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One of the highlights of the Verde Canyon Railroad journey is seeing America’s icon take flight, soaring against an indigo sky to the melody of the train’s wheels on the rails.

Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has been America’s national symbol. With a wingspan of six feet, a mature eagle weighs only 14 pounds, and can fly at a speed of 65 miles per hour, increasing to 200 miles per hour in a dive. An eagle’s eyesight is believed to be eight times sharper than a human’s eye.

In the Canyon, several resident pairs of eagles have nests which are visible from the train. Through the years, the eagles have cohabited with the daily passing of the train, much to the delight of passengers and crews.

The largest confluence of eagles in the Verde Canyon occurs between December and March when migratory Bald and Golden Eagles of all ages join resident pairs that live in the Canyon year-round.

"Riding the rails through spectacularly beautiful scenery, seeing eagles in their natural habitat, cactus in bloom and Native American dwellings high on rock faces gave us a new appreciation of the diversity of Arizona."

—Linda Dumanowski, San Jose, CA

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