Birders, I have an a Eagle question: I know of a Pretty small, well stocked trout lake that an Eagle and Hawk fish in. My question is this a pretty much permanent home for the Eagle?

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

I know of a Pretty small, well stocked trout lake that an Eagle and Hawk fish in. My question is this a pretty much permanent home for the Eagle? He’s been seen a lot lately and I know nothing of their habits. The reason for my question is I’m considering renting a nice 400mm lens and a 2x for my Canon R but it’s going to be three to four weeks before I can. Just wondering what the chances of seeing him are. I’m hoping for some fishing or fighting with the Hawk photos. Thanks guys!

Quixdraw Loc: x

They migrate, but come back to the same places. Had Eagles present nesting at a lake place over a good many years, and for several years here in Montana - same season same tree. A treasured spot for photos till a storm took it down.

SilverthorneRuth Loc: Silverthorne, Colorado

Where do you live? That would help me figure out if he's fishing for himself or for a family at this point. And whether he's om his way back somewhere. I live at 9,500' in Colorado and our bald (assuming you're talking about a bald?) eagles all returned in Jan/Feb and are now raising their young chicks.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

SilverthorneRuth wrote:

Where do you live? That would help me figure out if he's fishing for himself or for a family at this point. And whether he's om his way back somewhere. I live at 9,500' in Colorado and our bald (assuming you're talking about a bald?) eagles all returned in Jan/Feb and are now raising their young chicks.

I’m referring to a place called Beartree Lake that’s located above Damascus, Va in Washington County Virginia. He’s been spotted almost daily and the one day I went he was in an aerial battle with a hawk but all I have is a 70-200 lens. Not near what I needed. Thanks!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110808&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=73579&ttype=recarea&pname=Beartree%20Recreation%20Area

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quixdraw wrote:

They migrate, but come back to the same places. Had Eagles present nesting at a lake place over a good many years, and for several years here in Montana - same season same tree. A treasured spot for photos till a storm took it down.

Our eagles stay all winter ... maybe cuz Hudson Valley winter is less severe ?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Resqu2 wrote:

I know of a Pretty small, well stocked trout lake that an Eagle and Hawk fish in. My question is this a pretty much permanent home for the Eagle? He’s been seen a lot lately and I know nothing of their habits. The reason for my question is I’m considering renting a nice 400mm lens and a 2x for my Canon R but it’s going to be three to four weeks before I can. Just wondering what the chances of seeing him are. I’m hoping for some fishing or fighting with the Hawk photos. Thanks guys!

It really depends. There are often some nesting pair, year rounders. Many will migrate. I have experience with a few areas - Hudson River NY near Indian Point, Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River before it empties into Chesapeake Bay, Bombay Hook DE and Blackwater National Wildlife Preserve on the Eastern Shore. In all of these areas there can be huge numbers that come in during the winter months, but many leave as the weather gets warmer.

During good winters 300 eagles would roost in the Hudson Highlands north of Tarrytown and Nyack. Bad years might attract 20. And it's pretty much the same for other areas. I was up in Port Penn DE on Sunday, and I saw 8 roosting, and 3 pairs flying over. Others have seen quite a few - 12-15 - at Bombay Hook NWP.

I am sure there are some birders in your area that can give you more specific information.

LolaPL Loc: Richardson, Texas

Virginia is a year round home for hundreds of eagles. It may be hard for a casual observer to tell because male and female eagles have exactly the same coloring, but if you can see two eagles around, they probably are a mated pair and have been raising chicks for quite a while now.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

I live in the most eastern point in PA along the Delaware River just across from High Point NJ. Eagles are present 12 months of the year.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Simple, ask some of the locals of Beartree Lake if the eagle is a resident or seasonal. We have resident eagles, osprey and snail kites. Then we get the seasonal visitors as well. Just ask the locals........

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Resqu2 wrote:

I know of a Pretty small, well stocked trout lake that an Eagle and Hawk fish in. My question is this a pretty much permanent home for the Eagle? He’s been seen a lot lately and I know nothing of their habits. The reason for my question is I’m considering renting a nice 400mm lens and a 2x for my Canon R but it’s going to be three to four weeks before I can. Just wondering what the chances of seeing him are. I’m hoping for some fishing or fighting with the Hawk photos. Thanks guys!

Some how you need to find out how close the nest is. If the nest is relatively close you know they will be returning to the lake to eat. If there is a pair they likely have an egg(s) or even a little one. One will always be in the nest. They tend to frequent the same dead tree bordering the water and easily stand out.

This is a pair I'm following. They happen to both be in/near the nest yesterday

(Download)

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

Thanks guys, here is a pic showing the size of the lake. I’m standing pretty close to one end shooting the opposite end. As for local people I will have to try to talk to more of the fishermen as no one lives close by this place at all. I guess the state maintains it and on up in the park is a gatehouse that you can pay to camp in the campgrounds. This place is up in the mountains as you can tell.

New Mexico Dave Loc: Corrales, NM

Resqu2, take a look at this eBird site. You can search for any species in the world as well as an assortment of dates by month. I think that in Virginia the adults will be on eggs by February, with young out and about by May and June. Surf around the site, as it is wonderful resource. https://ebird.org/map/baleag?env.minX=-179.99999999291&env.minY=18.838083769349&env.maxX=179.326113654898&env.maxY=71.9081724700314

spudkota Loc: Black Hills S.Dak

Is it worth putting money out on the hope of a bird or predator being in a specific spot Hmm Time of year , mating seasons human interaction all affect activity's . Contact local Game and Fish always helpful . I would rent the lense and have lots of ideas depending on the weather I.E. to enjoy the glass .

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Resqu2 wrote:

I know of a Pretty small, well stocked trout lake that an Eagle and Hawk fish in. My question is this a pretty much permanent home for the Eagle? He’s been seen a lot lately and I know nothing of their habits. The reason for my question is I’m considering renting a nice 400mm lens and a 2x for my Canon R but it’s going to be three to four weeks before I can. Just wondering what the chances of seeing him are. I’m hoping for some fishing or fighting with the Hawk photos. Thanks guys!

Usually they come back to the same area to nest. In fact, they will add to their existing nest each year. It may become so heavy that it brings down the tree. Then they start over again.
You really need to talk to the locals, birders of course. They usually like the same places to fish, if it is reliable, they will come back each day about the same time. They, like Osprey, like morning and late afternoon.
Every location is different, you must do a little scouting, and googling.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

spudkota wrote:

Is it worth putting money out on the hope of a bird or predator being in a specific spot Hmm Time of year , mating seasons human interaction all affect activity's . Contact local Game and Fish always helpful . I would rent the lense and have lots of ideas depending on the weather I.E. to enjoy the glass .

I’m really wanting to pick up the EF100-400 L but for now I’m just looking at renting it for a weekend. I’d like to have it to play with for a weekend to see if it’s one I’d like to purchase down the road.