest locations this year and will be updating the Schoharie County Eagle Trail to include these three new nest-viewing sites in coming months, as soon as NYS DEC approves them for addition to the Trail.
Open to the public events start with the National Eagle Count this Saturday! Exclusive Friends events are slated during hatching season, migration season and a secret pop-up spot for the National Eagle Day during the summer.
Travel Tip
Route 30 from Middleburgh to Gilboa is still one of the best areas to travel and see Bald Eagles. We find them here along Route 30 every day on the Trail.
Anna Maria & John Jacob Are Rebuilding
The Cobleskill Eagles lost their nest this year after successfully fledging three offspring and can be observed daily building their new nest in a cottonwood tree immediately to the west of the old nest location. This will be John Jacob and Anna Maria’s 7th year nesting near the Cobleskill Creek viewable from the Sterling Insurance gazebo. So far this season all the nest sites have been active, and the Eagles have been busy rebuilding for next Spring’s baby season.
You're Invited, Join our Flock!
Friends of the Eagle Trail receive a 10% discount on our tours. You can help us with our efforts to protect the Eagles in Schoharie County and our local educational efforts by becoming a Friend of the Eagle Trail. Friends of the Eagle Trail receive special invitations to trail meet-ups, have direct access to Trail Ambassador, given photography tips, mailed a limited edition postcard and more!
Tour With Combs Wildlife Photography
Tours of the Eagle Trail make great birthday gifts, weekend adventures, with family or something to do while in town for a graduation or wedding! Combs Wildlife provides the transportation, spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras, and local knowledge.
Click on the image to the right to download the full January 2024 “Tales from the Trails” newsletter from the Schoharie County Eagle Trail!
(Be sure to check your downloaded files if you are having trouble viewing)
Become a Friend of the SC Eagle Trail today to receive insider trail updates and articles, as well as seasonal Eagle Trail memorabilia and gifts.