Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island

Brought back to New York by DEC's Bald Eagle Restoration Project (1976-1989), which released 198 nestlings to re-establish breeding pairs; the state counted 256 occupied territories in 2020. Watch for adults along Mashomack and the bays.

Best time of day

Morning

How to see

Hike preserve trails; look near ponds and coast.

Operator

The Nature Conservancy — Mashomack Preserve📞 +1 631-749-1001

Cost

Free

Age

All ages

Accessibility

Some trails accessible

Responsible viewing

Stay at least 330 ft from a nest during the Jan 1-Aug 31 breeding season; for drone or aircraft flights within 1,000 ft, DEC says to consult USFWS and obtain a federal nest-disturbance permit if recommended.

Weather / sea state

Any.