Spring on the Eagle Trail
Fledgling Season is upon us, most of the Eaglets born this Spring will soon be leaving the nest and starting to explore the countryside, so if you still want to see the young Eaglets in the nest now is the time to get out on the Eagle Trail. We start will how many Eaglets are in each nest, Cobleskill 2, Middleburgh 2, Central Bridge 1, Schoharie 2, Vllie Pond 1, Carlisle 3, Seward 2, South Gilboa 1, Jefferson 1, Schoharie Reservoir 1 and Sloansville 2. So, from July to September there will be over 50 Bald Eagles between the adults and the newly fledged Eaglets flying in the sky over Schoharie County so keep your eyes open you never know where they will be.
Once they take their first flight, they will continue to hang around the nest area for about 4 – 5 weeks perfecting their hunting and flying abilities. Hence the saying Empty Nesters the adults will now spend time fishing and hunting just for themselves. They will start all over again at the end of the year starting to rebuild their existing nest. We did have some nest failures this year up in the Blenheim/Gilboa area of the county, there will always be some nests that fail due to weather or predators which is all part of nature. We have also found a few new nests in the county in the areas of Gallupville, Esperance and Conesville. When you are out traveling the Schoharie County Eagle Trail keep an eye out for other wildlife that you can see this time of the year.
This month we are highlighting Viewing Site #3 on the Schoharie County Eagle Trail which is located at the Cobleskill Reservoir. With a dedicated parking area and a noticeably short walk to the water and flat walking surface makes this site perfect for all ages. You can walk to all three bodies of water and view the many distinct species of waterfowl and watch the Bald Eagles catch a fish right in front of you. Lately we have also seen Great Blue Herons and Osprey fishing in the ponds and the Bald Eagles chasing them for the fish that they had just caught. There has also been a River Other swimming and catching fish, Beavers are busy adding to their home, Bunny Rabbits bouncing around, Deer with their newly born fawns walking the paths and yes even a Black Bear walking in the hayfields of the surrounding farms. The early morning serenade of the songbirds is worth taking a minute to stop and enjoy, the nesting Baltimore Orioles will also let the Bald Eagle know when he is too close to their nest.
Some of the hot spots to see Eagles this time of the year will be at the Cobleskill Reservoir, Upper and Lower Mine Kill State Park Reservoirs, Schoharie Reservoir, Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area and along the Schoharie Creek 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 educational efforts in the area by becoming a Friend of the Eagle Trail HERE.
The Schoharie County Eagle Trail also offers educational talks to local community groups and schools in the area. They can be contacted by email at nywild@gmail.com.
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 June 2024 “Tales from the Trails” newsletter from the Schoharie County Eagle Trail!
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