Want to see bald eagles? It’s best to wait until the winter, according to eagle experts.
The North American Bald Eagle Information website at www.baldeagleinfo.com operates a viewing directory, but closes it annually from Feb. 15 to Aug. 15 in order to limit disruptions during the nesting season. Many pairs that nest for egg laying come to New York — including along the Allegheny River — to live during the winter.
Harassing, disturbing or injuring a bald eagle is a federal offense, with punishments of up to a year in prison and a $20,000 fine. In order to best avoid harming eagles and preserve them for others to view, the DEC recommends:
• The use a designated bald eagle viewing site.
• The best places to search are along the tree line, where eagles perch in the tree tops; overhead soaring in the sky; or resting on ice floes or islands sunning themselves or eating.
• The best times to view are at sunrise or sunset, when the eagles are most active,
n Stay in or near a vehicle at least a quarter of a mile away, while avoiding roosting areas. Eagles that are consistently disturbed will relocate to new quarters.
n Avoid loud noises, and leave pets at home.
• Use binoculars or spotting scopes to view the eagles, instead of moving closer.
• Don’t do anything to try to make the bird fly.
