The American bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, is known for its majestic appearance with a white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body. It primarily resides near bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and coastal areas throughout North America, from Alaska to Florida.
As a raptor, it feasts mainly on fish, but it’s also known to opportunistically hunt for small mammals and birds. Bald eagles have remarkable vision, able to spot prey from great distances while soaring high in the sky. Interestingly, they mate for life and often return to the same nesting sites, constructing massive nests called eyries in tall trees or cliffs.
One of the most intriguing facts about bald eagles is their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Additionally, they can dive at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour) when hunting for prey. Despite being a symbol of power, they are sensitive to environmental changes and were once endangered due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, but conservation efforts have helped their populations rebound in recent years.
We occasionally see Bald Eagles on our tours. Sightings are more frequent in spring and summer.
Birding by Boat Charleston 