Presque Isle State Park isn't the only site in the eagle business these days.
Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County has multiple American bald eagles -- by one estimate perhaps as many as six nesting pair.
The refuge is split into two divisions -- Seneca, near Cambridge Springs, and Sugar Lake, in Guys Mills. The Sugar Lake division is home to the eagles, as well as an abundance of waterfowl, birds and other wildlife.
Two spots offer the best views of eagles, when they elect to be seen.
One is the Deer Run Trail's observation deck of Pool 9. On Sunday, an adult eagle soared over the pool and took up temporary station in one of the most obvious trees in the viewing area. Moments later, an immature eagle soared easily above the water, disappearing as mysteriously as it had first appeared 10 minutes earlier.
A couple visiting the refuge from near Rochester, N.Y., caught sight of both birds just as they had resigned themselves to missing out on a sighting. They said their home refuge, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, has a significant raptor population.
Deer Run Overlook on the ridge side of Pool 9 also can be a prime eagle viewing area at ENWR. Last fall at least three eagles were in clear view one day, not so far above the treetops.
The refuge is 35 miles south of Erie and 10 miles east of Meadville.
Pymatuning State Park usually is rife with eagles. They're especially visible until early to mid-May, when trees leaf out, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which operates a wildlife learning center on site
Insiders also know where to find a nest near Waterford. And trout and summer smallmouth bass anglers are occasionally surprised at the sight of eagles racing low through the valley at Oil Creek State Park in Venango County.
The Game Commission believes Presque Isle's nesting pair is on eggs. They're easily visible, especially at dusk, but should not be approached.