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In 1976, New York State had only one pair of bald eagles. In the past 23 years, resident bald eagles have steadily increased to at least 40 territorial pairs. In the Spring of 1998, these eagles produced 40 new eaglets! The largest wintering population, and almost 25 percent of the state’s breeding population of bald eagles in the Northeast reside in the our region.
Winter brings great swells in the population, with bald eagles migrating from Canada and other states. During the peak months of January and February, over 150 eagles are scattered throughout New York State, with the bulk (about 80 to 110) in the southeastern portion of the state, particularly in Sullivan County.
New York State purchased 12,000 acres in Sullivan County in 1990, creating one of the largest bald eagle preserves in the lower 48 states. We have the privilege of easy access to viewing these majestic birds, especially during the winter season.
Prime Viewing areas in Sullivan County
Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area
Take Route 17 to exit 106. From Monticello take Rte. 42 south to a yellow blinking light in the Town of Forestburgh. Turn right at the light, onto county road 43 (blue sign). Continue straight for about 3 miles until you arrive at the Bald Eagle Observation Blind (on the left side of the road, just before the Mongaup Falls Reservoir bridge). Inside the blind you will find a map and display describing the New York State Bald Eagle Restoration project, along with other interesting information about bald eagles.
Rio Reservoir
Follow the same directions as above but instead of continuing straight on county road 43, make a left turn when you reach the intersection with Plank Road. Continue on Plank Road until you pass an Orange & Rockland Utility Company power plant (on the right side) and you see the Bald Eagle Observation sign, further down Plank Road.
Rondout Reservoir
Take Route 17 to exit 106 (Monticello). From Monticello take route 42 north to Grahamsville. Make a right turn at the light onto Route 55. Drive about 2 miles to the intersection with route 55A (which parallels the reservoir) driving until you reach a chain link fence viewing area. No signs are posted indicating the presence of bald eagles, however they perch and fish from both sides of the reservoir.
Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area ( more about Bashakill... )
Take Route 17 west to exit 113. Take Route 209 traveling south (in the direction of Port Jervis). When you see the Moose Lodge on your left, make a left onto Haven Road. Some bald eagles may be viewed from this road as well as other spots. Continue on Haven Road until it intersects with South Road. Make a right turn onto South Road and proceed to the first of four boat launch areas. Drive down to the foot of this boat launch area and park. Bald Eagles may be seen throughout this wetland, particularly on the islands to the left and the dead pine stand on the far side of the kill, to the right.
Delaware RiverFollow Route 97 (which parallels the river) north. Usually the best viewing is found between Pond Eddy north to the junction of the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers. Just before the Minisink Ford area, there is a bald eagle observation sign surrounded by a large parking area.
For further information, call:
Sullivan County Visitors Association 1-800-882-CATS
or the Eagle Institute (914) 557-6162,
or visit their website at www.eagleinstitute.org