Originally posted by UserAccessDenied That's awesome!
I can't wait to get out there... I've heard it's one of the best spots for eagles.
How often do they release the dam? Is it a predictable occurrence?
Conowingo Dam has a toll free number you can call the evening prior to a trip (888) 457-4076
The eagles gather to feed on the fish stunned as they pass through the dam - they like easy meals. Your ideal situation is for large releases during times when the sun is right. The sun rises to your right when facing the river from the side where photographers are permitted. For much of the morning you are shooting with the sun over your right shoulder. The best times are from around 8:30 AM to around 11:30 AM EST with DST you gain an extra hour. After 11:30 to noon EST the sun drops behind the trees.
The eagles are there in numbers in November through December. Towards Thanksgiving seems to be peak. There is a Facebook page
Conowingo Bald Eagles | Facebook
Like any other wildlife outing it is ht or miss. I am still working for that ideal shot of an eagle striking the water, claws out, at touchdown with the fish visible. Even at high fps shooting getting that instance is hard with the eagle coming from the "right" direction and good light on the head. That along with just watching them fly keeps me going there every year.
While there are many places nearby to photograph eagles Conowingo offers the right conditions of the dam, stunned fish, and lots of eagles feeding at times. Being there for the right time is a combination of planning, weather, dam schedule and luck.