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For the past 4 years, Bill and I have wanted to participate in a January eagle walk. It snowed heavily two years and rained one, so our desire to see eagles in winter was thwarted. This year when the club sent out notice of a January eagle walk our hopes soared. Of course, we gave Jack Padalino a call to reserve our spots. As the day approached we eagerly watched the weather. In the early part of the week, wet and possibly snowy weather was predicted so it seemed once again - no eagle walk. However the prediction changed. Suddenly, Sunday January 9th was to be in the 40s with no chance of precipitation. At last we could go. We were soaring.

You can meet in either of two locations: Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) by Dingmans Ferry at 8 AM or at 10 AM at the Callahan House a just over the Milford PA Bridge. For most of the Sussex members, the Callahan House is easier. So where is the Callahan House? Well... if you go to Milford on a regular basis (I do for yarn) you have passed by it totally unaware that it is a National Park Service property. Our GPS did not accept the street address. Once you pay the toll and go over the Milford Bridge, turn right on Route 209 towards town, the building is maybe 1/4 mile up on your left. Look on the left side of the roadway for a white building with a flag pole on the side of the porch just before a small bridge, also a sign for the Milford Beach on the right side of the road. If you miss it and get into town, turn around, and drive back (south) towards the Milford Bridge, look for mile marker 21 on the right side and you will see the house now on your right. Good news, once the house is unlocked; there is a bathroom in the house that you can use before your start your eagle hunt.

Since we were a small group, the two of us and three other ladies, Jack took three people in his car while his wife, Carol, drove the two of us. It made for a relaxing day since they knew where they were going and we could just sit back and not worry about following the leader. It is a car caravan trip with no walking involved. The weatherman blew it and the temperatures never rose above 42 degrees with a mild wind. If we felt chilled the car was close so more mittens, hats or sweaters could be donned; also getting into the warm car kept us quite comfortable.

Now for the main attraction, the eagles. At first, visiting two locations within Milford, we only saw eagles' nests, no eagles. But then our luck changed and as we continued through Matamoras, Port Jervis, Mongaup, Pond Eddy, Shohola up along the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers, there were eagles. In Port Jervis, a full adult bald eagle was perched on a tree right along the walking path by the river, no more than 15' away. We were treated to a show as he took off when we approached and then began a hunting flight up the river, remaining in our view for some time. Since there was no snow, it was easy to spot the bright white heads of the adults, juveniles a bit more tricky. Each time an eagle was spotted, we stopped and had plenty of time to view it through Jack's scope, our binoculars, or take photos. If nothing was there, we moved on quickly. By the Roebling Bridge, we ate our lunch in the Eagle Institute watching a terrific video of an immature eagle learning to use his beak and his feet to a calypso beat. Also it was a potty stop - lots of those.

Jack was a wonderful guide who easily shared his knowledge. Carol was a gracious and concerned host who told us so much, not only about eagles, but the small towns, historic restorations, and the local sites. Okay, so we were there to see eagles. Our grand total for the day was 21 eagles along with an assortment of hawks, pigeons, water birds, and small backyard birds. What a great day. There are two more trips Saturday, Feb 18, and Sunday March 11. Dress warmly (even if mild winter temps are predicted); bring lunch, binoculars, and a field guide if you feel you need one. You meet up at 10:00 am and end at 4:00pm. You can reserve your space by emailing Jack at jack@brandwein.org or calling 570-296-6752. There is no charge. We would recommend this trip highly to all and hope to go again, weather permitting.