Kentucky Lake is home to native bald eagles, making it one of the country’s premier places to spot them. With over 2,300 miles of undeveloped shoreline, bare trees, and ample food supply, bald eagles flock to Kentucky Lake and surrounding areas every winter to nest and catch fish. This winter, discover these eagle viewing spots at Kentucky Lake.
Where to look
There are an estimated 100 Bald Eagles that make Kentucky Lake their home every January and February. Plus, about 20 eagle pairs stay throughout the year to nest and raise the young, making eagle viewing possible year-round.
Bald eagles are found near lakes, rivers, and marshes because a majority of their diet is fish. All bald eagles have a dark body, but only adults have a white head and tail, the identifying features that most use to detect the bird.
Young bald eagles look more like golden eagles, but golden eagles are rarely seen in Land Between the Lakes. Eagles return to their same nests every year, always adding to them and some getting up to nine feet wide and weighing over a ton. So, oftentimes, year after year, you will be able to often spot eagles in the same place.
Popular eagle viewing spots at Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes
- Kentucky Dam (Marshall County’s Backyard!)
- Barkley Dam
- Honker Dam/Bobcat Point (LBL)
- Sugar Bay (LBL)
- Redd Hollow (LBL)
- Ginger Bay (End of Rd. 212) (LBL)
- Panther Bay (LBL)
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield (TN)
Tips for viewing
For optimal viewing, use these tips below:
- Flying eagles are flat, and flap their wings tightly, distinguishing themselves from other larger birds.
- Eagles tend to rest and roost in the top 1/3 of a tree.
- On nice, sunnier warm days, eagles are often found where the bay meets the lake.
- As for many wildlife, the best viewing is done from a distance, using binoculars
Stay at Lighthouse Landing
Of course, one of the best eagle viewing spots at Kentucky Lake is right here at Lighthouse Landing. Guests can often view the eagles right from the comfort of their cozy lakefront cottages. Most of our accommodations feature a private patio or deck, ideal for viewing. Our year-round cottages are equipped with everything you need including some units with a gas log stove and a whirlpool tub.
Or head out on The Grand Rivers Jetty, adjacent to Lighthouse Landing. This two-mile walking trail extends out onto Kentucky Lake with an open Gazebo and benches where you can sit and watch the sunset and eagles soaring above.
When booking your winter getaway, be sure to also take advantage of our specials, where you can save 10% when you book two or more nights between now and February 28, 2022.
