Last updated: November 8, 2024
Thing to Do
Winter Eagle Watching at the Lackawaxen River Access
Bill Hinton
Is there anything more majestic than seeing a bald eagle in flight? The striking white-headed national bird of the United States can be seen all around Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and in the larger Delaware River region. A particularly great time and place to view eagles is during winter, when there is a larger population of wintering eagles in the park. The Lackawaxen River Access, adjacent to the Zane Grey Museum, provides an excellent view of the river and opportunities for viewing the national bird. During weekends in January and February, volunteer docents are available to answer questions and assist visitors on how to best watch bald eagles.
Practice Good Eagle Etiquette:
Please remember to practice good “Eagle Etiquette” when observing these majestic birds.
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Stay Back: Keep at least 1000 feet from an active nest, roost, or feeding areas. Use binoculars or a telescope to view eagles at a distance. Do not try to make the birds fly.
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Keep Quiet: Eagles have excellent hearing. Avoid loud noises, honking car horns, slamming doors, etc. Speak in a whisper.
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Stay Still: Sudden movements can startle eagles, especially movements directly towards eagles or their nests. Avoid sudden movements whether you are on foot or in a vehicle.
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Keep in the Car: Use your vehicle as a blind or shield. Eagles generally feel more threatened by pedestrians than vehicles.
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Be Safe: Be aware of your surroundings. Park in designated areas and make sure to pull off the road completely. The peak viewing season for bald eagles is in winter, so ensure you are wearing the proper clothing and prepare for snow, ice, and extreme cold.
Please help do your part in preserving our national bird by being respectful when viewing bald eagles and taking good care of the natural spaces eagles call home.
Learn More:
To learn more about other places you can see bald eagles in the Upper Delaware region, please visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) website. The DHC offers bald watching programs in the winter at multiple locations in the Upper Delaware river valley and leads conservation efforts throughout the year.
For more information about eagle watching at the park, please visit the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Eagle Watching page.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Please follow proper "Eagle Etiquette" Guidelines while watching bald eagles. The presence of humans can disrupt and cause the eagle stress, leading them to use precious energy they need to survive. For the safest and least intrusive viewing experience please practice the following recommendations:
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Remain in or near your vehicle, use your vehicle as a “screen” or “shield” to view eagles behind. Eagles feel less threatened by stationary cars than pedestrians.
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Avoid loud noises such as yelling, honking car horns, and slamming car doors.
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Stay still, avoid sudden movements. Do not try to make the eagles fly or move.
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Stay at least 1000 (300m) feet away from a nest or roost. Use binoculars or a spotting scope instead of physically getting closer to eagles.
Please be aware that harassing, disturbing, or injuring a bald eagle is a federal offense and carries a penalty of up to $20,000 and/or one year in jail.
For more Eagle Etiquette tips, please visit our Eagle Watching page.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
It is not recommended that you bring your pets with you when bald eagle watching. Pets can make loud noises and sudden movements that will startle or cause bald eagles stress. Additionally, eagles and other birds of prey have been recorded to carry away pets such as small dogs. If you do choose to bring your pet, we recommend leaving the animal in the car for the safety of your animal and for the eagles.
If planning on doing other activities within the park with your pet, please keep pets on a leash, collect pet waste, and dispose of pet waste properly in a trash receptacle. Please note that most areas in the park, including trailheads, do not provide plastic bags or trash receptacles. We are a Pack It In, Pack It Out park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Lackawaxen River Access/Zane Grey Museum
When driving on Pennsylvania State Route 590, turn onto Scenic Drive. The Lackawaxen River Access is on the Delaware River, approximately a quarter mile north from Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct (Roebling Bridge). The access is across the street from the Zane Grey Museum. The address for the Lackawaxen River Access is 135 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, PA, 18435.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter
The height of eagle-watching season is in the winter, when wintering bald eagles come to this area for the winter from Canada and northern New York State. However, there is a population of eagles that call the Upper Delaware River area home year-round, thus eagles can be spotted in the area during any time of year. During weekends in January and February, there are volunteer docents available to answer questions. Eagle programming is cancelled during inclement weather. Please be mindful of changing weather and road conditions.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Eagles are most active in the early morning and around sunset. Volunteer docents are generally available on weekends in January and February from 10am to 3pm.
Accessibility Information
The Lackawaxen River Access is a paved parking area. There are designated parking spots and designated accessible parking spaces. The closest public restroom is located at the parking lot on the Pennsylvania-side of Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, about half a mile away (a couple minutes away if driving). The parking lot at the aqueduct does have accessible parking spaces available. There is an AED device in the Zane Grey Museum across the street. The Zane Grey Museum is generally open on weekends in January and February during Winter Eagle Watch Programs and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thursdays – Sundays.