Eagle Watch Returns To Dale Hollow Lake

Reservations are now open for Dale Hollow Lake’s annual Eagle Watch Event over two Saturdays in January.

Park Ranger Desmaray Brown said participants will go on the lake to see bald eagles and their nests, as well as migratory birds there for the winter. Brown said watchers will get the chance to ride on a working barge used on the lake year-round.

“A lot of people, when they think of visiting Dale Hollow Lake they’ll think of summertime, boating, fishing, swimming,” Brown said. “And while you can’t do that in winter, having this available gives people the chance to get out on the lake and seeing our wildlife whenever the opportunity wouldn’t be as available.”

Brown said there is a one dollar holding fee for anyone who reserves a slot. Brown said there is no deadline to register but those interested should sign up as soon as they can because seats are limited.

“Hopefully they’ll see that the conservation efforts have been successful in reintroducing the bald eagle to this area,” Brown said. “And give them a sense of stewardship and pride in seeing that.”

There will be three tours throughout the day on Saturday, January 18 and Saturday, January 25. Barge rides begin at 9:30am and 12:30am from the Lillydale campground and at 10:00am from Dale Hollow Lake State Park.

“Attendees should arrive about ten to fifteen minutes early to check in,” Brown said. “The tour can last up to three hours and it will be cold, so dress according to the weather. You might want to dress in layers. Life jackets are required and we will have some available but their limited, so please bring your own. And feel free to bring whatever would make your trip more enjoyable such as a Thermos, snack, blanket, camera, binoculars.”

Brown said the local eagle population is present thanks to an effort to reintroduce eagles to multiple Southern states during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Brown said the number of eagles in the region has been growing ever since then.

“We do have permanent residents that nest here on the lake,” Brown said. “But in the wintertime is especially when we have a large population of migratory birds that come down.”

Brown said people who want to register should go to Recreation Dot Gov and type “Dale Hollow Lake Eagle Watch” in the search bar.

“Our Friends of Dale Hollow Lake organization usually comes and they provide hot cocoa and things like that,” Brown said. “They may even be selling some merchandise.”