One immature Golden Eagle was photographed in New Ipswich. August through September are the best times to see migrating bald eagles at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, with the peak times being in September. The bird star of the Mount Washington show is Bicknells Thrush, which has a very restricted range in northeastern North America. The refuge comprises fifteen thousand acres of mixed aquatic habitats, fields, and woods. 1. Its the least you can do. Saco River/Ossipee River, and from elsewhere across NH Total of 6 Bald Eagles seen, with all 6 individuals (3 adults, 3 immatures) seen on Count Day (7 observers). NH Federal Status: Not listed; Bald eagles are legally protected in New Hampshire. The state of Minnesota claims the largest population of bald eagles, with an estimated 1,312 pairs, surpassing Floridas most recent count of 1,166 pairs. They were distributed as follows: Androscoggin River Total of 8 Bald Eagles seen, including 6 individuals (6 adults) seen on Count Day (7 observers), plus 2 additional Bald Eagles (1 adult, 1 immature) confirmed during the two-week Count Period. This 968 acre lake located in New Hampshire's Lakes Region is a serene escape into nature that's also a hub for local wildlife. To impress a female, male birds will pick up a stick or a rock and fly up high, only to drop it. The remote Connecticut Lakes region in far northern New Hampshire is known among birders for north woods species, some of which are uncommon to rare elsewhere in the state. The Bald Eagle is a widely-recognized bird of prey. 20 Largest Birds In New Hampshire (By Weight, Length, Wingspan), 14 White Birds In New Hampshire (ID, Photo, Call Guide), 6 Types Of Crows and Jays In New Hampshire (And Their Calls), 25 Winter Birds To Spot New Hampshire (Out Birding), All The Birds Of Prey In New Hampshire And Their Calls, All The Falcons In New Hampshire And Their Calls (ID, Photos, When To Spot), Signup for regular news all about birdwatching, bird identification and fun facts. They make high-pitched whistled calls. Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news. Our 2020 Count Day (NHs 40th annual) tallied 101 Bald Eagles plus 2 Golden Eagles! in March 2017. Give today. Topics covered include how to plan for shots, ethics of nature [], Decades of restoration efforts now make it possible trace generations of Peregrines from successful nest sites across the state. Also look for Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rusty Blackbird, and Purple Finchas well as a suite of a dozen or more nesting warblers such as Northern Waterthrush, Mourning, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Canada, and Wilsons. From late December to early March, you can see the nations second (or third, depending on who is counting) largest population of bald eagles at the Chain of Rocks Bridge at Alton and Grafton, Illinois. Park on the west side of the road south of the bridge to scan Hampton Harbor. Here are some of the best places to seebald eagles in New England. Spring is here and the birds are starting to chirp outside my bedroom window. A salute to all our volunteers who have contributed time and birding skill to our 40 consecutive years of Mid-winter Bald Eagle Surveys! We finally did it! As a clear sign that our Bald Eagle population continues to rise, the top six Count Day totals in NH since 1981 have all occurred in the past six years (2015-2020). A New Hampton hatchery pair by Libby Corbin on Jan. 10, 2019. The Center is open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with guided walks to eagle watching sites. Adult bald eagles have a distinctive white head and white tail feathers, and a dark brown body and wings. If you go to the Buena Vista City Park above Alma, you may see the eagles soaring, as you take in a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River Valley. 1. Be sure to ask Don about some of the other highlights of this wonderful cemetery, from the separate sections for the Union and Confederate dead, to the last resting place of one of the first women architects in the USA. Also, watch all the eagle nesting action on live cameras and find out incredible Bald Eagle Facts. They have even been known to snatch a bear cub for dinner. Im always amazed at their beauty, large size, and astonishing ability to soar at extreme heights! Outstanding total of 38 Bald Eagles seen, including 29 individuals (23 adults, 6 immatures) seen on Count Day (16 observers counting for NHs total), plus 9 additional Bald Eagles (6 adults, 3 immatures) confirmed during the two-week Count Period. NHA conservation biologists have coordinated New Hampshire's portion of the national Mid-winter Bald Eagle annually since 1980. Since Golden Eagles are birds of prey, naturally, theyd prey on small to medium-sized animals like rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. We also work with wildlife rehabilitators and veterinary clinics to rehabilitate and release injured eagles back into the wild. Its body is chocolate brown, and its legs are yellow, with huge talons. The eagles like to gather from spring till fall at the Pepin boat landing. This event will be held entirely outdoors and will be held as long as it is not raining. We have also used them to help with hunting. Females look similar to males, except theyre about 25% larger. The Bald Eagle was removed from the federal Threatened and Endangered Species List in 2007, and from the New Hampshire T&E List in 2017. It is a voyage of discovery that you will long remember. If you want to get a birds-eye view of a Golden Eagles day, then check out the video below, but only if youre not scared of heights! It takes A LOT of practice and experience to identify young Bald Eagles properly! The record number of eagles seen at Hawk Mountain to date was in 2003, when 216 were counted. After near-annihilation and a decades-long absence, eagles are back among us. They are recorded in 7% of summer checklists and 10% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers for the state. The park encompasses rocky shore, beach, fresh- and saltwater marsh, and woodland. Its easiest to spotbald eagles in winter, but keen eyes can findthem year-round. Our Conservation staff works with NH Fish & Game to advise private landowners on how best to manage eagle breeding sites on their property, installs metal predator guards on nest trees, and promotes reduced-disturbance buffer zones. Stopping to listen for its song at about the four-mile mark and beyond on the auto road provides to chance to find one. As many as 1,000 eagles occupy the refuge complex during the peak months of January and February. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. The Santee area is one of the best places to see birds. The parents take turns in incubating the eggs for thirty-five days. Bald Eagles can be spotted all year in New Hampshire. Why not grow your own for even more freshness and variety? (by Chris Martin) Both of these ecotoxicological. Great Rivers & Routes is teaming up with the World Bird Sanctuary to give visitors an opportunity to see bald eagles up close at Eagle Meet and Greets. Other raptor monitoring work is being given higher priority; for example, NH Audubon is now coordinating a new monitoring project on NHs state-endangered Northern Harriers for NH Fish & Game. But in the post-DDT era, eagles have made a recovery. They come in search of their food supply: geese, ducks, and other birds. Here, we list some of the best places to see bald eagles in New England. We documented 58 PAIRS INCUBATING, up nearly 14% from 2018. It has a white head, yellow eyes, and a large, hooked yellow bill. Bald eagles may occasionally be spotted in the summer, but most sightings occur during the winter months, when theyre particularly active on cold, breezy days. Saco River/Ossipee River, and from elsewhere across NH . N.H. Audubon monitors bald eagles as part of an annual contract with the NH Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Turner's Falls (Greenfield) and vicinity has proved popular for nesting eagles. If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. 1 unknown age) seen on Count Day (32 observers), plus 4 additional Bald Eagles (1 adult, 3 immatures) confirmed during the two-week Count Period. (All photos by Ellen Kenny) The golden eagle atop the NH State House dome in Concord isn't alone in the skies over the State Capitol. Its nearly impossible to list all the birding possibilities at Odiorne Point, from waterbirds to shorebirds to migrant warblers. Pondicherry was named New Hampshires first Important Bird Area in 2004, and is also a National Natural Landmark. This breathtaking outdoor area can be enjoyed all year. When these one-day winter counts began, our volunteers typically found less than 5 individual eagles statewide. Do bald eagles eat roadkill, specifically squirrels or chipmunks? 1. So well have the eagles faired in Massachusetts that the state has proposed the species be down-listed from threatened to a species of special concern. Then the eagle will enter a dive to catch the object again before it hits the ground! In 2022, NH Audubon staff and volunteers confirmed 92 territorial pairs, up, BREAKING NEWS: Just published early in 2022 Two new scientific papers that raise concerns about the impact of lead (Pb) on eagles. In 2019, we confirmed 72 TERRITORIAL PAIRS of Bald Eagles in New Hampshire, up 11% compared to 2018. This year, for the first time in four decades of counting. Your email address will not be published. Bald Eagle Range Map The reason that Bald Eagles are found around water is that they mostly eat fish! Possession and take (which includes harming, harassing, injuring and killing) is illegal. Eagles soar above the magnificent backdrop of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Some of the other breeding birds here are Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Ruffed Grouse, American Bittern, Broad-winged Hawk, American Woodcock, Black-billed Cuckoo, Black-backed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Veery, and Hermit Thrush. Seeing Bald Eagles at Umbagog Lake, New Hampshire. Connecticut River** Outstanding total of 38 Bald Eagles seen, including 29 individuals (23 adults, 6 immatures) seen on Count Day (16 observers counting for NHs total), plus 9 additional Bald Eagles (6 adults, 3 immatures) confirmed during the two-week Count Period. For those wanting to spot both seabirds and boreal birds in a single trip, New Hampshire makes a splendid destination. We examine results from New Hampshire's 39th Annual Mid-winter Eagle Population Survey and learn more about these iconic birds, whose numbers in the state have been growing. If you are interested in birds of prey, you should check out these guides to hawks in New Hampshire or Vultures in New Hampshire. Another good spot is along Lawrence Boulevard in Wabasha. Just like Bald Eagles, for such a powerful raptor, you would think Golden Eagles would have a much more intimidating sound! On cloudy, rainy days, in late morning and early afternoon, the eagles roost along the river. NH Audubon monitors Bald Eagle abundance and distribution in New Hampshire as part of an annual contract with NH Fish and Games Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. On occasion, they may also hunt and take down larger prey like cranes, swans, and domestic livestock. In addition to the ConnecticutRiver itself, a favored migratory route for various waterfowl, there are marshes where chunky Americanbitterns stalk among the reeds and ponds that also host great flocks of ducks during their migrations inspring and fall. The region also features many pristine wetlands. See an American Bald Eagle Jan. 7 and Jan. 21 at the Alton Visitor Center (200 Piasa St., Alton, IL), and Jan. 14 and Jan. 28 at the Grafton Visitor Center (950 E. Main St., Grafton, IL). Both the male and female incubate the eggs and young hatch after five weeks. Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, for example, combines seven distinct habitats in an hours walk, including the seashore, salt ponds, and uplands. Contact DEC's Bureau of Wildlife by email or at 518-402-8883 if you see: Adult eagles between April 15 and June 15 (this could lead to the discovery of new nesting pairs). In your opinion, where are the best places to see bald eagles in New England? The eagles are not as nervous about cars than they are about the people who get out of them. Total of 6 Bald Eagles seen, with all 6 individuals (3 adults, 3 immatures) seen on Count Day (7 observers). More importantly, these eagles can see into the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. NH Audubon has been a leader in monitoring and management of New Hampshires Bald Eagle population since the 1980s. The other regions had lower numbers. [], Fresh tomatoes from the garden are the BEST, but growing them can present some challenges. His white head was cocked in a royal pose, his eyes aware of everything around him, hence the nickname eagle eye. We skirted the island for a long time, fascinated by the awesome spectacle, before canoeing back to the put-in. The Bald Eagle is a widely-recognized bird of prey. The sight of her mate standing on the branch below was mesmerizing. Hiking trails are few in this boggy area, so birders usually just stop along the road at places that look promising. Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program. The bold, cheeky gray jays,sometimes called camp robbers, are fearless birds that may fly up to greetyou, but youll probably have to search to find the quiet and elusive blackbackedwoodpecker. From the park, drive south on Highway 1A and cross the bridge at the Hampton Harbor Inlet. However, some remain resident all year, especially in coastal regions. Cohoes Falls, located in Cohoes, NY, is a waterfall on the Mohawk River. The area is excellent in migration, as birds follow the coastline and pause to rest and feed before continuing. Several locations around Great Bay also offer good birding opportunities. River of Life Farm. And on sunny days, they soar over the valley, a beautiful sight to behold, but not easy to photograph, as you are usually looking into the sun. Rangers report that over a thousand eagles arrive from Canada and Alaska, to winter at the Klamath Basin. For reservations and more information, visitctaudubon.org/ecotravel-day-trips. 1 unknown age) seen on Count Day (32 observers), plus 4 additional Bald Eagles (1 adult, 3 immatures) confirmed during the two-week Count Period. Not the most picturesque setting, but dozens of eagles may be spotted circling over the feeding gulls in the winter as they look for weak or injured birds to bring back to their nests. The weather on Thursday January 9th for the Lakes Region count was windy and bone-chilling cold, but visibility was good, and the eagles certainly werent dissuaded from flying by the wind. This vast 7,850-acre lake, whose shores lie half in New Hampshire and half in Maine, is a National Wildlife Area, primarily due to the sight we were about to see. Let us know in the comments where you go to see bald eagles! Females may lay one to three eggs per year in the wild. Some lucky hikers are treated to aerial eagle acrobatics: NHPR is nonprofit and independent. You can find the Bald Eagle, during its breeding season, in wetland environments. The stretch between the town of Pepin down to the lock and dam at Alma offer good bald eagle viewing. Open and large bodies of water with plenty of fish are ideal spots. April 13, 2020 Wildlife Recreation Bald Eagle fishing in the shallow of the Merrimack River in Concord. Sign up for my weekly emails and and receive my 179 page eBook "Bird Feeding Secrets" in your inbox. Make a sustaining gift to support independent journalism in the Granite State. I want to encourage folks to continue to watch your favorite eagle pairs, and to, NH Audubon monitors Bald Eagle abundance and distribution in New Hampshire as part of an annual contract with NH Fish and Games Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Likewise the states habitats range from salt marsh, home to Saltmarsh Sparrows, to alpine tundra, where Horned Larks nest. Some birds seen here are Wild Turkey, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, and several nesting warblers including Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, and Pine Warbler. Upstate -. It has a white head, yellow eyes, and a large, hooked yellow bill. At 330 acres, Odiorne Point State Park is the largest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on New Hampshire's Atlantic Coast. The Connecticut Rivers upper stretch marks the meandering border betweenthese two New England states, and it also links a series of more than 120 finebirding sites on this trail. It has a white head, yellow eyes, and a large, hooked yellow bill. Their differences lie in their size and the slight variations in the color of their feathers. Between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Audubon members protect birds. Related: Incredible Photos of Wild Animals Across. Location: Statewide NWL Eagle Release Video footage from North Woods Law: New Hampshire. Bald Eagle. During this years Count Period, we documented a grand total of at least 123 individual Bald Eagles (87 adults, 34 immatures, 2 unknown age). This open water attracts bald eagles in wintery weather. Volunteers can learn more about becoming involved in our ongoing monitoring and management efforts by contacting raptor specialist Chris Martin in the Conservation Department.