Where to See Bald Eagles in North Jersey
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lyndhurst NJ, Looking for a majestic way to kick off the New Year? There is no symbol more powerful than the Bald Eagle, and in North Jersey, these iconic raptors are staging a historic return.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Bergen County Audubon Society will host its annual Bald Eagle Festival at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the bird’s journey from the brink of extinction to a soaring presence in the Meadowlands.
🦅 2026 Bald Eagle Festival: Event Highlights
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a family looking for a Sunday adventure, the festival offers a packed schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Guided Bird Walks: Join “eagle-eyed” experts at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to spot eagles soaring over the impoundments.
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Live Raptor Demonstrations: Get up close with live birds of prey courtesy of the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center.
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The Story of “Al and Alice”: Hear the fascinating history of North Jersey’s most famous celebrity eagle pair.
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Photography Seminar: Learn professional tips on how to capture the perfect eagle shot from experts.
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Keynote Speakers: Featuring nature photographer Kevin Karlson and ornithologist Tina Morris, author of “Return to the Sky.”
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Family Fun: Children’s activities, information tables, and live music throughout the day.
📈 By The Numbers: The Great Eagle Comeback
The sight of a Bald Eagle in the Meadowlands used to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. Today, it is a testament to successful conservation.
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264 Active Nests: New Jersey recorded 264 active bald eagle nests in 2024.
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Local Growth: Roughly 12 nests are now located within Bergen and Passaic Counties.
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Off the List: Due to this population boom, the Bald Eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list nearly 20 years ago and was officially de-listed in New Jersey just last year.
⚠️ The “Success” Trap: Why Conservationists Remain Wary
While the recovery is a triumph, experts like Bergen County Audubon President Don Torino warn that “de-listing” comes with new risks.
When a species is no longer labeled “endangered,” land-use rules often relax. This allows developers to build closer to nesting sites, putting immense pressure on already stressed habitats. As New Jersey faces unprecedented development, protecting the remaining green corridors in the Meadowlands is more critical than ever to ensure these birds don’t disappear again.
📍 Plan Your Visit
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Location: DeKorte Park, 1 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, NJ
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Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
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Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Cost: FREE
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars and dress in layers! The winds off the Meadowlands impoundments can be chilly, even on a sunny January day.
Bald Eagle Fast Facts
| Metric | Statistic |
| NJ Nests (2024) | 264 |
| Wingspan | 6 to 7.5 Feet |
| Local Hotspot | Richard W. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst |
| Federal Status | Recovered / Protected under BGEPA |
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There is a bald eagle I have seen twice by the duckpond while I was driving on Ridgewood ave