Have you ever seen a WILD BALD EAGLE? Once you see one up close (and by that I mean up close enough to determine that it is a bald eagle through your binoculars), it’s a thrill you will never forget! Because not only are they the symbol of the United States, but they are truly amazing, native American birds! Add to that the fact that they were almost extinct because of OUR carelessness, and that they are RECOVERING, they’re just amazing!
1. Vanishing Texas River Cruise, Lake Buchanan The Vanishing Texas River Cruise by Canyon of the Eagles on the Colorado River and Lake Buchanan in Burnet lets you choose to sit in the all enclosed air conditioned/heated (because in Texas you never know!) cabin or go up top to the open air deck for viewing! Reservations are highly suggested, and tend to sell out quickly! They have recently added NEW Freedom Flight Cruises in conjunction with Last Chance Forever wild bird rehabilitators. On these amazing cruises, you can witness as birds are released back into the wild! For someone who wants to get a little closer to nature, enjoy one of their Kayak Rentals along Beaver Creek. Enjoy a 2, 4 or all day excursion to Falls Creek Falls. Click HERE to visit their website.
2. John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Seagoville A man made wetland just south of Dallas, the East Fork Wetlands Project was created as a natural way to cleanse reclaimed water, and is the largest in the state. Migratory shorebirds and waterfowl have claimed the area as their winter home, as well as juvenile Bald Eagles, and a mature mating pair. The John Bunker Sands Center provides an educational opportunity to view the wetlands along their boardwalk, and hands on activities for schools and organizations in their learning center. They are open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, and weekday visits are scheduled by appointment. Click HERE to visit their website.
3. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman Hagerman offers a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife from your car, or you can get out and hike the trails around the refuge. On our last visit, we spotted several young Bald Eagles as we drove around, although that trip was all about the huge flocks of snow geese!
4. Eaglefest, Emory Each winter, the town of Emory celebrates Rains County’s designation as the Bald Eagle Capital of Texas with a 2 day festival, Eaglefest. Barge and Bus tours take festival goers out to see the eagles, as well as self guided walking tours. In town, enjoy festival activities, food booths, and educational presentations by conservation groups.
5. McKinster’s Guide Service, Lake Texoma If you have more money than I do, you might want to schedule a bald eagle tour aboard an air boat! This is the only one we have never done… but I sure want to!! Click HERE to visit their website.
6. Fairfield Lake State Park, Fairfield Each year people flock out to Fairfield Lake State Park to see the returning Bald Eagles that winter on the lake, no doubt dining on the lake’s supply of stocked red drum! Park rangers will suggest better viewing sites. This is a great park for family camping, too!
7. Mary Manor Preserve at the Katy Prairie Conservancy This 200 acre preserve, West of Houston, is made up of wetlands and old rice fields. It offers a perfect opportunity to spot Bald Eagles, as well as many other sought after Texas migratory birds.
8. Tomball Eagles Some of the easiest eagles to spot, this happy couple makes their nest each year in a big tree behind the Target in Tomball! Follow their facebook story!
Want more locations? Visit Bald Eagle Information to learn about eagle sightings around Texas, and post your own sightings! Good Luck!
Bald Eagles can be spotted all over the state! We spotted one just driving down the road last April during a road trip in East Texas with some friends! They like to perch near the top of large, leafless trees, and once you spot one, you’ll always be looking! Be careful and aware of your surroundings if you stop to get a better picture! We pulled over and all jumped out of the car to get a better picture, only to jump back in when the big dogs of the property began running at us! It was too much noise so the eagle left, too!
I even spotted one driving on Collins in Arlington, as I was sitting at a traffic light over the Trinity River. It flew up from River Legacy Park, over the bridge and circled up above the car ahead of me, which was my husband, before heading off towards the lake at Viridian. I was so excited and asked my husband, who never even saw it!
My Mommy Tips
- Most of these locations are “kinda out there”. Be sure you fill up your gas tank before arriving, a wildlife refuge is a lousy place to run out of gas, albeit a beautiful one.
- Pack a lunch and plan to spend the day. Take sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes for walking the trails. Bring along a book to read under a tree, or a frisbee to make a playful day!
- You and your children will enjoy birds so much more if you can recognize even just a few. Purchase a field guide to take with you.
- Don’t forget a pair of binoculars. They don’ t need to be expensive to help you sight these Big Birds!! Take a kid friendly pair for your younger children, too!
If you want to see a BALD EAGLE up very close, visit Grace at the Texas State Aquarium. She is a stunning bird who was found injured in Alaska, rehabilitated but not able to be released.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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