20 Best States for Spotting the Majestic Bald Eagles

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If you are into spotting bald eagles, you have to check out these spots across the U.S., where they hang out in large numbers. Here are the 20 best states for eagle watching, from the icy rivers of Alaska to the sunny coasts of Florida.

Alaska

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Alaska’s a no-brainer for seeing bald eagles. You cannot miss them there. Head over to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve if you really want to see them in action. When the salmon are spawning, the place is like a bald eagle convention. It is not just the number of eagles that is impressive; it is also watching them against the backdrop of snowy mountains.

Florida

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Florida is another great spot, especially if you like your wildlife viewing with a side of sunshine. Bald eagles are around all year, but they are easiest to spot in winter. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places for this. You can see them flying over the water or perched in a tree, keeping an eye on things.

Minnesota

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Minnesota is fantastic, too, especially because of all the lakes. Eagles are drawn to the water where they can catch fish. Drive along the Mississippi River during the spring or fall migrations, and you will see them flying overhead or sitting in the trees just watching the world go by.

Washington

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Then there is Washington. The Skagit River Valley during winter is where it is at. There is a festival for the eagles, and you can see them diving for fish in the river. It is a pretty amazing sight with the forest around you and the river full of life.

Oregon

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Do not skip Oregon, especially the Klamath Basin in winter. It is quieter and more serene than some of the other spots. The eagles gather by the hundreds, giving you plenty of chances to watch them as they soar or hunt in the open fields and along the water.

Montana

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Montana, with its wide-open skies and rich river ecosystems, is perfect for spotting bald eagles, especially around the Missouri River. These birds are often seen perching in cottonwood trees or soaring above the rivers, looking for fish. The fall and winter months are particularly good for sightings as the eagles become more active during the colder weather.

Wisconsin

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Wisconsin is another hotspot, especially along the Wisconsin River and areas around the Great Lakes. In winter, bald eagles gather around open water for fishing, which makes places like the Fox River and Wyalusing State Park prime spots for eagle watching. The annual Bald Eagle Watching Days event in Sauk City is a highlight for visitors.

Iowa

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Iowa might be a bit of a surprise, but it is fantastic for eagle viewing, particularly along the Mississippi River. The lock and dams in places like Dubuque and Davenport create open water areas where eagles flock during the winter months to feed. It is common to see them in large numbers, making for some spectacular viewing opportunities.

California

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Heading back to the West Coast, California’s diverse habitats support a healthy eagle population. The Klamath Basin, shared with Oregon, is particularly renowned. But do not overlook the Central Valley and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where eagles are often spotted around lakes and rivers during the winter months.

Maryland

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Head over to the Chesapeake Bay area, especially the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. It is a killer spot for eagle-watching pretty much all year, but winter? It is prime time. Besides Blackwater, another great spot in Maryland is the Patuxent Research Refuge, which has dedicated eagle tours and walking paths that offer great chances to see eagles in their natural setting.

Michigan

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Michigan is a goldmine for eagle sightings with its massive freshwater coastlines and loads of inland lakes. Come winter, the Great Lakes areas, like around Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, are bustling with eagles fishing. Do not miss the Seney National Wildlife Refuge; it is perfect for catching sight of them at any time of the year.

Virginia

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This place is diverse. From the Appalachian Mountains down to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s got the perfect mix for bald eagle habitats. The James River? It is teeming with one of the largest eagle populations on the East Coast. Spring and summer are awesome times to watch them swoop and dive for fish.

Idaho

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If you find yourself in Idaho during the winter, make a point to visit the Coeur d’Alene River Basin. Loads of eagles gather there to feed on kokanee salmon. It is not just the eagles that are breathtaking; the snowy landscapes make it a top spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Missouri

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Both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers are hotspots for eagles, especially in winter when the open waters and fish draw them in. Check out the Eagle Days events at places like Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge; they are fun and educational, perfect for the whole family.

South Dakota

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Along the Missouri River near Pierre and Lake Oahe, the winter eagle-watching is spectacular. The large reservoirs and controlled river flows create ideal fishing spots for the eagles. While visiting South Dakota, also check out the annual Bald Eagle Days at the Big Bend Dam, where guided tours provide additional insights into the lives of these birds.

Pennsylvania

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The Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania is a magnet for bald eagles, particularly when it is colder, and the river is packed with fish. The Conowingo Dam is a popular hangout—not just for the eagles but also for photographers and birdwatchers eager to see these majestic birds in action.

New York

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The Hudson River Valley is on the upswing as a prime location for eagle watching, thanks to the river’s improving health. In winter, the open waters attract plenty of eagles, making them easy to spot from many public viewing areas. In addition to the Hudson River, the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge near the Finger Lakes is another terrific place for eagle-watching.

Montana

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Known for its stunning natural scenery, Montana is also fantastic for seeing bald eagles, particularly around major water bodies like Flathead Lake. Fall and winter are great times to see them in action, thanks to the high numbers of fish and waterfowl. Another Montana gem is the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, where bald eagles are often spotted flying over the Jefferson River.

Maine

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One of the most scenic eagle-watching in the Northeast is Maine. The coastal spots and numerous rivers and lakes are particularly lively, with eagles in the spring as the ice melts and in the fall during migration. Acadia National Park is a hotspot you would not want to miss.

North Carolina

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Lastly, North Carolina’s coastal regions and big reservoirs like Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake are awesome for eagle spotting. The fishing opportunities here keep the eagles coming back year after year. Plus, there are plenty of eagle festivals and educational events that make it a great learning experience.

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