Last updated: August 12, 2024
Thing to Do
Eagles
NPS photo.
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) can both be seen soaring over Glacier’s skies. Golden eagles are identified as large, dark-brown birds with golden-colored heads and napes. Adults have dark-gray wing feathers. Immature birds have large, white wing patches and a white band on their tail, visible in flight. Bald eagles can be mistaken for golden eagles when immature as they show varying amounts of white when young. Their head and tail will not become completely white until they are four to five years old.
As one of the most important golden eagle migration routes in North America, Glacier established a Hawk Watch International site in 2018 to monitor raptors during fall migration. Research has shown that human presence can disturb eagle nesting and foraging, so known nest areas in national parks are often closed to visitors.
As one of the most important golden eagle migration routes in North America, Glacier established a Hawk Watch International site in 2018 to monitor raptors during fall migration. Research has shown that human presence can disturb eagle nesting and foraging, so known nest areas in national parks are often closed to visitors.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Various locations
Golden eagles will hunt in open country for small mammals but nest high on cliffs. Bald eagles will hunt near water feeding on fish and waterfowl and will nest in large trees close to water. Both can be spotted soaring above Lake McDonald Lodge between September and November during their fall migration.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.