The bald eagle has been chosen as the national symbol of our country.  A pair, of these magnificent birds, has built a nest near the top of a tree south of Bath and, every year, since they built it, they have been returning to raise a brood, usually consisting of 2 chicks.  In Mossy Bank Park, a hill, above this tree, offers a great vantage point to view the nest from above.  Last year, we went there in early May and had a good look at the fuzzy chicks in the nest.  This year, the parents have returned to the nest and, 2 chicks have successfully hatched.  This time, we’re going back, later in the month, the chicks will be more mature and, if we’re lucky, we may see them walking around the nest.

The Mossy Bank Park eagle feeding her chicks
May 2, 2015
– by Brenda Todd

Once again, Dr. Randy Wiedner, has offered to be our guide for this day.  We will meet at 2 PM, at the nature center.  Then, Randy will lead us to the eagle viewing ledge.  Although he’ll set up a spotting scope for us, if you have binoculars, you’ll want to bring them for this one.  After our view of the eagles, Randy will lead a hike through the trails of the park.  For those preferring a slower pace, I will take you on some of the trails along the ridge and point out some of the features we encounter.

After our hikes, I have reserved one of the park’s pavilions, for a pot luck picnic.  Randy, and his wife, Cathy, will join us as our guests.  The rest of us need to bring a dish to pass, and beverage, or make a donation.  After you’re done feeding your face, don’t run away.  Make your way to the nature center, where Randy will show us his great bald eagle powerpoint.  Besides seeing the history of this pair at this tree, you’ll see how our great national symbol was threatened with extinction in the mid 20th Century and the comeback that it made, due to the efforts of the late Rachel Carson, and other such heroes.  You don’t want to miss this one.  And, because it’s late May, it will still be light when you make your way home.

Directions

Go south on I-390 and east on I-86.  Take exit 38 and go left at the end of the exit ramp. Go under 86 and turn right at the first traffic light, onto W. Morris St.  Go past Tops, stay right at the fork, go past the library and make a sharp right onto Cameron St.  Pass 86 again, and the Cohocton River and continue 1.6 miles.  Watch for small Mossy Bank Park signs and fork to the left onto Windfall Rd.  Go .4 miles and turn left onto Mossy Bank Park Rd.  Go 1.3 miles to gate, marked with a small sign.  Continue straight ahead until you pass between 2 large boulders, into the park.  Park in the parking lot and come to the nature center.