Every winter, Arizona hosts thousands upon thousands of people, affectionately called “snowbirds,” who follow the sun southward to escape the north country’s blanket of snow. They come to enjoy the moderate climate, desert landscape and hospitality of the Southwest.           

Likewise, the Verde Canyon plays host to another great migration of “snowbirds,” only these come feathered and flying. They, too, come for the moderate climate and riparian landscape that assures their survival through the winter.           

About 60 bald and golden eagles, varying in age, migrate south through the Mountain States corridor from the upper United States and Canada to Arizona each year. Almost half of these birds find respite in the scenic Verde Canyon through which the Verde Canyon Railroad passes almost daily. These winter visitors find this lush, riparian habitat a desirable place to winter.           

A riparian area is defined as a place that “sustains life.” Only one percent of Arizona has been designated as riparian and the Verde Canyon is part of this small percentage. The train makes its way along the clear waters of the Verde, encompassed in towering basalt cliffs and cinnamon-colored pinnacles, all part of the Mogollon Rim. The eagles, along with many other species of migrating waterfowl, are seen from the train, playing and preying along the riverbanks.           

“I remember one time when I was riding during the annual ‘Eagle Watch,’” reminisces owner, Dave Durbano, “and there was a huge bald eagle sitting in a tree not ten feet from the train. As the train passed, the eagle’s body was stationary as he turned his head away from the river to look at us. A lady grabbed my arm and said, ‘You put him there!’”  Durbano laughed, “I said, ‘No, we’re not Disneyland, this is real life and those are real birds.’  The woman just couldn’t believe that she was so close to these magnificent creatures in their own environment.”           

A gathering of eagles 

“Eagle Watch” is at its full peak from January through March. The vintage train coaches have panoramic windows, and all cars access open-air viewing cars for maximum photography and viewing opportunities.  Many have viewed the powerful eagle as he snatches a fish in his talons, or watched as he scans the landscape with his keen eyesight from a perch in a nearby cottonwood or from a projecting red rock crag.  Narration and music complement the trip so passengers may learn more about the canyon, its habitants, its history and mystical lore.           

Generally, in late February, resident bald eagles, “Black” and “Decker,” have two eaglets. The two adult birds annually prepare a nest, lay their eggs, and watch and tend fervently until their young eaglets become self-sufficient and can survive on their own. Passengers are enthralled as the train passes their six-foot wide nest tucked into the side of a basalt cliff.  Quite often, the babies’ heads can be seen bobbing above the nest in anticipation of their next meal provided by one of the parents. “This is a rare and exciting treat for visitors aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad,” says Teresa Propeck, marketing director. “Even though they have had babies every year for over a decade, it is still a remarkable time to ride. To see this natural phenomenon always seems like a miracle.” 

It takes about 35 days until the chicks are hatched. This is a critical time situation. If the nest is disturbed, or the eagles feel threatened by man, they often will abandon the unborn, leaving the eggs for predators. 

Once the chicks are hatched, the parents become fierce partners and protect the eaglets with their lives. Both mother and father take turns hunting, feeding and watching over the nest. Adult eagles feed mostly on carp, native fish and ducks. With the constant supply of food and nurturing of their parents, young eagles grow at a rapid pace and quickly begin to lose their white down and grow feathers.  

Passengers onboard the Verde Canyon Railroad are generally privileged to watch the eaglets feel their way. By May or early June, as the young eagles test their wings and build strength, they take that first small flight as doting parents and passengers observe.  Unfortunately, the new eagles typically fly north to test their own hunting skills where salmon and other food sources are plentiful in the mild summer climates. The resident couple, Black and Decker, remains behind. They continue to be a constant reminder of our enduring fight for freedom and our everlasting romance with nature.  

"Nature is what sets this trip apart from others. You simply won’t see bald eagles, the variety of wildlife or pollution free environment anywhere else," says Teresa Propeck, marketing director. “As a result, two to four eaglets hatch annually. And, as many as 36 eagles have been sighted on just one trip through the canyon!”           

Heaven for birds 

In addition to bald and golden eagles, one half of all North American bird species lives or migrates to the Verde Canyon area. In fact, the incredible variety of habitat presented in this concentrated birdwatcher’s paradise has led to the designation of a large segment of the Verde River corridor as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the first and largest IBA in all of Arizona. The proximity of the Verde Canyon makes it a desirable destination for birds migrating from all directions. Verde Canyon is situated at the very northern most territory of many Central American species and at the very southern tip of others. The canyon is the furthest west that the fiery red cardinal lives, as well.   

Bird habitat is vital to all species, including humans. Birds are a harbinger of the health of an ecosystem, indicating the survivability of wildlife, feathered or furry. The Verde Canyon Railroad, wealthy in archeology, history, geology and magnificent manmade rail structures, is a wildlife and waterfowl paradise. Feathered friends abound, including the great blue heron, a variety of hawks and falcons, egrets, and a multitude of ducks, are all current residents. But, the most majestic, is of course, the bald eagle.