HAWLEY -- If you drive near Lake Wallenpaupack you might find people with binoculars. Many of them are trying to get a glimpse of bald eagles. Checking out bald eagles has always been a popular activity in the Poconos, but this winter they are being seen more frequently.
"Last year if you were looking for eagles you would have been traveling south of us. This year there is a lot more open water in our region which is why our eagle season has been so great," Simon Knox said.
Knox is the administrative coordinator at Delaware Highlands Conservancy. They are hosting bus tours for people to see the bald eagles this winter.
Almost every tour has been sold out. Right now there are just a few seats left for a tour in mid-February.
Businesses like Settlers Inn in Hawley are taking advantage of the visitors by offering an eagle watch package this weekend.
"You know it's a getaway on a winter weekend. People are looking for a little something different to do. It's a nice way to explore the area and enjoy being outside," Terri Marcellus of Settlers Inn said.
At Teeters Furniture in Hawley, owner Dick Teeter has seen more bald eagles this winter than he has ever seen before.
He has even been lucky to get some closeups of our nations bird.
"Two weeks ago I saw 16 eagles at the boat launch ramp right across from the Wallenpaupack dam. I have never seen that many of them before," Teeter said.
Right now so many people are trying to get a glimpse of the eagles in the Poconos. Experts say all you have to do is just pay attention if you want to see them.
"Just keep your eyes open. Look up in the trees. The adult eagles have white heads and tails. They're easy to spot. The immature's are brown and you got to look for them. If you see a lump on a branch then that usually is an immature eagle," Teeter said.
For more information on bus tours to see the bald eagles or to learn more about what the Poconos has to offer, check out the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website.