Come witness this national treasure at Trailside before winter’s end!
Photo © Vince Ferraro
In the United States, the Bald Eagle is a not only a symbol of freedom but also of hope; the species faced historic declines half a century ago, but are now on their way back and were even taken off the Endangered Species list in 2007. Every year, Bald Eagles migrate from northern New York and Canada to spend their winters along the Hudson River. From late January to February hundreds of eagles can be seen scavenging on the floating ice and hunting for fish. In the evening they congregate at what are called roost sites which, noncoincidentally, happen to be in places where the morning sun shines first. Bald Eagles can live 30 years and take up to five years to fully mature, so many immatures, such as the one pictured below, are also frequenctly sighted this time of year.
- Photo © Vince Ferraro
Come spring, the majority of Bald Eagles leave the Hudson and return to their northern summer range. However, some nesting pairs stay behind to raise thier offspring in large nests constructed with sticks and twigs. Bald Eagles mate for life and can raise 1-3 fledglings before also heading north.
