The Bald Eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782 and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. It sits on top of the food chain and can claim to be one of only two eagle species native to North America.
This raptor (which means to seize by force) can fly up to 10,000 feet in the air and isn’t bald at all. The name “bald” eagle comes from the fact that at maturity, it has a white feathered head.
Although they can be seen eating small mammals, birds, and carrion, bald eagles are mainly fish eaters. When the lakes freeze up north, the eagles must travel south to find open waters to find the fish they desire, and that’s why we see them on Beaver Lake.
Hobbs State Park eagle cruise tours are fun, educational, and can be downright exciting when eagles swoop down close to the boat or are having a spat with a pair of red-tailed hawks in a tree right next to you.
These tours are offered November through February. Eagles can be seen any of these months on Beaver Lake, and the knowledgeable interpreter accompanying you on the cruise will answer all your eagle questions.
November and December Hobbs eagle cruise dates:
November: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
December: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
(January and February eagle cruise dates to be announced later)
- Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults: $15.00 + tax. Children: 6-12 $7.50 + tax.
- Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3:00 p.m.
- To make reservations, call Hobbs State Park at: 479-789-5000.
