River flight

Posted 8/21/12

The third Saturday in February was a sunny, mild day along the Delaware River at the Lackawaxen confluence. This is a good spot to see wintering eagles from December into March, and Eagle Institute …

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River flight

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The third Saturday in February was a sunny, mild day along the Delaware River at the Lackawaxen confluence. This is a good spot to see wintering eagles from December into March, and Eagle Institute volunteers are present during weekends with spotting scopes and binoculars to help visitors in observing these majestic birds. It has been a mild winter with little river ice, but resident and migrant eagles can still be seen there with a little patience.

Eagles are not the only bird that can be seen there, however. Waterfowl such as mallards and Canada geese winter on the river where open water can be found, and migrants and transients like buffleheads and green-winged teals can be found on the river when they pass through. Some of these species can also be seen on the river year round.

To watch waterfowl in the air is a study of the dynamics of flight. Their seemingly effortless wing strokes produce lift and thrust, which overcome the forces of gravity and drag. Waterfowl are efficient flyers. They have to be, for some species migrate thousands of miles in formation. The images for this week’s column were all taken on that mild Saturday afternoon. Behold and enjoy the afternoon river flight.

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