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Posted February 3, 2018 | Updated June 20, 2019

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 being their main food source.

A Bald Eagle in flight at Chippokes Plantation 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

Sunset Kayak Trip - June 28, 2019

Enjoy a sunset paddle on the lower Potomac River. Evening is a great time to view wildlife and there are excellent opportunities to see bald eagles, great blue heron, and other wildlife along the shore. $19 for a solo kayak, $25 for a tandem kayak. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet and close-toed shoes. Must be at least 16 years or older for a solo kayak and 8 years or older (accompanied by an adult) for tandem kayak. Call for reservations at 540-663-3861 or stop by the Visitor Center.

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

Morning Paddle Adventures - June 22, 2019

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 certified 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 2 hour Saturday morning adventures, which are offered every other Saturday in June and July. Individuals - $15 each. Groups (4+) - $9 each. 

Reservations must be made in advance by calling 703-339-2385. While these are family friendly tours, children under 5 are not allowed in our boats. Children 6-13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in the boat, and children 14-17 may paddle alone but must be under supervision of a parent/guardian. Bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and appropriate attire. Pets are not permitted on our boats. 

DID YOU KNOW

Bald Eagles have 7,000 feathers.

3. | LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK

Canoe Tour - June 9, 2019

Our canoe tours are designed to help those that are new to canoeing to learn the basics of paddling. Experienced individuals are also encouraged to enjoy the wildlife and scenic views. We can support up to 18 people on a tour depending on age, size, and skill set. The cost is $9.00 per person, or $6.00 per person when reserving for groups of 4 or more. 

Please call the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance to register 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

Watchable Wildlife Pontoon Boat Tour -  June 11, 2019

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. 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. | CHIPPOKES PLANTATION STATE PARK

Evening Canoe - June 8, 2019

The late afternoon is turning to the evening, and the eagles and osprey are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures to do their fishing. This beautiful trip along the Lower Chippokes Creek will take guests on a peaceful paddle through the salt marsh while the day has started to cool. This tour is for ages 6 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum of 12 guests. $11/person or $6/person in group of 4 or more.

Register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 757-294-3728. Bug spray, drinking water, and closed-toed shoes recommended. Canoes, paddles, and life vest provided.

6. | YORK RIVER STATE PARK

Sunset Paddle - June 9, 2019

As the colors of sunset fall on the marsh, a variety of sounds can be heard from birds and other creatures. Enjoy the beauty of this special time on the water with a guided paddling trip. Canoes are $9/person or $6/person (family of 4+), solo kayaks are $16/person, and tandem kayaks are $11/person. Please call for reservations. Prepayment required with reservation.

You might also enjoy: Paddle Thru The Past  and Mysterious Moonlight Canoe on June 15, 2019.  

• Sunset Paddle on June 23, 2019 and July 7, 2019
• Extreme Estuarine Expedition on June 30, 2019
• Canoeing With The Stars on July 5, 2019
• Pick Your Paddle on July 13, 2019

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.

EAGLE RELEASES

Rehabilitated Bald Eagle released at Belle Isle State Park by the Wildlife Center of Virginia

The Wildlife Center of Virginia releases rehabilitated bald eagles back into the wild at our parks. Visit their website to see updated news, and to learn when the next scheduled release will be, as the public are invited to attend. If you love wildlife, we also recommend you follow them on Facebook here.

FUN EVENTS

Sunset on Back Bay - False Cape State Park June 14, 2019

This is a 2 hour kayak tour that launches from False Cape State Park. We will take a leisurely paddle along the beautiful Back Bay located in southern Virginia Beach. Enjoy a seldom visited portion of the nature coast. This is another tour that takes you back in time to the real Virginia Beach. Wildlife is prevalent with everything from soaring eagles and jumping fish, to diving otters and singing frogs. This is a local tour that you will not soon forget. You'll know the tour is coming to an end when you see the sun slowly drop below the horizon while you experience the relaxing ending of another great day of life.
Reservations are required, space is limited. No experience needed and all equipment is provided. Cost: $25/person.

Early Eagle Paddle - Pocahontas State Park June 20, 2019

Join us to celebrate American Eagle Day. We'll paddle along the shores of Swift Creek to learn more about our national symbol, its role in our environment, and the challenges its faced and overcame. All equipment and instructions will be provided. Suitable for ages 6 and up.

Boats are limited and attendees must register in advance at the park office or by calling 804-796-4255. $9 per person or $6 per person in a group of 4 or more. Fees may be paid upon registration, or at start of program and must be in cash or check (credit cards accepted at park office only).

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

Posted February 3, 2018 | Updated June 20, 2019