I birded the the east shore of the Hudson River today from Clermont, Columbia County, to Staatsburg, Dutchess County. The river was pretty well frozen over, with the exception of the ship channel.
There was little to report other than 12 Bald Eagles, with four at Clermont State Historic Site, four at Rhinecliff and another four scattered individuals from there south to Norrie Point State Park. Perhaps 1/3 were adults.
Waterfowl was limited to about 100 or so Common Mergansers and a handful of Black Ducks. Herring, Ring-billed and Great Black-backed Gulls were also present.
The highlight of my day might have been a red morph eastern screech owl that i observed in an oak tree beside my driveway before entering my vehicle, being harrassed by blue jays. The oak still holds much of its leaf mast in place, where the screech thought it was likely safe and sound. The owl took a few good jabs from the jays and then fled.
Slightly off topic, i feel i must note that despite the icy, relatively birdless landscape, the view of the Hudson River, with the snow covered Catskill high peaks as a back drop is quite impressive scenery to behold.
JPA
John Askildsen
Millbrook, Dutchess County, New York
