Bald eagle spotted in Bayport

A bald-eagle was spotted on South Gillette Avenue in Bayport, a few hundred feet from the bay.

Bayport resident Cindy Hagen Roman caught the majestic and patriotic visitor on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 11, during a walk.

Last year, licensed wildlife rehabilitator and Long Island resident Bobby Horvath said that over two-dozen bald eagles have now made Long Island their home because of the perfect combination of food availability and water proximity.

The New York Audubon Society said the comeback of the bald eagle in New York was one of the “best conservation success stories” after the banning of DDT in the 1970s.

The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge was cited by The Audubon Society as the best place to spot bald eagles.

Established in 1947, the refuge in Shirley protects 2,550 acres on the South Shore.

Osprey and eagle sightings have been made by residents in the Suffolk County News coverage area in recent years, with a number setting up homes in the community.

The Audubon society has listed the following precautions when in proximity of bald eagles:

• Remain in or immediately next to your vehicle, and don’t approach eagles closer than a quarter mile. Avoid roosting areas.
• Refrain from loud noises: honking horns, door slamming, radios playing, yelling, etc.
• Keep pets at home.
• Use binoculars or spotting scopes instead of trying to get a little closer.
• Don’t do anything to try to make the bird fly.
• Respect private property and avoid restricted areas.