Bald Eagles

When and where are the best place to spot Bald Eagles in Chattanooga? It depends on the season.

Wintering Bald Eagles begin arriving in Tennessee in late October and peak in late January to mid-February. The Hiawassee Wildlife Refuge is my recommended spot to look for eagles in winter alongside thousands of Sandhill Cranes. Eagles typically feed on fish (70% + of their total diet) but they will also feed on injured waterfowl. Each winter I enjoy watching eagles fishing but I’ve also seen more than one eagle feeding on sandhill cranes at Hiawassee Wildlife Refuge.

By April, most wintering bald eagles have returned to their nesting origins of southern Canada and the Great Lake states. However Tennessee does have more than 175 full time nesting residents. It is not uncommon to see and hear eagles on Chickamauga Lake or Harrison Bay cruises throughout the year in Chattanooga.