THE EAGLE HAS LANDED…

West Nyack has become the winter home to a migratory group of bald eagles. It seems a flock of these majestic fishermen have settled in behind the Shop Rite on Rt. 59. It would appear they have been attracted by the open water of the Hackensack Creek. The velocity of the water, caused by the dam at the southern end of Lake Deforest, helps to keep this section of water ice free in all but the coldest of winter weather. There is also a large population of fish, especially carp, swimming in the creek. Eagles will scavenge most any food, but they are magnificent catchers of fish, their preferred meal. A bald eagle swoops down and can pluck fish up to several pounds in their talons without missing a wing beat. They then maneuver the fish to be facing head first making their often heavy meal aerodynamically correct as they fly off to a high perch to enjoy the hard earned meal. Bald eagles don’t develop their distinctive white head and tail until 5 years old. There is at least one immature eagle with the group, easily recognizable by a mottled plumage of brown and white. By itself, it could be mistaken for a hawk, but its large size is a dead giveaway to identification.

Many people have gone out and bought telephoto lenses for their cameras, binoculars, and spotting scopes to enjoy this natural spectacle from a distance. It is against federal law to harass or disturb eagles. The DEC thinks this group has traveled down from Canada, following open water as they go. Although many people think this year is a unique occurrence, Rockland has become home to several bald eagles every winter for at least the past several years. It would seem their proximity to the Palisades Mall has increased public awareness this year.

Horseback Ride in the Winter At Ramapo Equestrian Center!

Ramapo Equestrian Center is located in Suffern, NY. The riding center is one of the most versatile in the country. It offers hunter/jumper training, dressage training, western lessons, and pony rides – just to name a few. It also has an Olympic-sized indoor arena, top-level training in every discipline, and horses to suit all types of riders. 

Whether you are looking to compete and win at West Palm Beach, hope to take your beginner riding skills to the next level, or just want to treat your child to a fun pony ride, the center is a great place to begin your journey!

One of the main attractions is the Winter Camp will be offered Dec 21st to Dec 23rd and Dec 27th or Dec 31st. A full week will cost $500 and a half week will cost $300. So if you are looking for a budget friendly lesson, Ramapo Equestrian Center is definitely the place to go!

For More Information:

Ramapo Equestrian Center 1152 Haverstraw Rd (Route 202) Suffern, NY 10901 Phone: 845.354.7669 E-Mail: ramapo.equestrian@me.com

Is It Back??

Panther sighting

Friday, July 10 at 9:02pm at the Goldman home at the end of Woods Road.

Friends of the Goldman’s were visiting the Goldman’s with their children and nanny. The nanny is someone the Goldman’s have known for years.  While the Goldman’s were out to dinner, at 9:02 the nanny was on the back porch and saw what she first described as a black bear hopping along the rocks near their garage.  When she told Paul, she remarked it did have a long tail. He asked if could have been a cat and she said no, it was much bigger.  Could it be a large cat? no there are no cats in this area that are that large.  When he later showed her a photo of a black leopard, she said ”That’s it! That’s the one I saw! Just like that! It was right on the rock by the garage! I remember the exact time, it was 9.02 at night. It hopped twice! I thought it was coming to the house. I was so scared!”

Prior to this event, she had never heard of or knew anything about the panther sightings in our area. 

This sighting was reported to Palisades Park Commission.  I asked Ed McGowen of the Palisades Park Commission if the cameras were still installed in Tallman near where Dorian saw the panthers.  If so, they should check the recent filming.  I was told  ”The cameras have been taken down after several months of use and a number of pictures of local wildlife (coyote, opossum, raccoon, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, etc) and a large black dog (but with a short tail). They are being used elsewhere but I can inquire about getting them put back out. ”  Paul Goldman has been in contact with him as well.