      Upper Delaware      Scenic & Recreational River NY,PA
Life History of the Bald Eagle  Bald eagles are predominantly
fish eaters, which is why they build their nests and live near
water and why they migrate to open water areas like the Upper
Delaware region in the winter.  However, when times are tough,
they are very opportunistic and will eat birds, small mammals
and carrion (dead animals).   Both partners are involved with
nest building and feeding the young.  The nest can be almost 6
feet in diameter, 4 feet deep, and can weigh hundreds of pounds.
It is added to each year.  Females lay 1-3 eggs and incubate
them for 35 days.  The young remain in the nest for 3 months,
and are fully grown when they fledge (fly from the nest).  By 5
months, the immature eagle leaves the nesting area.  Migratory
immatures often return to the general vicinity (within 200
miles) of birth when they reach maturity and are ready to find a
mate and build a nest.  An eagle reaches sexual maturity by
about 5 years of age, at wh