Bald eagles were once endangered in Pennsylvania, but the Pennsylvania Game Commission now is aware of more than 300 active nests across the state.
In the 1980s, the game commission was aware of only three eagle nests in Pennsylvania, all in the northwest.
“Bald eagles now nest in every county in Pennsylvania, which is pretty amazing considering the population density of some counties,” Stefan Karkuff, avian recovery biologist, told the USA TODAY Network recently.
Three prime sites in northwestern Pennsylvania have planned eagle watches in early 2025 to give visitors a chance to see the new official national bird of the United States up close.
Endangered Species Act at 50: How it aided eagles, osprey, falcons, people in Pennsylvania
Eagle Fest at Shenango River Lake, Mercer County
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District and Shenango River Watchers will put on the fifth annual Eagle Fest Jan. 11 at Shenango River Lake.
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Chestnut Run Swim Beach, 5500 Saranac Drive, in Transfer. Expect presentations, a food truck, Eagle Fest Art Competition winners announcement and rangers on hand to answer questions.
Events end at 2 p.m., but visitors can stay on to spot and photograph eagles. More than 90 eagles have been observed in a single day near Chestnut Run Swim Beach and the Route 18 access area.
More: Special young eagle soars high again after 9 months of medical care in northwestern Pa.
Eagle Watch Day at Kinzua Dam, Warren County
The 16th annual Eagle Watch Day at Kinzua Dam is scheduled for Feb. 1 starting at 8 a.m.
Visitors to the Army Corps of Engineers-managed site can watch bald eagles glide above the Allegheny River and Allegheny Reservoir from the wildlife viewing platform that’s near the Big Bend Visitors Center.
All events are free, including avian ambassador shows at the visitors center featuring live birds andeducational programs from Melissa Goodwill, outreach and education manager of Tamarack Wildlife Rehab Center in Saegertown. Question-and-answer sessions will follow the shows that start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Check the dates: Kinzua Bridge State Park skywalk maintenance closures started in fall 2024
Volunteers will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the viewing platform and elsewhere to help spot eagles and answer questions.
Light refreshments will be available at the visitors center thanks to the Allegheny Outdoor Club and Kondak’s Market.
The Kinzua Cachers will also put on a registered geomeet, with geocaches placed throughout the project.
Cook Forest State Park Eagle Watch
Pack your binoculars and scopes for eagle sightings along the Clarion River March 29 from 8:30 am. to 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cook Forest State Park office, 100 Route 36, Cooksburg, for the start of a long carpool and “aggressive” hike to some of the better areas for sightings.
Hot chocolate and coffee will be available at the park office.
December: Bald eagles are now the official national bird. Here’s what to know about them in Pa.
Where to get more Pennsylvania outdoors reporting
Find more reporting on wildlife, fishing, hunting, regulations, parks and more from state outdoors columnist Brian Whipkey and the Erie Times-News staff at goerie.com/sports/outdoors.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Bald eagle watch events set for NW PA in early 2025
