Golden Eagles are not known to reside in Pittsburgh, but they can be observed during their migration in the region. These majestic birds of prey are known to pass through Pennsylvania during their migration, particularly in the Ridge and Valley Province between the Allegheny Front and the Kittatinny Ridge. The Allegheny Front, located about an hour and a half east of Pittsburgh, is a popular spot for observing Golden Eagles during their migration.
What are Golden Eagles?
Golden Eagles are larger than Bald Eagles, weighing about 10 pounds and measuring around 30 inches from beak to tail with a wingspan of 6 1/2 feet or more. They have a distinct appearance, with a tawny head and nape, and are covered in rich, dark-brown body plumage with gold-tipped feathers on the back of the head and neck. Adults have feathered legs, while immatures have white wing patches and a broad, white band at the base of the tail.
Golden Eagles’ Hunting Behavior
Image source: Golden Eagle by Atillak
Golden Eagles are known for their soaring flight, with long, rounded wings, and they flap less and soar more than Bald Eagles. They are skilled hunters, preying on small rodents, hares, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and fish, and are capable of killing large animals. They crush prey in their sharp talons and use their large, hooked beaks to rip it apart for eating.
Observing Golden Eagles in Pennsylvania
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Golden Eagles observed in Pennsylvania during their migration. In the fall of 2020, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton counted 88 golden eagles moving south, while Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch north of Carlisle tallied 119. Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch, a spring, northbound watch near State College and Pennsylvania’s top spot for spotting goldens, last spring counted 147.
Best Time and Locations to Observe Golden Eagles
If you’re interested in observing Golden Eagles during their migration, the best time to see them is during the first three weeks of March, but the date of the biggest flights depends on weather conditions. Tussey Mountain is a popular spot for observing Golden Eagles during their migration, with the single-day record at Tussey Mountain being 62, set on March 3, 2008, and the season record being 239, set in spring 2015.
In summary, while there are no known resident Golden Eagles in Pittsburgh, they can be observed during their migration in the region, particularly in the Ridge and Valley Province between the Allegheny Front and the Kittatinny Ridge. Tussey Mountain is a popular spot for observing these majestic birds during their migration.
References:
– Are There Golden Eagles in Pittsburgh?
– Golden Eagles in Pittsburgh
– Eagles and Osprey in Pennsylvania
– Not All of Pennsylvania’s Eagles are Bald
– Golden Eagles Migrating North
