Bedford Audubon Society

Bedford Audubon's 2003 Bald Eagle Weekend

The Bedford Audubon Society conducted its annual field trip to the Catskill Reservoir/Delaware River area of western Sullivan County over the January 31-February 2 weekend. The weekend included two nights' lodging, wine and cheese on Friday night, and all meals from Saturday though Sunday lunch. Pictured above is the Inn at Mike Fraysse's Sports Resort, where we stayed overnight.

Surprisingly, there were few eagles present relatively speaking. The Mongaup-Rio Reservoirs were almost completely frozen, and less than five eagles were present there. The Delaware River, from the Sullivan/Orange County line north to Narrowsburg, hosted some 35 eagles. The weather was not very cooperative during the weekend, and the ice was pretty thick on the Delaware River. This may have also contributed to the lack of eagles. A small flock of Pine Siskins were heard on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, but there was not much else to report from this region.

We then checked the "Beechwoods" area in the Jeffersonville-Youngsville area of northwestern Sullivan County. This area is near a large resort called the "Villa Roma." This is a large agricultural area with many fields. We found three Rough-legged Hawks and two American Kestrels in Saturday's snow and rain. There were certainly large numbers of very well fed looking Wild Turkeys in this area as well. Finally, we checked the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR at dusk on Sunday, where NO Short-eared Owls seen.

Photos Courtesy of and Copyright © 2003 by Tony Ianniello

Copyright © 2003 Bedford Audubon Society
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