Bald ambitious: Eagle-focused birder cruise shoves off in Connecticut

nypost.com:

RiverQuest, a birder-focused cruise, is weighing anchor.The two-decade-old cruise run by the Connecticut River Museum — which documents New England’s longest river’s ecology and history, and houses a replica of Dutch Colonist and fur trader Adriaen Block’s ship, the Onrust — departs from Haddam, about 12 miles upriver from Essex.Naturalist Cathy Malin, a 10-year RiverQuest veteran, leads the sightseeing cruises, which take in the whole riverscape, from wildlife to geology, and from ecology to history.The special birding cruises run through late fall and culminate in the otherworldly spectacle of the swarming tree swallows.“Every cruise is different because the river is different with each season, and the scenery changes every day,” Malin told The Post, adding that in March, when it’s colder, “we usually have the whole river to ourselves.” Less boats equals less humans, less disturbance — and better chances of wildlife roaming close to the banks and eagles flying.The bald eagle was designated the United States’ national bird in 1782, but by the 20th century, they were on the brink of extinction.

They were added to the endangered species list in 1978.No longer listed as endangered, Malin estimates there are now about eight nesting couples in this area, up from zero in the mid-20th century.These comeback kids signify the Connecticut River’s return to good health. “There are local eagles who live here year round and visiting eagles who are just here to get some fish,” said Malin. “But there are more resident eagles nesting than ever before.” That’s a sign fish populations are rebounding.RiverQuest’s Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises begin as the eagles start a new cycle of raising their young.“Most eagles lay eggs in mid to late.