Golden eagles are not currently breeding in the Adirondacks, but they can be seen migrating through the region during early spring and fall, with many overwintering downstate. The last confirmed successful nest in New York was in Hamilton County in 1970, and the last unsuccessful nest at the same site in 1979. Declining open space from reforestation and DDT poisoning are believed to have played a role in this loss.

The Presence of Golden Eagles in the Adirondacks

While golden eagles are no longer nesting in the Adirondacks, these impressive raptors can still be spotted during their migration through the region. Here are some key facts about their presence in the Adirondacks:

• Migration Patterns: Golden eagles can be seen migrating through the Adirondacks during early spring and fall, with many overwintering downstate.
• Last Confirmed Nesting: The last confirmed successful nest of golden eagles in New York was in Hamilton County in 1970, and the last unsuccessful nest at the same site was in 1979.
• Reasons for Decline: Declining open space from reforestation and the effects of DDT poisoning are believed to have contributed to the loss of golden eagle nesting in the Adirondacks.

Characteristics of Golden Eagles

Image source: stockvault

Golden eagles are large, dark brown raptors with a lighter, golden head and undertail coverts. Subadult birds have distinctive white patches at the base of their flight feathers and a white tail with a wide, dark band toward the tip and a narrow white terminal edge. These impressive birds have the following characteristics:

• Habitat: Golden eagles breed in a wide variety of open or semi-open habitats, typically from sea level to 12,000 feet, but have been documented as high as 20,000 feet in the Himalayas.
• Nesting: Nests are typically built on cliffs, but can also be found in large trees or on the ground in open areas. Nests are often reused, sometimes for decades, and usually contain two eggs, with often only the older chick surviving.
• Prey: Golden eagles primarily feed on smaller animals such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, prairie dogs, pheasants, grouse, partridges, wild turkeys, cranes, herons, and ospreys. They can also kill larger mammals, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, caribou, seals, coyotes, and bobcats. Carrion is also a food source, particularly in winter.

Threats to Golden Eagles

While golden eagles are no longer nesting in the Adirondacks, they face a variety of threats that have contributed to their decline in the region and across their range. These threats include:

• Energy Development: The expansion of energy development, such as wind turbines, can pose a threat to golden eagles through collisions.
• Collisions and Electrocution: Golden eagles can collide with cars, fences, wires, and wind turbines, and can also be electrocuted on power lines.
• Habitat Loss: The loss of habitat due to urbanization and human population growth can negatively impact golden eagle populations.
• Poisoning: Golden eagles can be poisoned by animal control methods or by feeding on carcasses killed with lead ammunition.
• Trapping and Shooting: Incidental deaths in traps set for animal control and trade, as well as illegal shooting, can also threaten golden eagle populations.
• Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as wildfires and droughts, can also impact golden eagle habitat and survival.

Conservation Efforts

While the golden eagle is no longer a breeding resident of the Adirondacks, there are conservation efforts underway to protect these impressive birds. For example, in California, the state has outlawed the use of lead ammunition and trapping, which has benefited the golden eagle population. Similar efforts in the Adirondacks and other regions could help to support the recovery of golden eagles in the future.

Conclusion

In summary, while golden eagles are not currently breeding in the Adirondacks, they can still be seen migrating through the region during early spring and fall, with many overwintering downstate. The last confirmed successful nest in New York was in Hamilton County in 1970, and the last unsuccessful nest at the same site was in 1979. Declining open space from reforestation and the effects of DDT poisoning are believed to have contributed to the loss of golden eagle nesting in the Adirondacks. Despite the challenges they face, these impressive raptors continue to be a symbol of the wild and untamed nature of the Adirondacks.

References:
– Golden Eagle – New York Natural Heritage Program
– Golden Eagles Just Passing Through the Adirondacks
– Golden Eagles Over the Adirondacks