Bald Eagles Flock to Hudson River in Westchester County

Nature lovers and photographers delight in seeing the majestic birds of prey during their annual winter migration.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bald eagles have been flocking to the Hudson River in northern Westchester County, New York, during the winter months when rivers and lakes further north are frozen. Locals and visitors alike have been delighted to spot the mature eagles with their distinctive white heads and tails, as well as younger mottled brown birds, fishing and perching along the river.

Why it matters

The return of bald eagles to the Hudson River is a testament to the success of conservation efforts that have allowed the national bird's population to rebound after being nearly wiped out in the 1970s due to the use of pesticides like DDT. Seeing the majestic birds of prey is a source of joy for nature lovers during the dreary winter months.

The details

Bald eagles migrate south to the lower Hudson Valley each winter when their usual feeding grounds further north are frozen over. Croton Point Park in Westchester County is a popular spot to view the eagles, with bird watchers reporting seeing as many as 14 eagles circling in the sky at one time. The annual EagleFest event hosted by Teatown Lake Reservation celebrates the eagles' return to the region.

  • Bald eagles visit the Hudson River in Westchester County each winter.
  • The annual EagleFest event takes place this weekend at Croton Point Park.

The players

Moreno Tagliapietra

A local resident who drove an hour from New Rochelle to see the bald eagles.

Gideon Greenberg

A bird watcher who was amazed by the opportunity to see the majestic birds of prey.

Marie Roche

An educator at Teatown Lake Reservation, which hosts the annual EagleFest event.

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What they’re saying

“Well, they happen to be gorgeous, first of all, and them being the symbol of the nation, for good reason.”

— Moreno Tagliapietra (CBS News New York)

“They're incredible to see. They're like top of the food chain. They're here and they're kind of visiting, so it's an incredible opportunity.”

— Gideon Greenberg, Bird watcher (CBS News New York)

“Early 1970s, we only had one nesting pair in the whole state of New York. That was primarily due to human effects, and pesticide use.”

— Marie Roche, Teatown educator (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The annual EagleFest event at Croton Point Park in Westchester County will take place this weekend, offering visitors the chance to see the bald eagles and learn more about their conservation.

The takeaway

The return of bald eagles to the Hudson River in Westchester County is a heartening example of how conservation efforts can help restore populations of endangered species. After nearly being wiped out in the 1970s due to pesticide use, bald eagle numbers have rebounded, allowing nature lovers to delight in spotting these majestic birds of prey during their annual winter migration.