Eagle Fest 2008
Suggested Tour Routes
LAKE TAWAKONI ROUTE
Hwy 19 South to FM 2324 - Turn Right
FM 2324 West to Hwy 47 - Turn Left
Hwy 47 South to the Iron Bridge Dam (spillway)
Eagles have wintered in the Sabine River bottom east of Lake Tawakoni for many years. While the numbers are less than Lake Fork, public access makes this an excellent place to walk and enjoy nature. Lake Tawakoni has a large population of shore birds and many species of migratory fowl.
The Smiths Longspur has been spotted between Sabine River Authority headquarters and Tall Man Reach on the eastern shore and fence rows.
Indian arrowheads are found in many areas around Lake Tawakoni.
LAKE FORK SPILLWAY ROUTE
HWY 69 South to Hwy 182 - Turn Left
Hwy 182 East to FM 288 - Turn Left
FM 288 North to Hwy 154 - Turn Left
Hwy 154 North to FM 515 - Turn Left
FM 515 West across bridge to FM 17 - Turn Left
FM 17 South to Alba
Eagles roost south of Coffer Dam in Lake Fork Creek bottom. Mature eagles and immature eagles can be seen feeding at the spillway and roosting on both sides of Hwy 182 and FM 288.
Many other species can be observed including the American White Pelican. With plenty of places to pull off the road and watch, along with the number of eagles seen each year make this the best area to see the American Bald Eagle.
The eagles roost along the eastern bank of Big Caney Bay and may be spotted from several marinas and the public boat launch south of the bridge on Hwy 154.
North of the Hwy 154 bridge the Sabine River Authority "Day Use Only" park makes for an enjoyable stop. Eagles can be seen fishing and hunting all along Big Caney Bay.
The Canvasback Ducks are especially numerous in the coves and watch for Red-throated Loon in their winter plumage.
On FM 515 look north and south along the eastern bank you can return to Emory on FM 515 west or go sough on FM 17 to Alba. Eagles have been seen on most points and coves in late season.
LAKE FORK NORTH ROUTE
Hwy 69 South to FM 515 - Turn Left
FM 515 East to FM 2946 (Hogansville) - Turn Left
Continue on FM 2946 North on FM 514 West
to Hwy 19 - Turn Left to return to Emory
Eagles have been seen here fishing on the east and west side of Hwy 19 and at other points along the route.
Self Guided Tours
You may not be able to take one of
our planned tours but there are other
opportunities to view our resident
and visiting bald eagles throughout
the winter months. On this page
we have included some suggested
self guided tour routes and places
you may wish to just stop and view
the nature of our area.
All suggested routes start at the
intersection of Highways 69 and 19
in Emory. This is the location of
the Rains County Fair Grounds.
Some tips include:
Take out early in the morning if possible
Take your camera, film and binoculars
Plan for a FUN trip