09/05/2026
Hawk Watch Bird of the Week: Golden Eagle! This uncommon (and gigantic) raptor is just passing through our neck of the woods. (The eastern North American population of Aquila chrysaetos breeds in Canada and winters in the southern Appalachians.)
Both the Golden and the more common Bald Eagle are BIG birds, with long broad wings, held flat while soaring. How do you tell these big dark birds apart at a distance (or distinguish between juveniles, since young Bald Eagles lack the distinctive white head and tail?) If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a gleam from the Golden Eagle’s gold-colored nape (neck). Also, golds soar with wings in a slight dihedral (v shape), while Bald Eagles hold their wings perfectly flat, “like a plank.” Finally, a Golden Eagle’s head looks smaller in proportion to its body; it doesn’t stick out so far.
This species is most common during the second half of our hawk count season at Bake Oven K**b. Let us know if you spot one!
📸: NPS Photo / Emily Brouwer
