My final travel adventure for 2024 was a day trip with my parents to Upper Delaware National Recreation Area. During the winter months, bald eagles migrate from colder areas north of the recreation area, drawn to the abundant food supply and the stunning landscape. There are approximately 150-200 bald eagles that migrate each year, and they will spend the winter in this serene area, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the crisp blue sky. Last year, while staying in the Poconos, we discovered that this remarkable migration occurred, sparking our interest and excitement. I asked my parents if they wanted to take a trip to see what we could discover, to connect with nature and create lasting memories together. Monday, December 30th worked to be perfect. The forecast promised clear skies and mild temperatures, with no rain or snow in sight, making it an ideal day for our adventure. After doing some thorough research, I found this map and website that were extremely helpful for our plan, providing us with insights into the best viewing spots and local amenities. I recommend printing the maps and addresses for your plan, as having a tangible reference is invaluable. We have AT&T for our cell phones; however, we didn’t have coverage during most of our trip, which prompted us to rely on our good old-fashioned navigation skills, adding to the charm of the experience as we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors and shared stories along the way.
We began our visit to the area by heading to the historic Zane Grey house, which stands as one of the visitor center’s for this beautiful region. While it is only open on weekends, this charming location offers a perfect gateway to the river, inviting all who enter to explore the natural beauty surrounding it. I was particularly excited to find that they have the stamps for the National Parks Passport books right on the porch, allowing us to commemorate our visit by stamping our books, a delightful thrill for park enthusiasts like us. The last time we were here, we were fortunate enough to see majestic eagles soaring overhead. However, this time, as we scanned the sky and admired the tranquil scenery, we found that there weren’t any eagles in sight, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the charm of each unique visit.
We enjoyed our lunch with amazing views of the Delaware River.
Since 2020, we have been enjoying our car picnics and always looking for items to make them easier. I found these cupholders with a tray attached and makes eating easier!
Roebling Bridge
Located near the historic Zane Grey house is the iconic Roebling Bridge, which is renowned for being the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States. This engineering marvel not only showcases the ingenuity of its time but also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors. When visiting the area, if you need restrooms, you’ll be pleased to know that there are conveniently located facilities available here.
We crossed over the Roebling Bridge into New York, surrounded by the stunning views, and headed south towards the Mongaup Falls area, eager to explore the various viewing spots nearby in New York. Despite the lack of cell coverage, we felt reassured knowing that the GPS in the car was functioning perfectly, guiding us along winding roads. On our way to Mongaup Falls, we decided to take a brief detour, stopping at a couple of picturesque spots along the Delaware River to see if we could catch a glimpse of any Bald Eagles soaring above. Although we didn’t spot any magnificent eagles, the tranquility of the river and the surrounding natural beauty left us in awe, making the journey all the more memorable.
Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area
The area has great wildlife viewing blinds for safe viewing. I am sure during the peak viewings, it is crowded, but we didn’t see anyone during our visit, which allowed us to enjoy the serene surroundings without distraction. The tranquil atmosphere added to the experience, but we were certainly hoping to catch a glimpse of majestic Bald Eagles. There are tips to optimize your odds of seeing Bald Eagles, such as arriving at dawn or from 4-5 in the afternoon when they are most active and using binoculars for a better view. Despite our efforts and following these recommendations closely, we didn’t see any here.
We had cell service and put in the next coordinates for our upcoming stop. On the drive to Rio Reservoir Eagle Viewing Blind, we were captivated by the scenic beauty surrounding us, but then, we saw a car parked on the side of the road that caught our attention. Curious, I began to scan the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of any wildlife that might be present. One of the tips I had learned was to pay extra attention to the areas of ice, as these would often attract the majestic Bald Eagles, who may come to sun themselves on the warm surfaces. Sure enough, my patience paid off when I spotted one perched gracefully on the ice, its striking white head gleaming in the sunlight. As we observed the magnificent bird, it was eventually joined by a second Bald Eagle, and together they showcased their powerful presence, soaring gracefully into the sky before disappearing into the horizon. Witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat was nothing short of amazing and left us all in awe of nature’s beauty. I had seen bald eagles in the sky before, but not this “close” before and we followed the safety precautions.
Below are photos from my Dad’s camera.
Here are the photos from my iphone.
Rio Reservoir Eagle Viewing Blind
I would like to look into the history of the wooden structure in the middle of the reservoir, which has stood there for decades, serving as a silent witness to the changing landscape around it. Rio Reservoir Eagle Viewing Blind has an easy walk to the structure, with a well-maintained path and offers scenic views of the water. The large windows of the structure provide a stunning vista, enabling you to take in nature’s beauty, from the gentle ripples of the water to the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and reflection.
After this adventure, I have thoughts of being a nature photographer.
Travel With Laughter 