Eagles of Conowingo Dam, Darlington, MD

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PAUL50 said:
Thanks. There are eagles at the dam year round but winter is the time to go because substantial numbers of eagles migrate to the dam that time of year. I first went there in August just to check the place out and saw very few eagles, although I did get some shots, then returned in December and it was much busier. Although I’ve read from many on the local website that eagle populations are down this year. I, however, have never seen so many in one place at one time and it was great.
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Nice shots and yes, they are there year around.

This Fall was again slow. This past Spring was outstanding and we all hoped it was a prediction of things to come, but didn't work out that way, though there were definitely some good, bordering on great days in late Nov and early Dec. The Fall days of 250-300 Eagles seem to be a thing of the past though. There hasn't been a great Fall since I think, '17 or '18. Each Fall seems to be a little less than the previous. We keep praying it's just a cycle and they will return. Consider coming in late Mar or early Apr to coincide with the shad run as they come up through the Chessy Bay to the Susquehanna to spawn. I'll probably make a few more trips out in the next week or so depending on the weather.
 
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Rick S said:
Nice shots and yes, they are there year around.

This Fall was again slow. This past Spring was outstanding and we all hoped it was a prediction of things to come, but didn't work out that way, though there were definitely some good, bordering on great days in late Nov and early Dec. The Fall days of 250-300 Eagles seem to be a thing of the past though. There hasn't been a great Fall since I think, '17 or '18. Each Fall seems to be a little less than the previous. We keep praying it's just a cycle and they will return. Consider coming in late Mar or early Apr to coincide with the shad run as they come up through the Chessy Bay to the Susquehanna to spawn. I'll probably make a few more trips out in the next week or so depending on the weather.
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Thanks very much for the information, very helpful. I’ve been relying on the information I glean from the “Conowingo Dam Eagle” Facebook page. I’ll definitely come back in the March/April time frame. I had a great time there in early December.
 
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PAUL50 said:
Thanks very much for the information, very helpful. I’ve been relying on the information I glean from the “Conowingo Dam Eagle” Facebook page. I’ll definitely come back in the March/April time frame. I had a great time there in early December.
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I was there on the 2nd and the 10th. The 2nd was far better than the 10th. I'm Blessed to live 15 minutes away. I'm on a few FB groups for the dam and area but not that one.
 
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Rick S said:
I was there on the 2nd and the 10th. The 2nd was far better than the 10th. I'm Blessed to live 15 minutes away. I'm on a few FB groups for the dam and area but not that one.
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Can you suggest a Facebook page for the dam that you rely on? I just happened to stumble across the one I use now. I was there Dec 6-8 and it was mostly overcast with the sun popping out on occasion.
 
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PAUL50 said:
Can you suggest a Facebook page for the dam that you rely on? I just happened to stumble across the one I use now. I was there Dec 6-8 and it was mostly overcast with the sun popping out on occasion.
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Two I use are "The Dam Bald Eagles" and though not dam specific, quite a few folks from there post on "Friends of Bald Eagles". Also not a big page, but my friend Ed's page ENJ Photography.
 
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PAUL50 said:
In response to Whiskeyman, the photos were taken December 6-8, 2021. Best time to go is winter - December through February - that’s the migration period. Although, as I mentioned in response to another comment, the local website “ Conowingo Dam Eagles” reports that eagle populations are down this year. But despite those reports, I’ve never seen so many eagles in one place and at one time in my life. It was great. If possible go on a weekday because the weekends get very crowded.
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Paul- my last trip was Dec 26th & very few eagles but "decent" amts of activity- Unfortunately being there this time of year the shadows appear very quickly which makes later afternoon fishing & fighting shots difficult. When those shadows appear from the near Winter Solstice sun dipping behind the trees, forces you to adjust very quickly, which I learned the hard way. March/April are also good times to go as the Shad run during that period & fishing activity picks up a bit.
 
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Rick S said:
Nice shots and yes, they are there year around.

This Fall was again slow. This past Spring was outstanding and we all hoped it was a prediction of things to come, but didn't work out that way, though there were definitely some good, bordering on great days in late Nov and early Dec. The Fall days of 250-300 Eagles seem to be a thing of the past though. There hasn't been a great Fall since I think, '17 or '18. Each Fall seems to be a little less than the previous. We keep praying it's just a cycle and they will return. Consider coming in late Mar or early Apr to coincide with the shad run as they come up through the Chessy Bay to the Susquehanna to spawn. I'll probably make a few more trips out in the next week or so depending on the weather.
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100% agree Rick. Have been going there since April '17 & last early April was the Craziest most Hectic day I've Ever seen there- went through 2 128G XQD cards & over 3k shots! Action was non-stop, but do agree w/the activity being down each year, esp & Unfortunately this past Nov-Dec. Have heard people say it's The Busiest place in the World for BEagle activity during the month of November- indicated by the photogs from around the World lined up elbow to elbow, literally, on the fence. IF you don't get to the lot By 6am, you won't find a parking spot, & it's a fairly large lot too.
 
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