Golden eagles are a rare but incredible sight in the skies over Virginia. As one of the largest birds of prey in North America, these powerful raptors command attention when spotted. While golden eagles are uncommon year-round residents and migrants in the state, there are a few locations and times of year that offer the best chances to catch a glimpse of these massive birds.
Overview of Golden Eagles in Virginia
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most widespread birds of prey, found across the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, golden eagles inhabit western mountains, cliffs, and open landscapes. Their range just reaches the east coast in a few areas. Virginia marks the southeastern extent of the golden eagle’s range in eastern North America.
These large raptors stand 2-3 feet tall, with wingspans around 7 feet wide. They can weigh 8-14 pounds. Plumage is dark brown, with golden feathering on the back of the head and neck. Young birds have white patches under the wings and at the base of the tail.
Golden eagles use their power and speed to prey on small-to-medium sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion. Jackrabbits are a frequent food source out west. In Virginia, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, waterfowl, shorebirds and carrion make up the bulk of their diet.
The golden eagle population in Virginia consists mostly of migrants passing through in fall and winter. A few breeding pairs reside in the mountainous southwest region of the state. Total numbers range from around 60 to 100 over the course of a year.
Best Places to See Golden Eagles in Virginia
Here are some of the top locations in Virginia to spot golden eagles during fall, winter, and early spring:
Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, is located here. Cliffs and open slopes provide excellent hunting and soaring habitat for golden eagles from November to March. Scan ridge tops around Skyline Drive.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
These two national forests cover rugged mountain terrain in southwest Virginia. Large tracts of remote backcountry provide nesting and wintering grounds for golden eagles.
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
This long coastal refuge hosts significant raptor migration in autumn. Watch for golden eagles drifting over the barrier islands from late October into December.
Fort A.P. Hill
This military base has cliffs and open habitats. The resident golden eagle population peaks from October to April.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Situated where Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee meet, this park provides mountain ridge vistas for spotting golden eagle migrants and winter residents.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the Eastern Shore, this wildlife hotspot hosts migrating raptors in fall. Watch for golden eagles from the observation tower in November.
Best Times to See Golden Eagles in Virginia
Here are the prime times to spot golden eagles in different parts of Virginia:
Region | Best Time |
---|---|
Shenandoah National Park | December-February |
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests | November-March |
Eastern Shore | Mid October-December |
Southwest Mountains | October-April |
Fall and winter bring the highest concentrations of golden eagles through Virginia on migration or settling in for the colder months. Peak migration occurs November-December across the state. Wintering birds remain through February and March in western mountain areas.
There is a chance to spot golden eagles on the Eastern Shore and in Shenandoah National Park as early as late October. Some individuals start moving through Virginia in mid autumn. However, sightings remain uncommon until November.
Nesting golden eagles are present in southwest Virginia mainly from March to August. But they can be elusive around breeding territories.
Where to Look for Golden Eagles
When trying to spot golden eagles, make sure to scan openings in forests, mountain slopes, cliffs, and coastal dunes. Good overhead visibility helps you catch sight of these birds soaring high on thermals and updrafts.
Focus on places offering their preferred habitat and hunting grounds:
- Ridges and mountain peaks
- Open fields adjacent to woods
- Grasslands
- Coastal dunes and marshes
- Cliffs and bluffs
Also concentrate efforts near wetlands, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Golden eagles will hunt water birds at these aquatic areas.
When driving or hiking mountain roads, frequently scan the skies and mountains above the treeline. Set up a spotting scope on ridge tops or peaks to methodically search the surrounding slopes and overhead.
Identification Tips
Identifying golden eagles takes practice and care. Other large raptors soar over Virginia skies as well. Here are some tips for proper identification:
- Size – Significantly larger than red-tailed hawks. Smaller than turkey vultures and eagles when in direct comparison.
- Flight style – Powerful and direct flapping. Will also soar and glide.
- Wings – Long, broad wings. Fingered at wing tips when soaring.
- Tail – Smaller and squared off compared to bald eagle’s long, wedge-shaped tail.
- Head – Small head relative to the body size. Golden feathering visible at the nape.
- Beak – Large, hooked raptor beak.
Juvenile golden eagles have white patches under the wings and base of the tail. Take care not to mistake a red-tailed hawk or turkey vulture for a golden eagle.
Conclusion
Seeing a golden eagle take flight or spotting one perched on a cliff is an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Their large size, graceful soaring, and wild habitat make them a sensational sight. With patience and persistence during fall and winter, you have decent chances of observing golden eagles in areas like Shenandoah National Park, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and the southwest mountains.