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North Carolina

On Saturday, October 17th around 2:30 pm, my daughter and I were driving down Johnson Ridge Rd. in Elkin, NC when I saw a large bird flying in the sky. At first, I thought it was a vulture until it came closer. When it had flown above the car, I could see its white head and tail feathers. Then, I knew it was a bald eagle. I stopped my car on the side of the road so I could get out and see the bird. It flew over the trees, out of site. We returned home to find the eagle circling over our home. I ran inside the house to tell my wife and son to come out and see the eagle. I wish I had had a camera with me to take photos. It all happend so fast! What an amazing sight!
Jeff Parker
While sitting in my van in the rain in gastonia nc.A great bald eagle sitting a couple hundred feet from the road next to south fork river in spencer mtn.He actually ended up chasing some other bird down into the water.I went to local paper with some video of him and when i came back by he was back in that same tree.i hope he has found a home.It was something to watch him fly.
Gary Stewart
Aug. 19, 2009
Saw my first Bald Eagle on Rockingham Fishing Club Lake in Reidsville NC. Eagle flew down to the water and touched the water then rose to the other side of the lake. The Eagle then circled and again flew down to the water catching a small fish and flew away. Nobody is going to believe this and oh by the way "It was beautiful"!
Steve Gilley
I saw a Bald Eagle at 6:30 PM on Friday September fourth, My friend and I were playing golf at Oak Hollow Golf Course. We were on the sixth hole when we saw it fly right over us. We could not believe what we were seeing. It is the first Eagle that I have seen in the wild. I am not a birdwatcher but this was a truly incredible and awsome sight.
Mark Doss
Jamestown, NC
(9-4-09) This AM while walking on the fitness trail behind COA in Elizabeth City, NC I saw an adult Bald Eagle following the path of the boardwalk built out over the Pasquotank River. He was flying towards me and eventually passed almost directly overhead not more than 20 or 25 feet above me. He tilted his head as he passed over and looked down at me and my little rat terrier, then banked and glided across the river and disappeared into the woods on the other side.
Shirley Remaley
Elizabeth City, NC
I just saw a Bald Eagle circling over my house in Charlotte, NC. It was about 1:45 PM. I live near the South County Regional Library on Rea Road. At first I thought it was a large hawk until he dipped down and to the right. I could see his beautiful white head and tail feathers. Amazing bird!
- Jennifer Costas
January 26, 2009
I was out birding in Shawboro NC just outside of Elizabeth City (northeast NC) when I saw 3 large birds feeding on the body of a Snow Goose. I assumed they were vultures until one lifted its head and it was snow white. I pulled over and got a very good look through the binoculars at one adult and two immature Bald Eagles. I don't see them very often and when I have they were over the Pasquotank River not sitting in a field so close to the road.
Shirley Remaley
I just had an amazing experience. I was driving toward my house in north eastern Chatham County, NC (near Chapel Hill) when I looked up and saw what I am positive was a bald eagle. We have many vultures in the area, so when I first saw it, I assumed that was what it was. But then I noted a white head so I stopped the car and looked more carefully. Then it turned and circled back, and flew directly over my car, not more than 50 – 75 feet away. I could see the white head and yellow beak and feet, as well as the unmistakable white tail feathers splayed out as it banked to turn again. It circled again and then flew off, so I was able to watch it for about 20 – 30 seconds. What a sight!
Dennis Krass (Jan 24, 2009)
At 5:15pm on 1-23-09, my son and I saw a beautiful eagle in the Farmington area of Davie Co., NC. We followed it towards the Smith Grove community, but then lost sight of it. It was absolutely huge and so majestic...what a treat!
Beth Campbell
on 1-17-09 a bald eagle few over our backyard (we back up to falls lake).
the next sunday we saw another bald eagle flying over our backyard around 2 pm and perch in a nearby tree. a few seconds later a 2nd eagle circled in, they both then perched in a large tree within sight of our hottub. one stayed a couple of minutes and then flew off toward falls lake. after 30-40 minutes the second also left toward falls lake. (we have video!) we are so blessed to have the eagles so close by, we have a hawk that hunts in the front yard and a owl that frequently hangs out in the back yard, along with deer all around daily.
Ilze and david woodruff
raleigh nc
I saw my first bald eagle today (at the age of 50) and it was unbelievable. I had just asked my husband a couple of weeks ago if he had ever seen a bald eagle and he could not remember ever seeing one. I told him I never had either. And then I was driving home from work on Pasture Branch Road in Greenevers,NC near a swamp when I almost hit one! I had to slow down and he flew right over the top of my car. I am still in awe! The big white head and everything! It was quite incredible. You can believe I will be going this route to and from work looking for eagles from now on.
Martha Lanier
At about 7:30 am on 1-15-09, I saw a bald eagle sitting in a field off to the side of State Road 1004 (Hugo Road) in the Lenoir County area of Eastern NC. It's not unusual to see vultures around here, but this was unmistakably not a vulture. He turned his white head and looked at me as I drove past. Beautiful!
Bethany Storrings
I was driving down Highway 1 towards Southern Pines just outside of Cary, NC. I was talking on my cell phone when I saw a huge bird, much too big to be a hawk. I slowed down and looked up. The bird was flying slowly from tree to tree. It had a white head and white tail and a dark grey/black body. My mom found this website that listed numerous Bald Eagle sightings in the same area. I saw a Bald Eagle! And I wasn't in a zoo! My life is now complete :) (And my mom is so jealous)
Caroline Knauss
I caught a few pictures of this beauty in Richlands, NC just off Comfort road. Not very often that we see them around here.
Pat Henninger
Wake County Cary/Raleigh area.
I was on the phone in my office around I -40 and Chapel Hill Road, looking towards I-40, when I saw a bird coming out from the tree tops. First I thought it was a crow, but the bird got bigger and flew in my direction. Then I saw the white head, yellow beak and before I even realized what I just witnessed, it had passed over the building. It was about 20 feet away from me at its closest. I catch myself looking out the window a lot since then, hoping it might be back.
Martin Kropf
Fishing on University Lake near the Jones Ferry Road bridge, December 5th, 2008
Jeanine Guthrie
** What a great surprise!! And now no one believes me!!!
On December 4th at about 10:00 AM a beautiful Bald Eagle circled out from Belews Lake over my bosses cabin. I was so surprised and spellbound, I couldn't get the camera in time to capture the awesome sight !!
The cabin is right on Belews Lake waterfront, by Carolina Marina. Rockingham County / Stokesdale area I have watched the sky every time I am here since then with no more sightings.

If anyone else has seen an eagle in this area, I would like to hear from you. No one believes I saw an eagle here !!
Gloria Taylor - gloriataylor.13@Gmail.com
My son, Luke, and I were on our way from Kinston, NC to Greenville, NC on November 18, 2008 about 4:00pm. We were traveling on State Road 1004 (Hugo Road) and had just left Lenoir Country, by crossing over Contentnea Creek on Edward's Bridge, into Greene County. Sitting about twenty feet off the road, to our left, in a large field was a beautiful bald eagle. What a delightful surprise! I found your website today while searching to make sure that we were correct in our sighting. I was amazed that there were more sightings close by.
Ruth Hollowell
    I live in northern Randolph County and am convinced we have a young bald eagle living nearby. He/she visits every few days, flying over and around the woods surrounding our pasture. No white head/tail, but the sound is unmistakable! I can never get good video, as my hands are just shaking too much! What an honor and a privilege! I'm 53 and have always been right here. Never seen or heard one before. It just shakes me to the core! I'm so excited!
    I've been watching 2 young bald eagles now for about a month visiting our neighborhood daily. With much research on the web to confirm that I'm not seeing a hawk of some sort, I am now convinced it's a bald eagle. It's such an honor to have such a magnificant creature living so close to me. The voice is unmistakable, although the plumage has been confusing since they appear to be immature. We're in Northern Randolph County. Annette Fine and Annie C
On Monday, Oct 27, 2008, I spotted a bald eagle in southeastern North Carolina at the Columbus County/Robeson County line (off of Old Lumberton Road). It was my first sighting and this was a huge, beautiful bird! It was so very exciting! The eagle was by the side of the road and flew up over the windshield of my car as I passed by. I passed the bird on my way home from work at @4:00pm and it was near "Lennon Bridge" which covers a small stream/swampy area. I will certainly be on the lookout for more eagles along this stretch and will keep you posted. Thanks so much for letting me share my exciting experience!!
Susan Hooks
March 20, 2008, in the vicinity of the coastal town of Swansboro, North Carolina, (Onslow County), my husband spotted a large bird flying about 250 feet overhead above our neighborhood. He ran inside for his camera and took this photo with his telephoto digital camera. We were thrilled to confirm that it was a Bald Eagle.
The MacGillivarys, Swansboro, NC
I saw my first bald eagle early in March of 2008 in Wake County NC. I had just turned onto highway 1010 off of 401 south near Wake Tech Community College when I noticed a large black bird with a white head and tail. I was quite surprised because I had never seen an eagle. It appeared to be hunting. Nearby Jordan Lake is a popular site for viewing eagles.
Andy Freeman
Much to my disbelief, I actually saw a Bald Eagle in the Cary / Morrisville area of North Carolina. I've been watching some eagle nests in other parts of the country over the past few years via the web and just love this majestic bird. These sites have allowed me to readily identify a Bald Eagle now. I was letting my new puppy outside for a break and noticed a large brown bird swooping into a pond on the Prestonwood Golf Course in Cary, N.C. around lunchtime on February 25, 2008. This pond borders the town of Morrisville and is close to Crabtree Creek and Lake Crabtree. Frequently, there are larger water fowl hunting in this pond, but they are the longer legged birds and they stand in the water or on the edge to prey on fish, plus their flight is very different. This bird circled the pond and dove for fish several times before flying off toward Lake Crabtree. The white head and white fanned tail against the brown outstretched wings and body really caught my eye and I realized I was actually seeing a Bald Eagle in flight - practically in my own backyard. Wow! I hope to see this eagle again. What a blessing. I never realized how large this bird is in reality.
Kimberly C. Brock
Yesterday, 2-14-08 Valentines Day, While working in a pretty well developed subdivision of Belmont, Nc. I saw a large bird fly over head that upon staring at it for a few moments noticed that beautiful white head and tail prominently telling me immideatly it was a Bald Eagle. I Moved to this area of Nc almost 2 years ago now from Michigan where I've witnessed alot of eagles their, and enjoyed every minute,, this was my first sighting here in NC, and of course I am always searching the skies, especially when a large bird is in the distant, always curious and excited awaiting to see this majestic bird again...
Tony Schick
I had my first bald eagle sighting in North Carolina this past Sunday while on the way to church. I saw it flying directly alongside my car on highway 43 in a large field near Rock Springs in Pitt County. It then landed right near my car. I couldn't miss the opportunity for this sight so I stopped for a little while while it was in the field and just admired the beauty of this magnificent creature.
Rick Finlayson
My husband and I spotted a bald eagle in flight on Sunday, December 16th, 2007. We were on highway 64W coming inland from Nags Head and we saw the eagle about 6 miles outside of Plymouth, NC in a huge grouping of trees. I have never seen one in the wild outside of Alaska...it was a thrill!
Martha Wewer
My eagle sighting came literally "out of the blue". On November 28th, late in the afternoon, I was driving east on I-40 just past the Research Triangle Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. I spotted a large bird gliding over the freeway above the treetops and at first thought it was a turkey buzzard. I was puzzled by a glint of white I saw on its head as it circled the roadway. Imagine my delight, as the bird continued its lazy glide towards me, to confirm not only the white of its head but also the snowy brilliance of its beautifully fanned tail. I had seen a bald eagle perched near its aerie in a Florida cypress swamp but it just doesn’t compare to seeing one in full flight!
Kimberli McWhirter
Reported by: Pam Mastin
Greenville NC
between Greenville NC and Grimesland NC
12:00 p.m. November 7, 2007
Four adult eagles...three on the ground and one in the air. This area is a rural subdivision not yet developed. There are several man made ponds and there had been recent Canada goose hunting. These birds were eating a dead Canada goose...I assume it was left by the hunters.
My husband and I were fishing along one of the lakes at White Oak River Campground in Maysville, NC and saw a beautiful bald eagle flying above. It was truely an amazing sight.
Andrea Williams
We live in the eastern part of Greene County. There has been a bald eagle here for years and I have seen it on different occassions. But to day while loading our family car for an outing the Eagle was sitting in one of our dead treetops. The crows were sqawking loudly and that is what attracked him to me. He sat in the tree for 4-5 minutes and my wife, son and I got to look at him through binoculars. "AMAZING" !!! His White on his head is so bright. Wish I could figure out how to get him to come around our place more often.
George C. Worrell Jr.
September 29, 2007, 10:30 AM
We spotted a bald eagle while riding bicycles on Chinquapin Road in Davie County, NC. Unfortunately, the bicycles frightened it, but we could clearly see the white head and tail. Magnificent!
H Forbis
I saw my first bald eagle last night (July 31st) as I was traveling on I-40 in Duplin County, NC. It was perched atop a tree beside the interstate. The time was 8:10 pm. and it was between mile marker 389 and 388. What a sight! I was "almost" speechless.
Phyllis Brown, Kenansville, NC
Dec 16 2006 my granddaughter and I were going home from a day of deer hunting in Gatescounty NC. on RT37 when we noticed a large bird in the road. Thinking it was a turkey buzzard, as I slowed down the huge bird flew up with what it was eating and dropped it on the side of the road and flew to a tree where we got a good look at it. No doubt it was a Bald eagle. First time ever seeing one.
Bruce Sherman
Virginia Beach VA.
December 16, 2006. A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS present! A pair of Bald Eagles in my "back yard". We live on Lake Monroe in Monroe NC and saw the male earlier in the day. Then at dusk, the two briefly perched in trees, to take off shortly thereafter. Hope they decide to stay around till Christmas! What a gift!
Kay Hawkins
The coolest thing happened this morning on the way to work. Right off the gravel road near my house I spotted a Bald Eagle!!! It was the most shocking sight. There he (or she) was, perched in a pine tree right off the road. It was awesome! Not exactly what I was expecting to see on wintery day like this.
Dave & Christine Swingle
Orange County, North Carolina
Nov, 21, 2006
I drive a fairly rural route between my home near Raleigh NC and where I work down near Fayetteville, and have never seen much more than your garden variety of birds and animals on the various routes I take that way until 11/14/2006. As I was traveling on Hwy 82 East through the Averasboro Battleground between Erwin and Godwin NC I happened to look out into one of the fields and catch glimpse of a large bird on the ground next to a large ponding of water. It had been raining and was quite dreary that day and at first glimpse, I thought I was seeing a turkey vulture - there were other smaller birds on the periphery of this same puddle - which is not that uncommon a sight in this area. But as I got a better view, and the bird seemingly turned its head to look at me, I realized that the head and neck where much different than any turkey vulture, and was white to boot. It was most definitely an eagle. I slowed and stared as much as I dared while driving, and berated myself for not even having the simplest of cameras available to me at the time. I've seen wild eagles fairly close up on both Shearon Harris and Jordan Lakes a little farther up the Cape Fear River basin before, while fishing those reservoirs, but this is as far down the Cape Fear as I have personally seen an eagle ever in my life. Given this historical area's proximity to the Cape Fear River, I can only assume that this bird was either traveling it for forage that day, or the birds are spreading out from their lakeside habitats that are about 20 miles from where I saw this particular bird. Even on a nasty and rainy day, it was a beautiful sight to see. I hope to see more of them as the birds expand their population and their habitat.
E. David Beasley
Willow Spring NC
On March 20, 2006, my friend and I were riding on Route 601 going north in North Carolina not far from the South Carolina border. There is a stretch of farmland and some land being leveled. I was in the passenger seat and looked to my right, and right there in the field was a bald eagle. He must have just caught up with something. We kind of thought that rats and mice were being chased out of the piles of plowed trees that were being burned. I was very excited to see the eagle in such plain sight! Several days later, my friend saw one in a tree while fishing at a local lake in Ruby, South Carolina. I did not know that eagles were so prevalent in this area, having moved from New Jersey, where there are some in the local reservoirs near where we lived. Courtesy of Karolyn Tredeau
This morning at 10 AM a pair of Bald Eagles flew right over me headed east across Lake Lure NC. They were about 100 feet above ground and seemed in a hurry. Their passage set off the crows cawing and a number of other birds joined in. Quite a clammer for a special event. Courtesy of Penny Kay
WOW! We just saw a bald eagle in our own back yard. What a sight! We live in Johnston County, NC. We've seen them before when we lived in Durham, NC, but this is the first time we've seen one here. Courtesy of Elizabeth Tencza
I saw my first Bald Eagle in Ashe County, North Carolina this morning. It was perched in a white pine along highway 221 at the base of Mount Jefferson. Eight to ten crows were harassing it and it flew about 100 yards to the top of a different white pine. What a beauty!!! Amazing that no one else looked up. Courtesy of Pat Considine
January 5, 2006
    Yesterday afternoon around 4:30 pm my brother and I were driving home from work (carpooling). We took what we call the "back way", it goes past a lake out in the country. Perched up in a tree about 50 or 60 feet off the road next to the lake was the first bald eagle I'd ever seen. He was big and beautiful. We stopped to look and after a few moments he flew off. You could see his white head and tail for a long way off. It was a very exciting moment. I really didn't think we had any in this area, but I know there is at least one, and where there's one there's going to be another. Hope I see him again.
    Eagle spotted around Lake Macintosh, Burlington, North Carolina.
Courtesy of Mark Chapmon
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