Specks of white seen down the remote shoreline roused the excitement on a cruise ship sailing Kentucky Lake in the guests’ desire to find bald eagles. This is a famous wintertime venture done by many spectators in this magnificent sanctuary.

During winter, bald eagles flock to the lakes district of southwestern Kentucky where the magnificent birds feed on fish and seek shelter along the winding stretches of isolated shoreline. Those are the same reasons that draw many travelers to the area during temperate weather for boating and fishing.

Eagle-watching has become a popular event every January and February down Kentucky Lake, inviting both local and international tourists to three famous neighboring landmarks that offer restaurants and lodging. These include Lake Barkley, Kentucky Dam Village and Kenlake state resort parks.

The lake has been a famous spot for visitors who are attracted to Land between the Lakes, a national amusement area that covers 170,000 acres located in northern Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky.

The three-hour eagle-watching escapades are being offered through yachts or vans. The visitors are guided by state fish, wildlife biologists, and state park naturalists. The yacht is usually enclosed, allowing guests to relax in heated comfort while they search for eagles.

Around 40-50 eagles live all year round in the Land between the Lakes, however their numbers increase up to 150 or more during wintry weather when eagles journey south from the Great Lakes and southern Canada, where their fishing areas freeze, said Mary Schmidt, a park naturalist and program supervisor at Lake Barkley state park.