One of the wonderful changes to the Lake Wallenpaupack area I have enjoyed seeing is the population growth of the bald eagle. In all of my years growing up around Lake Wallenpaupack and both the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers, bald eagle sightings were extremely rare. I never saw one first hand; I only heard people telling tales of seeing them.
In recent years however, the bald eagle has become a more frequent sight. One Christmas morning, not too long ago, I saw something swoop by my living room window. Glancing into the hemlock tree outside I spotted, not Santa Claus or a reindeer, but this majestic fellow. He (or she) was gracious enough to pose for me before flying off again.
Eagles Are Making Their Homes Here
Interested in eagle watching here in Northeast PA, Lackawaxen River, and the Upper Delaware River region? Here are some websites to bookmark:
- The Eagle Institute
- Delaware Highlands Conservancy
- Lacawac Sanctuary
- Delaware Valley Raptor Center
- Pocono Environmental Center
Checking out the PPL Preserve Calendar of Events, I noticed the next two items on the calendar involve birds of prey. Save the dates, as you won’t want to miss them!
Close Encounters with Birds of Prey
Saturday, January 28
1 p.m.
PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
Presenter: Bill Streeter, Delaware Valley Raptor Center
Would you like to see a golden eagle, a peregrine falcon or perhaps a saw-whet owl? Join Bill Streeter, director of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, for this program to learn about these and other birds of prey. You’ll see six live raptors and spend a magical hour gaining a greater knowledge and appreciation of the raptors of the northeast.
Streeter, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in zoology, will entertain as well as educate you with the knowledge he has gained through over 30 years of studying and rehabilitating raptors, and through practicing the ancient art of falconry.
Annual Winter Eagle-Viewing Trip
Saturday, February 4
Two time slots:
8:30 a.m. to noon
or
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Meet at PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
Presenter: Katie Lester, PPL
Learn about the incredible comeback of the bald eagle in the Lake Wallenpaupack area and the role PPL’s hydroelectric dam has played in their return. Explore eagle biology, habitat needs and proper eagle-viewing etiquette. This free program will begin at the center followed by a guided eagle-viewing bus tour of the Lackawaxen River that leaves from the center. Transportation is provided. Pease dress for the weather and bring binoculars. his program is free, but space is very limited. Registration is required. To register, contact PPL at 570-253-7001 or pplpreserves@pplweb.com.
Filed under: The Rambling Realtor Misc. Category Tagged: | birds of prey, delaware river, eagle watching, lackawaxen river, Lake Wallenpaupack, northeast pa
