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Migration Patterns of Bald Eagles 

Bald eagles migrate when northern lakes and rivers freeze. They usually go to the coast or large rivers near dams where the water remains open. Their flight patterns are determined by wind currents. They migrate through the Columbia Basin. Some spend their winters along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, while others frequent the Yakima River. Those that go to Washington continue on to Alaska or British Columbia to hatch their chicks. Newly fledged eagles instinctively migrate and know when and where to travel. 

In the fall, they migrate slowly south for sufficient food. Sometimes a week may have passed before they leave an area. In the spring, they migrate quickly north to nest. They fly during the day at 30 miles per hour and tend to flock in groups. A stream may be 20 to 30 miles long, with birds spread out about a half mile apart. Not all bald eagles migrate. For instance, those in Florida may remain there year-round. 

They only travel as far as they need to for food, unlike a robin or bluebird migration.

History of Bald Eagles

What Do Bald Eagles Look Like? – Physical Descriptions

Where Do Bald Eagles Live?

What Do Bald Eagles Eat? – Food Sources and Hunting Habits

Breeding Cycles of Bald Eagles – Mating and Nesting

Migration Patterns of Bald Eagles

Normal Lifespans and Causes of Death for Bald Eagles

Patriotic Poetry – The Eagle as National Emblem