With a six to eight-foot wingspan, there is something undeniably dramatic about seeing a Bald Eagle in the wild. These most revered, and fiercely stoic birds of prey capture our imaginations and dreams. We can't help but pause when we see one and appreciate our nation's symbol.

Bald Eagles will most commonly perch high up in dead trees where they can survey the area for their next meal. Here in Virginia, they enjoy plentiful fish and other delectable items like crabs and amphibians from our ample waterways. Fish are their main food source.

A Bald Eagle in flight at Chippokes State Park

We have seen these majestic creatures soaring high above Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Occoneechee State Park and just about every place there is a river, lake, bay or estuary in Virginia. But there are a few key locations nearer the coast in particular where there is a thriving eagle population, which gives you a better opportunity of seeing these beautiful birds. Bald eagles are most prominently found in North America.

6 MOST LIKELY PLACES TO SPOT BALD EAGLES IN VIRGINIA

With some fun park events to help you find them

1. | CALEDON STATE PARK

Eagle Tour - May 25 and 27, 2024

America's national symbol, the bald eagle, soars wild and free over the Potomac River. Come learn about the biology and history of this American icon, and find out why so many can be found at Caledon. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from a Ranger.  Paid reservations are required as space is limited. 

DID YOU KNOW

Bald Eagles stand approximately three feet tall and weigh from six and a half to fourteen pounds. Females are typically 1/3 larger than males.

2. | MASON NECK STATE PARK

26th Annual Eagle Festival - May 11, 2024.

Join us for a full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics that all aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia and foster stewardship of our environment.

Morning Paddle Adventures 

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Join us for a little paddle on the water. Mornings are a great time to catch our abundant wildlife out and about doing their morning feeding and wandering before the summer heat drives them into the shade for the day. Paddle your kayak or canoe, alongside a paddle guide, as you glide along Belmont Bay and into Kane's Creek. This area is home to amazing wildlife such as beaver, turtles, fox, heron, and even our nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle!

Sign up for our 3 hour morning adventures, which are offered every once a month on Saturday in May, June, July, August and September. 

Reservations are required. Cost of reservation is $20 per person and includes all paddle equipment and parking. Children ages 5 and under are NOT permitted in boats. Children ages 6-12 must be in a tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian. Children 13-17 may paddle alone in a boat but must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian on the same tour.

Mason Neck also has Twilight and Evening paddle adventures.

DID YOU KNOW

Bald Eagles have 7,000 feathers.

3. | LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK

Powell's Creek Canoe Adventure - June 6, 13 and 20, 2024

Enjoy a fun paddling adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  Watch majestic bald eagles and ospreys soar above, a heron hunting along the shore, and turtles basking in the  sunshine. 

Guided Morning Paddle - June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 & Sept. 8, 2024

Enjoy a peaceful morning canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek!  Take in the tranquility of this tributary, watch majestic bald eagles and ospreys soar above, a heron hunting along the shore, turtles basking in the morning sunshine, or a river otter retiring for the day to its den. All participants must be 6 years or older. Spots are limited so make your reservation today and call the Visitor Center at (703)583-6904.  Fee is due at time of reservation. $15 per person; $9 per person for a group of 4 or more.

Please call the Visitor Center in advance to register for all events at (703) 583-6904.

DID YOU KNOW

The Bald Eagle has been the United States' national emblem and mascot since 1782.

4. | SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE STATE PARK

VSP History and Culture Day - Historical Pontoon Boat Tour - June 15, 2024

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Experience an enjoyable ride on the lake while we keep a lookout for waterfowl and other natural lake residents. Wildlife you might catch a glimpse of include deer, turtles, fish, osprey, ducks, great blue heron, or even a bald eagle. Learn the history of how the lake was created and the origin of the park. We will make stops to take in the scenery and for photo opportunities.

Pre-registration required at our Visitor Center. Space is limited. Registration for this event opens one week prior to date of each tour and closes at 4 p.m. the day before each tour. Sorry, but we cannot take reservations earlier than one week prior to the date you plan to go on a tour. Event is free, but regular parking fees apply. For more information, please call our Visitor Center at (540) 297-6066 between 8 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW

The lifespan of a Bald Eagle is around 25 years.

5. | NEW RIVER TRAIL STATE PARK

Eagle Watch - April 5, 2024

Come view our resident Bald Eagle nest along the New River. A spotting scope will be set up to help you get an up-close look. Learn to spot the differences between different birds of prey, identify an eagle call, and explore the unique natural history of the area.

Spring into Birding - April 14, 28 and May 5, 2024

Peak songbird migration along the New River is mid-April to mid-May. Each spring in Virginia, warblers and other neotropical songbirds travel through Virginia along the Atlantic Flyway. 

6. | YORK RIVER STATE PARK

River Raptors Walk - April 13, 2024

Come and discover the majestic aerial hunters and their habitats.  Bald eagles, red shouldered and red tailed hawks make their home here year round.  Osprey return to the area to feed and breed.   We may find other birds of prey as well as we hike through the woods and into the marshes.

Pick Your Paddle - May 18, 2024

Explore the beautiful wetlands or river with us. You may even encounter a variety of wild creatures. Learn something new and exciting as you paddle up the creek or down the river. And don't worry, we provide you with a paddle of your choice (canoe or kayak). Taskinas Creek and the York River are so rich in their resources and we'll teach you ways to protect them.
Cost: Canoes $9/person or $6/person (family of 4+), solo kayak $16/person, tandem kayak $11/person.

DID YOU KNOW

Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be our national bird.

BONUS

7. | WESTMORELAND STATE PARK - Eagles soar high above the cliffs over the historic Potomac River. Look up as you hike down to Fossil Beach or walk along the shoreline for a chance to see these remarkable birds in flight.

8. | BELLE ISLE STATE PARK - Belle Isle has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests, and is a prime location to spot Bald Eagles.

FUN EVENTS

Blue Goose Wildlife & History Tram Tour

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park! Spot wildlife from the Blue Goose Tram and learn the history of this spectacular area. Plus, enjoy a 1-mile round trip guided hike through pristine maritime forest to the historic Wash Woods church and cemetery site. Cost is $8 per person. There is a $5 entrance fee for Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge per car. Reservations are required. To make reservations call the park at 757- 426-7128.

Activity & Campfire: "Raptors Among Us" - May, 18, 2024

As we sit around the campfire, naturalist and educator Roger Pinholster will guide us into the amazing world of raptors. We'll find out what makes them the rulers of the bird kingdom, the role they have in the ecosystem, and the dangers they face today. Bring your appetites; s'mores will be provided!

AWARE Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation - June 8, 2024

The Friends of Occoneechee State Park are sponsoring an exciting program featuring animal rehabilitation. The Alliance of Wild Animal Rehabilitators & Educators (AWARE) will bring their rescued and rehabilitated wild animals and explain the important role that every animal plays in our ecosystems and the importance of saving wild spaces to coexist with wildlife. This program is for adults and children of all ages and is sure to be thrilling and enlightening.

MORE PROGRAMS

Be sure to search our events database for more great outdoor programming. Find a park near you here, and to learn more about overnight accommodations, click here.

You may also enjoy: 6 Best Beginner Kayaking Locations in Virginia

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