The Conowingo Dam

Hydraulic Dam

The Conowingo Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Conowingo, Maryland.  The eagles flock to the dam every year in the fall, sometimes reaching as many as 200 plus eagles in one small location. Photographers come from all over during this season to photograph the action of the eagles feeding on the fish that flow through the dam.  As far as we know, it is one of the best eagle photography locations in the lower 48.

Eagles Galore!

Hundreds of eagles are attracted to the location due to many fish that come through the dam when it opens. When the sirens go off advising that the dam will soon open, you often hear the photographers cheering since it is the signal that the action is about to happen.  On many occasions, you will listen to photographers yell things such as “incoming” to let the other photographer know an eagle is about to approach. The action is what we call nature at its best.

Great Eagle Photography

The Eagles circle, looking down at the waters spotting their fish. When an eagle dives, they hang their claws down, swoop down, stretch their claws out and grab a fish.  After this, the actions start. All of the other birds in the area will try to steal the fish from the eagle.  Sometimes you will even see two birds attached to one fish and swing around in a battle for the meal.

When the eagles catch a smaller fish, they will fly and eat the fish, as seen in the image above, with the two eagles feeding simultaneously.  Extra Eyes Photo Tours runs a tour here every year the week before Thanksgiving, which is prime time for action.  You can see the information here.

There are over a hundred other birds that have been documented to migrate here, but the eagle action is the focal point.