conowingo dam

We visited the Conowingo Dam at dusk recently (1/17) to view the Bald Eagles, after hearing that it is a dependable location to spot them during the winter months. We were not let down. There were 20 plus Bald Eagles at the dam when we were there. They could be seen flying in front of the dam, and flying directly over the viewing area. There were also many Eagles that were just perched atop the trees right in the parking lot of viewing area. If you want to spot Bald Eagles you will not be disappointed at the Conowingo Dam. There were restrooms at the viewing area.

I just got back from a breath-taking trip to Conowingo Dam and I had to have seen over 20 bald eagles of various ages. The eagles hang out around the fisherman's park which is easily accessible by car through Shurelanding Road. Lots of people taking pictures with high powered lens but a good pair of binoculars is all you need due to their close proximity. We were fortunate to meet a man who was a regular who shared his knowledge of the dam construction and the eagle nesting patterns. But make sure you stop by the Exelon Visitor's Center where they have a great display of eagle photographs as well as very interesting information about the construction of the hydro-electric plant. The young lady in the visitor's center was super nice as well.

I live just 50 miles north on Rt 1 and have actually traveled over the dam quite a few times without being aware of the abundance of Bald Eagles who hang out here in the winter and feast on the stunned fish who have the misfortune to zoom through the spillway.

We have visited the dam about three times since the weather turned cold, the last being yesterday. I love this location for eagle viewing. This trip we saw numerous eagles swooping out of the sky with their talons extended to get the fish, other eagles trying to steal their catch and eagle doing acrobatics in the air. This is the absolutely best location I have ever been for viewing wild bald eagles. Right now there are probably 80 eagles in the area, mature and immature. The best viewing is in November/December so remember to bundle up. We always pack a lunch so we can stay all day, but I have heard that a local pizza shop will deliver pizza right to the dam. There are indoor restrooms, but they are not handicap accessible, there are also port-a-potties in the parking lot. For the past two years, the dam has hosted an eagle day in November, with live raptor organizations and speakers - watch Conowingo Bald Eagle facebook page for information on visiting too.

I've been here several times over the years, always lots of Bald Eagles. They don't always co-operate with photographers, but that's nature, you have to be patient. The dam is on the Susquehanna river and at the base of the dam, it's over 4000 feet from shore to shore. Keep an eye in the trees behind the parking lot, often Eagles sitting in the trees, very cool to hear them chattering and chirping. This is a great place for photographers.

If you love to watch or photograph birds, this is the place to visit. We saw several adult and juvenile bald eagles soaring and perching on nearby trees. It was an amazing treat to see these beautiful birds up close and in action. For the first couple of hours of our visit, we didn't see the birds in action. However, later in the afternoon the eagles began swooping down to grab fish in their talons and taking their fresh catch up into the trees to eat. The porto-potty in the visitor parking lot makes it possible to stay on site for several hours. Be prepared to find a spot along the fence next to many other eager photographers, and consider bringing a chair with you to get comfortable during the times when the birds are inactive. Although the power lines and dam itself are an eyesore when you're taking photos of eagles, there were plenty of opportunities to capture images with just water in the background.

If watching bald eagles in their natural environment appeals to you then Conowingo Dam is the place to go. On any given day you can see dozens of the wild birds soaring high over head or perched in the trees right over your head. If you are there when it's meal time then you are sure to enjoy the fishing events. If you're really lucky you can see the immature eagles trying to steal a fish from the matures. In addition to the shows put on by the bald eagles, there are countless other species of birds in the area also putting on quite a show.

We love to drive down to the Dam this time of year to see the many, many eagles, herons, buzzards , hawks, etc. It's a lovely drive from Delaware on route 273 or on route 1. There is ample parking at the foot of the dam except during Eagle Fest when you park at the Visitors Center and take the shuttle bus. We were delighted to attend the fest and see so many birds up close. If you go, make sure to dress according to the weather, i.e. warmly this time of year. Take camera, binoculars, sunglasses. Wear sturdy shoes so you can walk along the pathway - it's a beautiful walk this time of year, and there is so much to see. Find out what time the water will be released from the damn; it's an exciting event and the birds seem to fish more then.

Being from Los Angeles, I realized that at 45 years old, I had never seen a bald eagle. I asked a local and they sent me to Conowingo Dam. Turns out, it was only 25 minutes from where I live in PA now. I was there for my first time about three weeks ago. I waited for about an hour and did not see any. Just when I called it quits, I looked up and saw a beautiful majestic adult AMERICAN Bald Eagle gliding in the breeze right above me. I WAS HOOKED. I have been back there 4 times since. They are just beginning to migrate so I see about 30 every time I am there. I have seen them hunting and swooping in and grabbing fish several times. It's AMAZING. I am told the peak time is around Thanksgiving when they usually have about 200 eagles hanging out. There is lots of photographers and they are all super friendly and knowledgeable about the eagles and their behavior. You must go and see our nation's national symbol and animal. It is worth it. The history of the dam is really cool also. You can stop by the visitors center and the staff there are really enthusiastic about the dam and will show you a pictures documenting the build. Worth it and can all be done in a few hours. Best of all, it's FREE!

As often as I've crossed the Conowingo Dam I had no idea that there was a lovely park at the base of the dam and amazing opportunities to view all the birds who come to 'fish' in the river. We've only seen 3 bald eagles to date, but many more should be arriving later in the year. Construction of the dam was completed in 1928 and was the largest power plan ever built and has the largest turbines and generators to date.Nice walking trails, lots of picnic tables, all there for you to enjoy!

Great, flat trail to hike. Beware the turkey vultures though, do not park near them! They'll tear your car apart!

I love to go walking in this peaceful & beautiful, somewhat remote area. Dogs allowed, great walking buddy for me. Also pleasant place to meet up with a friend & catch up while exercising.

I love visiting the dam. The best time to go is in the winter when all the eagles congregate there for the open water. You could see 80/100 eagles in the dam vicinity. We visited this summer and still saw lots of eagles, but more vultures and some great blue heron. It was still a wonderful day. Remember that viewing wildlife is up to the animals themselves. Some days are good, some days are not. My pictures are not great as I only have a small easy share camera.

Birding, fishing, hiking, a public pool and a visitor center for the dam itself. Great spot on the Susquehanna River. Exelon built a fisherman's pier near the base of the dam. Fun spot to fish although on summer weekends it can be a bit like combat fishing with the number of anglers who show up. Really large fish are in the pools at the base of the dam where you have to wade into the water. If you hear the sirens get to higher ground because that means the dam is about to generate. It's worth seeing! The water level in the river rises dramatically in a very, very, short amount of time. An added bonus is that the force of water stuns the fish and it's like ringing the dinner bell for the eagles and other fish eating birds.Birdwatching is pretty cool at this site. I have yet to be there when there are not birdwatching folks there as well. In the fall you can see large quantities of bald eagles fishing the river. That also means you will see large quantities of birders, photographers and spectators. I mean LARGE quantities. Combat birding.There is a nice hiking trail that comes off the parking lot and the dam property is right up against Susquehanna State Park. Really nice spot to spend the day.

Conowingo Dam in renowned for the many bald eagles that stay near the Dam to feed. There's also a small Island close to the dam that serves as a refuge for herons. Sometimes the herons will fly from the island to land and fish from the shore of the mainland, just feet from the higher footpath. Watching the dam release water to generate electricity is worth checking times and dates to see.