New hideout for eagle watching
MINISINK FORD, N.Y. A new eagle observation blind along the Delaware River near Lackawaxen, is now ready for use and offers an additional safe opportunity for viewing without disturbing the eagles. The Eagle Institute celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the opening of this new viewing blind. The new blind, an open air structure that keeps eagle watchers hidden from sight while providing a clear view of a section of the river known for eagle activity, replaces an informational sign that was lost in last year’s flood waters. Built with grants from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and Sullivan Renaissance, the blind was a cooperative effort with local, state and federal agencies. The new blind offers a comfortable perch to watch eagles as they fly down the river, fish for their supper or soar above the Pennsylvania tree line. And if you don’t see an eagle right away, the educational exhibits and interpretive signs, including life-size silhouette cutouts that illustrate the enormous size of a bald eagle compared to other birds of prey, are worth looking over while you wait. Special care was taken to construct a ramp for accessibility, provide native plantings and to build the blind on a trailer so that it can be hauled away quickly in case of flooding. A fold-down desk was constructed so visitors could record their sightings, thoughts and observations. The Eagle Institute will include the information in its annual EagleWatch report. Binoculars and spotting scopes are recommended for better viewing. Eagle Institute volunteers will staff the blind on weekends in January and February to assist visitors as they watch for wintering bald eagles. This winter the National Park Service will be installing a solar-powered transmitter at the blind so visitors can receive eagle information on their automobile radios. For more information, contact the Eagle Institute at 570-685-5960 or 845-557-6162 or by email at eagleinstitute@yahoo.com. To view photos of some of the volunteers at work at the new blind, visit minisinkvalleykiwanis.org/eagleinstitute.htm .