Scoop The Mountain Eagle and Maggie: A Catskill Mountain Love Story

GREENE COUNTY — Since Scoop started writing for The Mountain Eagle Newspaper, life has become one big adventure. He has covered parades, festivals, snowstorms, pancake breakfasts, and one very angry goat at a county fair.

But one of his biggest stories started at Kaaterskill Falls.

Scoop was sent to cover the search for a lost baby owl. That’s where he met Maggie, a calm, smart, and brave wildlife rescue guide who knew every trail, tree, and animal in the Catskills.

Scoop tried to impress her by saying, “Don’t worry, I’m an expert tracker.”

Then he immediately tripped over a root and dropped his notebook in a puddle.

Maggie laughed and said, “Good thing you’re cute”

For two days, Scoop followed Maggie through the woods as they searched for the baby owl. Maggie read tracks, listened to bird calls, and moved through the forest like she belonged there. Scoop mostly carried snacks, asked questions, and somehow got pine needles in his press hat.

Finally, they found the baby owl safe in a hollow tree. Scoop got his story, Maggie saved the day, and somewhere between the muddy trails and the moonlight over the falls, they both found something even better.

Each other.

They dated for one year. Then, on the anniversary of the baby owl rescue, Scoop brought Maggie back to Kaaterskill Falls. He got down on one knee, held out a ring, and said, “Maggie, will you make me the happiest eagle in the Catskills?”

Maggie smiled and said, “Yes… but only if you promise not to trip into the waterfall.”

Scoop promised.

Mostly.

Today, Scoop and Maggie are married with three beautiful children, two boys and a girl. Their home is full of laughter, love, feathers, muddy boots, and plenty of adventure.

And Scoop always says the best story he ever covered was the story that led him find Maggie.