How and Where to Spot Golden Eagles in Pennsylvania

The golden eagle is one of North America’s most powerful and elusive raptors, and for birdwatchers in Pennsylvania, spotting one is a thrilling experience. Known for its golden-brown plumage, impressive wingspan, and graceful soaring, this bird of prey is an icon of wilderness. While the golden eagle typically calls the rugged western mountains its home, Pennsylvania lies along one of its key migratory paths, making it possible to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring birds as they pass through each year.

Golden eagles migrate southward over Pennsylvania in late fall and early winter, seeking warmer regions for the season. Birdwatchers across the state have their best chances to see these raptors at well-known hawk-watching locations like Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Allegheny Front. These elevated observation points provide a panoramic view of the migratory routes used by golden eagles, particularly as they travel from Canada through the Appalachians. The cool air of late fall and early winter brings excellent visibility, ideal for spotting their broad wings and distinctive flight pattern as they glide southward.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best places and times to see golden eagles in Pennsylvania, along with some tips for recognizing them in flight. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or simply fascinated by these majestic creatures, knowing where and when to look can greatly increase your chances of witnessing a golden eagle. And with PixCams live-streaming options at some popular birding locations, you might even catch a glimpse from the comfort of your home!

Meet the Golden Eagle: Power, Grace, and the Majesty of the Skies

The golden eagle is one of the most revered and widespread birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Known for its dark brown feathers and striking golden crown and nape, this eagle stands as a powerful symbol of strength and freedom across many cultures. With a wingspan reaching up to seven feet, golden eagles are graceful yet formidable hunters, capable of reaching speeds over 150 miles per hour in a dive. Unlike their cousin, the bald eagle, golden eagles are more commonly found in mountainous regions, open plains, and rugged landscapes where they can hunt efficiently.

Golden eagles are adept hunters, often taking down prey as large as jackrabbits, ground squirrels, and even foxes. They’re known for their sharp vision, allowing them to spot potential prey from long distances. Once they locate a target, golden eagles employ incredible agility and speed to swoop down, using their sharp talons to secure a meal. While mostly solitary, golden eagles form strong, lifelong pairs and are known to return to the same nesting territories each year, building large nests high in cliffs, trees, or other secure locations.

Although they primarily inhabit the western United States, golden eagles are migratory birds that occasionally grace eastern skies, particularly along the Appalachian Mountains. In Pennsylvania, their presence is mostly seasonal, with sightings increasing during fall and spring migration. Conservation efforts have helped protect the golden eagle, whose population remains stable, although they face threats from habitat loss, wind turbines, and lead poisoning. Birdwatchers treasure any chance to observe these majestic birds, making the golden eagle a highlight of any wildlife-watching experience in regions where they appear.

Custom designed cellular camera by PixCams, Inc.

Solar-Powered Cameras Help Study Golden Eagles

To help study the golden eagle migration through Pennsylvania, PixCams partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to install a solar-powered cellular camera in the remote Laurel Mountains. This rugged setup enables researchers to monitor the behavior of these elusive raptors in their natural environment with minimal disturbance. Using whitetail deer carcasses—roadkill repurposed as bait—PixCams and the DCNR created an opportunity to observe golden eagles as they stop to feed during their migratory journey.

Golden eagle at DCNR study site

The solar-powered camera setup was carefully selected to withstand the mountain climate, ensuring that the live feed could operate continuously through the cold and snowy months when golden eagles are most likely to pass through. Solar panels keep the camera charged, while cellular technology transmits live video footage to researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, making it possible for viewers to witness these majestic birds up close. The whitetail deer carcasses act as a food source that naturally attracts golden eagles and other scavengers, offering insights into the habits and behaviors of these raptors as they fuel up during migration.

Golden eagle at DCNR study site

This innovative approach not only helps scientists track golden eagle movements but also provides invaluable data on their interactions within Pennsylvania’s ecosystems. By collaborating with the DCNR and utilizing solar and cellular technology, PixCams has made it easier than ever to study and protect this iconic species while bringing an extraordinary viewing experience to the public.

Coyote at DCNR study site

How Carcass Sites Educate and Reveal Predators

A deer carcass site set up in the wild serves as a natural beacon for a variety of species beyond the golden eagle. Predators and scavengers alike are drawn to this nutrient-rich resource, creating a unique gathering point for Pennsylvania’s diverse wildlife. Coyotes, with their keen sense of smell, are often among the first to arrive, carefully approaching the carcass to scavenge when the coast is clear. Bobcats, Pennsylvania’s elusive wild cats, may also show up, often approaching with stealth and agility to avoid larger competitors. Black bears, being opportunistic feeders, will take advantage of the food source if they happen to cross paths with it, especially during fall, when they are building fat reserves for winter. Bald eagles, another impressive raptor, may compete with the golden eagles for a spot at the feast, providing a unique opportunity to witness interactions between these two iconic birds of prey.

Bobcat at DCNR study site

Sites like these serve as incredible educational resources, both for wildlife researchers and for the public. With live-streaming technology, viewers can witness the complex interactions between species as they compete, coexist, or cautiously observe each other at the carcass. Observing these animals as they naturally behave around a shared resource sheds light on their daily survival strategies, offering insights into predator-prey relationships, scavenging behaviors, and the food chain’s role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The interactions seen on camera, such as a bobcat cautiously observing a coyote or a golden eagle defending its position from a bald eagle, illustrate the intricacies of the wild in real-time.

Black bear at DCNR study site

For researchers, such sites allow for a better understanding of wildlife populations, their health, and their seasonal movements. Carcass sites also provide valuable data on species diversity in specific regions and the dietary needs of local wildlife. By watching how these animals behave around a carcass, scientists can monitor health indicators, like weight and fur quality, as well as feeding hierarchies and the presence of any unexpected visitors. The educational value of these camera sites reaches far beyond the study of any single species, offering a window into the complexity of natural ecosystems and the interconnected lives of Pennsylvania’s wildlife.

Immature bald eagle at DCNR study site

Chronic Wasting Disease Forces Pause on DCNR Carcass Study

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) had to make the difficult decision to halt its whitetail carcass site study program due to concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer family, including whitetail deer, elk, and moose. First identified in Colorado in the 1960s, CWD has since spread across North America, impacting deer populations in several states, including Pennsylvania. The disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which damage the brain and spinal cord tissue, ultimately leading to severe weight loss, lack of coordination, and, eventually, death.

Chronic Wasting Disease is highly contagious among deer, as the prions can be transmitted through saliva, urine, feces, and even soil contaminated by infected animals. Once introduced into the environment, prions can persist in soil and plants for years, making eradication extremely challenging. This durability and ease of transmission are major reasons why the DCNR had to reconsider using whitetail carcasses as bait to attract eagles and other wildlife for study. The presence of CWD in deer poses a risk of spreading prions at these sites, where other animals—such as scavenging birds and mammals—could come into contact with infected carcasses and potentially spread the disease to other locations.

For DCNR and conservation organizations, shutting down the carcass site program was a preventative measure to limit the risk of CWD prions contaminating new areas. By reducing potential exposure, they aim to protect the health of Pennsylvania’s deer herds and other wildlife that might interact with these sites. CWD has no known cure and can devastate deer populations, leading to cascading effects on ecosystems that rely on the deer population balance. Deer play a critical role in Pennsylvania’s ecosystems, as their grazing habits influence plant growth and their presence supports numerous predators and scavengers. Keeping CWD in check is essential not only to preserve deer populations but to maintain the health of entire ecosystems.

The suspension of the carcass site study underscores the ongoing challenges that wildlife managers face in monitoring and managing animal populations affected by diseases like CWD. The DCNR and other organizations continue to seek alternative, safer ways to study wildlife, especially golden eagles, and other raptors, without risking the spread of prions. This situation has led researchers to consider non-invasive monitoring techniques, such as high-powered camera technology, GPS tracking, and careful observation of natural food sources, allowing them to study these animals while prioritizing public and ecosystem health.

Studying Golden Eagles in Pennsylvania: Innovation and Conservation in Action

In conclusion, spotting a golden eagle in Pennsylvania is a rare and remarkable experience, one that offers a glimpse into the awe-inspiring world of raptors. Thanks to partnerships like those between PixCams and the DCNR, birdwatchers and researchers alike have the opportunity to study these majestic birds as they pass through the state during their migration. While the whitetail carcass site study program had to be paused due to concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease, the research and monitoring efforts continue to evolve with the help of cutting-edge technology, such as solar-powered cameras and remote wildlife observation. By using innovative methods to study golden eagles and other wildlife, we are gaining valuable insights into their behavior and the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, the chance to witness these incredible creatures—whether in person or via live stream—is a testament to the importance of wildlife conservation and the role we all play in protecting these extraordinary species.