Yesterday, Kirsten and I surveyed the Hudson River from the Dutchess/Putnam County line, south into Westchester, to Croton Point and then inland to the Croton Reservoir. We came up with about 55 eagles, most of which were concentrated in Peekskill, from the Bear Mountain Overlook, soouth to China Pier. Then there was a collection of about 10 or so at Croton Reservoir. we ran into a Mearns Club group that had started out earlier and felt would probably tally around 75 or so eagles, based on our comparison of notes.These eagles have apparently just arrived on the scene with the blast of cold air, leading to the progressive freezing of lakes and ponds, and eventually, the Hudson, which is now showing some signs of freezing up, north of Georges Island. Other birds of note from yesterday include for us, an adult Peregrine we found roosting and hunting in the area of the Taconic Parkway's (northbound) bridge that span the croton reservoir. it made a pass at a Cooper's hawk and pretty much stuck to the top of the bridge's superstructure. we also heard from the Mearns Club group of a roosting Peregrine frequenting the Westchester County garbage plant, next to China Pier in peekskill. they also had a Merlin somewhere in the area as well. There is currently a very nice collection of waterfowl on the Croton reservoir's south side, about midway between the dam and the Taconic Parkway's Croton River Bridges. It consists of a few hundred birds, primarily hooded and common mergs, gadwall, ruddy duck, coot, ringneck and more. This side of the reservoir may be accessed via "reservoir rd", which skirts the south side of the reservoir. Croton Point Park seemed rather birdless. The arificial meadow has been mowed, making it look more appealing to golfers than birders (and birds). Ah, the Westchester County Parks Dept management team 'strikes again'. Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
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