The American Bald Eagle is an iconic bird that can easily stop you in your tracks when witnessing one soaring above. It’s no wonder these majestic creatures can elicit such a reaction – they can stand approximately three feet tall and have wing spans that reach up to eight feet wide.
One might not assume that Northern Virginia is a prime area to spot these beautiful birds, with the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC so close by. However, there’s a reason that Fairfax County is home to America’s first refuge dedicated to the preservation of the Bald Eagle – the scenic waterways along the Potomac Banks area are home to a thriving population of these animals, offering YOU an epic opportunity to see the nation’s symbol up close.
📍Mason Neck State Park & Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge
This Virginia State Park, located on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay, Belmont Bay, and the Potomac River, is revered as one of THE top spots to admire soaring Bald Eagles in their natural habitat. In fact, the adjacent National Wildlife Refuge, named for the woman who tirelessly worked to help preserve this land after learning about its Bald Eagle population, was the very first refuge in America established for the protection of the American Bald Eagle.
The park celebrates our nation’s symbol each May with its annual Eagle Festival and typically offers monthly morning, twilight, and evening paddle adventures in the summer months so that visitors can get even more up close and personal with these iconic birds.
Hot tip: Go early in the morning for some of your best chances to spot the Bald Eagle. If on kayak, paddle out to Kane’s Creek, to the right of the kayak launch area, for a great angle.
Check out this biking video itinerary from our friends at Ride & Shine Bicycling
📍Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay shares the banks of the waterways with Mason Neck, so it is easy to see why this is another park in Fairfax County with prime Bald Eagle viewing spots. The park has a plethora of canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals available seasonally, offering guests the opportunity to view wildlife from different angles.
Hot tip: This may be a great park to introduce youngsters to birdwatching. While you’re on the lookout for wildlife, don’t sleep on the abundance of family-friendly activities the park offers, from golf and mini-golf and a seasonal waterpark to nature trails, camping, and historic markers.
📍Side Excursions: George Mason’s Gunston Hall & George Washington’s Mount Vernon
While you’re in the Mason Neck and Mount Vernon areas of Fairfax County, don’t miss stopping over at the homes of two of America’s Founding Fathers: George Mason and George Washington. Both of these famous George’s estates are located just minutes from Pohick Bay Regional Park and Mason Neck State Park and have been known to be unique places to catch a bald eagle on a sightseeing journey of its own.
Hot tip: Head down to the Wharf at Mount Vernon for a scenic water view and look out for eagles soaring in the trees above. At Gunston Hall, take a walk on the Bluebird Trail for stunning vantage points.
📍Huntley Meadows Park
Huntley Meadows is well known as one of the best wildlife viewing spots in Northern Virginia - and the whole of the DMV. The combination of forest, meadows, and wetlands make it a prime destination for many, many species – including the regal Bald Eagle.
Hot tip: Join one of the weekly bird walks for a guided excursion through the park – it may just help you see or hear birds and eagles you may have otherwise missed!
There are many other locations where you may spot Eagles in Northern Virginia, from the smaller parks along the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the jaw-dropping waterfall-anchored Great Falls Park and adjacent Riverbend Park. (Hot tip – join the Spring Wildflowers & Bald Eagles Family Walk on March 30 for a family-friendly spring activity!)
Where have you spotted this iconic bird when traversing the Capital Region? Drop your tips and tricks in the comments below to help other eagle-eyed visitors looking towards the trees.
