Video shows magnificent adult bald eagle soaring through Central Park — a sight becoming more common in NYC

A magnificent bald eagle soared through Central Park Wednesday — a sight that experts say is becoming more common in the Big Apple.

The adult bird was spotted bathing in the middle of the park’s reservoir before taking flight and finding refuge in a tree, a viral video of the encounter showed.

In the process, the giant bald eagle scared off a horde of seagulls enjoying the tranquil waterway and astounded thousands who watched the clip on social media.

“The fact that they’re here, it’s still uncommon. But the fact that we can see them is not incredibly shocking,” explained Dr. Dustin Partridge, NYC Bird Alliance’s director of conservation and science.

The country’s national bird has been progressively moving into the Big Apple in recent years, with hundreds of pairs estimated to be nesting throughout the five boroughs, according to Partridge.

The growing population marks a significant resurgence in what was once a struggling population — bald eagles nearly went extinct mid-century due to habitat loss and hunting.

Conservation efforts have saved bald eagles nationally, though they are still heavily threatened by rodenticide — which many believe contributed to beloved Central Park owl Flaco’s death.

Spotting one in Central Park, however, is still somewhat of an oddity.

“Bald eagles do like to be around water, especially in the winter. You’ll see them kind of up and down the Hudson … Even if there’s ice in the water, they’ll be sitting on the ice,” Partridge explained, adding that they’re also known to hang out in Jamaica Bay and Staten Island.

The aptly named bird expert estimates that the bald eagle seen Wednesday was at least 5 years old, based on its impressive plumage.

The bird likely moved inland for a change of pace and to enjoy the waters of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir rather than saltwater, according to Partridge.

Although the birds are becoming more common in the Big Apple, New Yorkers are getting used to the idea that the once-extinct species is living amongst the skyscrapers.

“Seeing a bald eagle in New York City is absolutely incredible. Really seeing a bald eagle anywhere is pretty incredible just because they are these amazing and powerful birds,” Partridge said.

“When somebody sees a bald eagle, they right away know that they’re looking at something special.”