Best Time to See Eagles in West Virginia
January, April and February is the best time to see eagles in West Virginia. Based on 1,769 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when eagles are most active across the year in West Virginia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
1,769 verified observations of eagles in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When eagles are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
January
222 records (12.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 222 | 12.5% |
| Februarypeak | 192 | 10.9% |
| March | 164 | 9.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 197 | 11.1% |
| May | 127 | 7.2% |
| June | 101 | 5.7% |
| July | 108 | 6.1% |
| August | 127 | 7.2% |
| September | 148 | 8.4% |
| October | 123 | 7% |
| November | 104 | 5.9% |
| December | 156 | 8.8% |
Eagles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 469 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 415 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 394 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 176 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 127 |
| Golden Eagle | 35 |
| Northern Harrier | 34 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 33 |
Sightings of eagles in West Virginia peak in January, when 222 of the year's 1,769 verified observations are logged — about 12.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, April and February.
The quietest stretch is June, November and July, when eagles are hardest to find — June sees just 101 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The eagles you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see eagles in West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a eagle tour in West Virginia
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best eagle viewing in West Virginia.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see eagles in West Virginia?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, April and February, based on 1,769 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are eagles hardest to see in West Virginia?+
June is the quietest month for eagles in West Virginia, with only 101 verified records.
Are eagles active year-round in West Virginia?+
Eagles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.