The Bald Eagles of the James Tour
At 348 miles long, the James River is the 12th longest river that exists entirely in one state in the United States, and it runs right through Richmond, Virginia. Known as the Powhatan River by the 16th century Native Americans who populated the area, the English changed the name to James in honor of King James I. Jamestown, the first English settlement in the region, was constructed on the river in 1607. Richmond and the surrounding regions grew up along the river as it aided trade and transport until the introduction of the train travel to the area.
The river with its plantations and wharfs and over 2 million residents in near proximity, is rich with history. It is also home to a wide variety of Commonwealth treasures, in the form of native wildlife.
One of the most prized species on the James is the Bald Eagle, and one of the best ways to view eagles is via a “Discover the James” bald eagle river tour! Take a 2-hour journey complete with narration of the conservation success story that has returned the Bald Eagle to the James River. The tour is intimate and limited to just 6 passengers. They are offered during the first two weekends of the month and on special dates that can be found on the Discover the James website.
One special tour date is May 4 which corresponds with the Eagle Festival in Norfolk, Virginia (May 5 – approximately 2 hours from Richmond) at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The festival celebrates these venerated birds and is special to Virginians who take particular pride in the efforts to rehabilitate and reintroduce the species back into its wild, native home.
If you’re planning a spring or summer trip to Richmond, make reservations at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn and plan to take a unique bald eagle tour of the James River during your stay!
Resources:
Wikipedia: James River
Discover the James Website