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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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The Eagle Guy: A Life with New York’s Majestic Raptors

This is a recording of a presentation hosted by Otsego County Conservation Association in partnership with Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) on Tuesday, November 12, 2025 featuring Scott Van Arsdale, retired Fish and Wildlife Technician with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. During the program, Scott shares stories from a career spent working up close with some of our most iconic birds of prey.

Join us as Scott traces the remarkable history of eagles in New York, including the highly successful bald eagle restoration program. He recounts firsthand experiences—from climbing into treetop nests to wintertime capture missions involving both bald and golden eagles—and explores current threats to these powerful raptors.

Connect with Scott

By Email at theeagleguyny@gmail.com

Buy the Book

From DOAS (email j.bachman@doas.us)

Green Toad Bookstore, Oneonta, NY

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Guy-Career-Working-Eagles/dp/B0DZTX73KB

A Finger Lakes native and SUNY Cobleskill graduate, Scott served more than 30 years with DEC, much of that time based in Stamford. He is the author of The Eagle Guy, a memoir chronicling his decades of fieldwork. Scott now lives in the Town of Otego. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from someone who’s spent a lifetime helping eagles soar. Scott will have his book for sale after the talk.

Full video of the clip used in the program above.

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President

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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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