Bald Eagles in Texas are Making a Comeback: Where You Can See Them

Bald eagles in Texas? Yes! In recent years the population has been expanding. Once upon a time, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction, and their sightings in Texas were virtually nil.

As the population of these majestic birds increases, so do their migration and sightings in the Lone Star State. While eagles can still prove to be elusive at times, understanding habitat in regards to weather and feeding habits may up your chances at spotting our national emblem live in the wild.

Photo Credit: Flickr/USFWS Midwest Region

Late fall, winter, and early spring are the optimum times to see bald eagles in the Lone Star State. Think October through March. The birds generally prefer more northern climes throughout the late spring and summer due to most of Texas’ high temperatures.

But when lakes and rivers are frozen over in the northern winters, bald eagles will land in Texas to utilize our vast forests, lakes, and rivers to feed and bed down. Unfortunately, for those of you in west Texas, the birds typically settle down in central and east Texas.

Photo Credit: Flickr/U.S. Forest Service–Southern Region

Here are a few of the most prime locations where the bald eagles have been spotted and provide adequate habitat, according to The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Lake Texana in Edna, just north of Victoria, has several nests. Over the past few years, several bird-watchers have reported sightings at Lake Buchanan and the surrounding Burnet and Llano Counties for those of you in central Texas. If you are in central Texas, also check out Pedernales State Park and Inks Lake as well.

Photo Credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

If you are in east Texas, Angelina National forest on the Nacogdoches side has reported large populations of the birds. Also check out Martin Creek Lake State Park in Tatum and Tyler State Park in Tyler.

Roma, Texas, way down south on the border in Falcon State Park, has a large lake where the birds have been found.

For those of you in the west part of the state, both Fort Davis and Big Bend have recorded sightings over the years.

Now, get out there and get to spotting!