Our national bird is once again ruling the skies over one of our great, historic rivers. If you have never seen the American Bald Eagle in the wild, visit York River State Park to enjoy our symbol of freedom soaring in the skies.
See our Nation's Symbol of Freedom in person at York River State Park
Bald eagles are the only eagles unqiue to North American, and are year round residents of the Chesapeake Bay region. Because the Osprey enjoy the warmer climates from September through March, eagles are seen more frequently along the James, Potomac, Rappahannock, and York Rivers this time of year.
Photographers came to York River State Park on Saturday, November 5th to capture images of the fall colors. We were treated with the presence of juvenile and adult bald eagles along Fossil Beach. It is believed that there are 2 nesting pair from Croaker Landing to Taskinas Creek and another three from Taskinas to the Camp Peary Military Reservation.
Eagles are seen along the James,Potomac, Rappahannock, and York Rivers this time of year
Some of the best places in the park to view these magnificent birds at the park don’t require very long hikes. The birds frequent Croaker and will often sit on the channel markers in the mornings. They will also perch on a dead tree at the mouth of Taskinas and can be seen from the gazebo behind the visitor’s center. The overlook along the creek, bench behind the visitor’s center, and river access beach are also great places to see the birds in action. Hikers should consider the overlook on Mattaponi Trail, Fossil Beach, and the beach at the end of Riverview Trail. There is also an observation platform at the end of the Pamunkey Trail.
Capture these beautiful birds in your binoculars or camera!
Binoculars and spotting scopes will enhance your viewing. Photographers will want to use 200mm lenses and stronger or a point and shoot camera with a powerful zoom lens. Overcast days are very productive and they don’t mind flying in a light drizzle.
If you have never seen bald eagles in the wild, visit York River State Park to enjoy our symbol of freedom soaring in the skies.
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.
Drive Time : Northern Virginia, two to three hours; Richmond, one hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, one hour; Fredericksburg, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.
