For all of your photographers who are interested and in the area, this is an excellent post on how to photograph the bald eagles. Just the population numbers drop to about 20 or so eagles. This license includes the extremely flawed 2019 settlement agreement between the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Exelon. 2nd questionto get a good spot at the time I am coming. Sherman. Thank you very much for the Info. I cant wait to do this. The eagles frequently fish between the island and the rip rap. Will you be oneofthem? The arguments surrounding the sediment contribution to the Chesapeake Bay have been extensively examined in the Army Corps of Engineers' recently released federal assessment. Young Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and other small fishes are temporarily stunned as they pass through the turbines and gated discharges at the hydroelectric facilitys power house. There are still occasional fishing events at the dam as the wildlife feeds year-round. Yes, preventing more pollution of the Bay from the Susquehanna must be addressed. Glad you were able to find this blog post and found it helpful for your visit in Mid-December. Can I spot eagles throughout the year? Usually 1/2500 sec works well. FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layers not showing? Dredging the sediment behind the dam is pointless unless we reduce the upstream sources. patience furthersthe outcome is clear; beautiful photos Bella! Towers on the island and diving for fish in front of dam. Been coming here a couple times a year for a number of years from Philadelphia area. The FEMA Web Mapping Service (WMS) is down. One would get the impression that running the electric turbines somehow creates silt and phosphorus rather than electricity. 28 talking about this. Reblogged this on theinbetweendream and commented: Photographers who gather at the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River can number 100 or more. In the spring, the eagles are mostly fishing for large shad. Thanks so much for sharing. Its always exciting to be around them and am happy to share the information. ESRI's zoom levels must be between 14 and 16 to show National Flood Hazard layers. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit during a weekday. The Conowingo Dam is owned and operated by Exelon Generation Company, LLC and its federal license expired in 2014. We have visited the dam about three times since the weather turned cold, the last being yesterday. The eaglets hatch in March and thus begins a new cycle of eagle activity at the dam. I will do that. Thx for the info you provided here. A third body (7D) houses a Canon 70-300mm L IS USM with a 1.4 tele. Do you have a suggested location where I would have either the water or sky as a background? That is the area where people go to view the eagles. Could have used that for yesterdays Tundra Swans. Waterkeepers Chesapeake has been working with Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and Earthjustice since 2014 to hold Exelon accountable for its fair share of the dam cleanup. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thought youd be the person to ask . To reach the shuttle parking area, pass Shuresville Landing Road and the shuttle parking is to your left shortly afterwards. The parks address is 2569 Shureslanding Road, Darlington, Maryland. A pair of bald eagles vie for a fish during Eagle Day at Conowingo Dam. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the State of Maryland had to issue a Water Quality Certification, certifying that the project will meet state water quality standards before FERC can grant a new license. Hope this helps, Thanks for posting info on your page. An adult bald eagle extends its huge talons just before catching a fish. If youre still around DC, I hear the birds are still quite active this week. I am just hesitant because I will get there and they wont be there. Weve removed more than 600 tons of debris that has flowed down to the dam so far this year and will continue to do so. Immature bald eagles are learning to fish and fend for themselves. There is generally good viewing from the fishing pier and along the fence line to the boat ramp. Its Bald Eagle time, thats why. Any info? Where do you rent lenses? A bald eagle takes flight after snagging an early morning meal. Boats are not allowed near the dam at all, so not a possibility. Ten miles from where the Susquehanna feeds into the Chesapeake Bay sits the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam. An abundance of fish, including the American shad, yellow and white perch, walleye, and invasive catfish are found near the dam, where there is a fish elevator to help with upstream migrations. Also, is there a best time of day to go? 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The dam supports 265 full-time equivalent local jobs and also annually attracts 250,000 recreational visitors, who enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and bird watching in the dam's picturesque environment. ", We have known what needs to be done to clean up the Bay for decades, and we need to get on with it.". Bay state taxpayers are now left with the responsibility of paying for the dam cleanup instead of requiring Exelon to pay its fair share. Muddy Run Pumped Storage Project Conowingo Eel Collection Facility FERC Project 2355. The current license for the Conowingo Project was issued on August 14, 1980 and expires on September 1, 2014. Learn about who we are. Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. Do you have the text portions of this page available for printing? Have a great Sunday, Conowingo Dam (Darlington) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, View all hotels near Conowingo Dam on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Conowingo Dam on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Conowingo Dam on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail, Hotels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Hotels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero, Baysail School & Yacht Charter - Day Tours, Switzerland, Italy & France 7-Day Taste of Europe Trip from Paris, Semi-Private, Modified Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Tour from Morro and Cayucos, Full-Day Ice Skating Tour on Frozen Winter Lakes from Vasteras, Skip the Line: Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai (1 Day Ticket), Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu, Excursion to 5 Rosario Islands with Snorkeling and Plankton. Ill check back periodically or you can direct them to my email below. Southwestern Power Administration Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Generation Schedules Southwestern provides a current day schedule - online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 - to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. I couldnt find. The Clean Water Act requires FERC only to issue a new license if the company includes flows that restore, maintain, and protect downstream habitats and conditions that restore declining fish populations. Beginning at the end of October through the beginning of January, Bald Eagles are the most plentiful. Know your camera well so that you can quickly change settings if need be. Truly my pleasure David, and as you can imagine it is breath taking to see so many eagles at one time. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may schedule releases for purposes other than hydropower. Great photos! feel free to view them : @Michaelmilianophotography. Emily Do you have any workshop planned for this year? Ten miles from where the Susquehanna feeds into the Chesapeake Bay sits the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam. Prepared for Exelon. Good luck! The multi-state WIP, overseen by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, is our best hope of forcing Pennsylvania and New York to do their part to clean up that river. After looking at several postings, I noticed from the images that many of the aerial shots have a background of bare or defoliated trees or the dam structure that will surely will grab my AF (if I fall off target) as I pan the flying birds. In addition, it provided grossly insufficient funds to deal with the risks that Conowingo operations pose to the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, and lacked concrete assurances that the actions under the agreement will actually be fulfilled by Exelon. Love your photos. Keep an eye on your car as vultures have been known to mess cars up. Parking is limited, and the best times are around sunrise and later in the afternoon. Yes, preventing more pollution of the Bay from the Susquehanna must be addressed. I find that ideal conditions are light, southerly winds with partly cloudy skies. It fortifies our economy and protects our natural resources. In bright light watch out for blowing out the white highlights of the head and tail of the eagles. Conowingo Hydroelectic Generating Station Fact Sheet, ExelonGeneration Media Statement onConowingoRequest for Reconsideration Filing, The Conowingo Dam is the largest source of renewable energy in the State of Maryland, Because water is used to turn the turbines, Conowingo can be used to "jump start" the electric distribution system in the event of a system failure of the PJM connection, The Conowingo Pond, which is created by the Dam holding back the water of the Susquehanna River, is used as a public water supply source for the City of Baltimore and Chester Water Authority (CWA), The Conowingo Dam does not produce any pollution, The pollutants that travel down the Susquehanna River, which spans over 27,500 square miles, from New York and Pennsylvania, are the source of the nutrients and sediment that flow into the Bay, The Susquehanna, along with 11 other waterways, saw 10 times the normal water flow and significantly more debris floating downstream during recent storms, Debris from upstream mixed with debris from below the Dam and collected in downstream communities, like Annapolis, In 2018, weve seen one of the largest volume of debris flowing downriver in 10 years because of winter storms, ice flows on the Susquehanna River, and heavy rains that affected the entire watershed, Exelon voluntarily removes an average of 600 tons of trash and debris around the Dam each year, We deploy crews to operate overhead cranes and grapple devices to clear debris from the river as safely and efficiently as possible, When safe, we will also launch debris skimmer boats to assist with cleanup, Although Exelon Generation voluntarily removes debris from the river, no one can remove all debris from the upstream watershed, especially during flood conditions, Each year, Exelon sponsors two events--the Lower Susquehanna Heritage River Sweep and Conowingo Pond clean-up day--where we remove more than 100 tons of debris and refuse from the river each year, Exelon donated $25,000 to the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support local debris clean up efforts. We saw a few eagles around the dam. Bella. So true ! I can certainly share the info on a few facebook pages. Useful tip for me regarding the negative exposure compensation, Emily! It is an interesting experience to see the line of photographers waiting so patiently. Good luck. . Conowingo generates about 550 megawatts of power, similar to a full sized coal generating station, but cheaply and with no air or water pollution, so we should promptly authorize its use and keep it running. Circuit to Rule on Scope of State Waiver Authority under Clean Water Act Section 401, Press Release: D.C. Court Hears Legal Challenge of FERCs Order to Grant 50-year License to Constellation Energy to Operate Conowingo Dam. 405). Yes, preventing more pollution of the Bay from the Susquehanna must be addressed. Most likely the week after Thanksgiving. To capture eagles in flight, you will need a high shutter speed. Along with the 11 other rivers that feed into the bay, the Susquehanna recently experienced 10 times normal water flows and significantly more debris swept into the river and through the dam because of heavy rain. Drive down the hill to the parking area along the river. During severe weather and dangerous Susquehanna River conditions, operators must open the dams floodgates to protect local towns from flooding and preserve the integrity and safety of the dam. Exelon Generation shares the State of Marylandscommitment to restoring and sustaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. I will be attended this event next week. 26.3: Notification level 6 with 26 to 32 gates open at Conowingo Dam. Turn right on Route 161 / Darlington Road go 4.4 miles. Indeed plenty of patience will help, you certainly have the equipment to help you get there. Sunrise is around 6:45 am so getting there between 7am and 8am should be more than enough to get parking. Awesome write-up Emily and I love your tips! I found this season that even though I called the number, they rarely did what they said they would do. great tips! Before the courts decision, the dam owner did not have to take the necessary measures to allow fish and eel to pass through to spawn. Definitely a hit or miss!!! Then the anglers along the wave-washed shoreline began catching fish too. It can be any time during the day. To the prior poster, you can't judge it from one visit. Emily. Take a good pair of binoculars. From I-95 North/South, Take Exit #89 for Havre de Grace. This way you can be portable when they fly up into the trees. It is a perfect lose-lose-lose decision. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Wonderful Stephen. One of the safest ways for those interested is having a hand-held meter, (which I feel every serious photographer should own) and take an incident reading of your light-source, then make your simple adjustments +/- to get both the shadow and highlight shape you desire. Then I would suggest you visit the visitor center. Search by city or zip code. We look forward to continuing our work with local and state authorities to protect and restore the health of the bay. Head north on Route 155 / Level Road. When the warm days of summer approach, the wildlife activity at the dam generally slows down. They are still there in full force! Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon) is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC, or the Commission) to operate the 573-megawatt (MW) Conowingo Hydroelectric Project (Conowingo Project) (FERC No. There are two Conewago Creek systems in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed. Itll take more patience though to get some great shots. on the dam. The influx of sediment harms the ecosystems in the river and bay. Notification level 6 with 26 to 32 gates open at Conowingo Dam. Sore fisherman, Dear Sore Fisherman, The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beacons fishermen and boaters alike. I like that you can get down to river level there. Makes me want to go all the way up to Maryland: thanks for sharing. That is so poetically true Eddie, and I had never thought of it so simply. Thank you so much Sherman. There are only port a potties at Fisherman's park and there is a nice bathroom at the visitor center. As winter approaches, the trees will once again be void of leaves. 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. Are you going to visit or to visit and photograph? Also, shoot in RAW if you can, you can recapture those bits in post processing. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. They are there year round, but winter is the best time to see them. Thanks for stopping by John ! Notification level 2 with 12 to 15 gates open at Conowingo Dam. All of us struggle with the competing background. To put that in perspective I have to arrive 1.5 hrs before dawn at the Tetons near Jackson Wy to get a spot. Sometimes, the adult parents can be seen teaching their kids the tricks of the trade namely how to catch a fish and protect it from poachers. Years and years ago (back in my film days), I tried to get eagle pictures at the Holtwood power plant further up north because it was supposed to be a good spot. Thanks for asking and yes there are a few eagles that are residents and can be seen for the patient visitor. TIP: With good light, my settings are: Manual Mode 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 500, AWB, AI Servo, Center focus points, Center weighted metering. ", YOx3i+uX3gmTWXzGwcQh7MfQGFEGRvC0ZE+DyyOeCg1A3AxgbIupfWBombwxz5aTJwp5hzLxd+9lycfaFsXvSmyFDLRU2b0nGnnYjqWIdBa+J65/a425SwS9cSTasqy0HO1CNjpxiFwM8hhPjqH75Seyb4fIx3cBWl6doap2cEY=. (LogOut/ Thank you for all the excellent tips. Supports one of the Susquehanna Riv Visitors can learn about the history of Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station, the role of hydroelectricity as a renewable clean energy source and the ecology, wildlife and recreational activities that exist in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed. I am not very good at panning and cannot hand-hold for health reasons but I will have a gimballed tripod. Bothhave their capacity to support aquatic life impaired and diminished bynutrient and sediment pollution. A third body (7D) houses a Canon 70-300mm L IS USM > with a 1.4 tele.. I just saved this link. In May 2021, the EPAs evaluation of the Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (CWIP) noted that even though the financing plan is still in development, theres a lack of confidence that this plan can be carried out without clear public funding sources identified. Im looking at some time from Late January to Early March. I have a couple of photography workshops scheduled this fall if youre interested. We have visited twice this month and no Eagles! /a > what is the best smallmouth bass in! Hi Emily, I just found this page, looks great, I may go this coming weekend 12/3-4 do you have workshop available. Generation Schedules Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Southwestern provides a current day schedule - online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 - to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. Both ConewagoCreeks flow through suburbia, farm, and forest. As the trees lose their leaves, the eagles become more and more visible. This information is redistributed from Weather.gov and we make no claims as to it's accuracy, freshness, or reliability. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sometimes, they will land in a nearby tree and consume the fish literally a few feet from spectators and photographers. Backyards and basements on Main Street and Tome's Landing begin to flood. The Fate of the Clean Water Act is in the Supreme Courts Hands, Citizens File Clean Water Act Lawsuit to Clean Up Pollution at Kkaola Harbor, Remove forever chemicals from our daily lives, Environmental Groups File Lawsuit Challenging New York Public Service Commissions Approval of Fracked Gas-Powered Crypto Mining Operations, Why Induction Stoves Are Better Than Gas Stoves, EPA falla con la nueva regla de contaminacin por holln. Add the ones who get a decent camera and automatically think theyre the best photographer in the world and open a biz because all their friends tell them theyre the best thing since sliced bread and they are horrible. They may fly right over your head or they may fly down the river. Any time is a good time Gay. It is time to let the bay and the river heal.. you honor me by the reposting of Freedom Remembered; thank you. Yes, there are multiple porta-potties at the southern end of the parking log. Most folks find that a 200-400 mm works well with a 600 mm being ideal. Under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the State of Maryland had to issue a Water Quality Certification, certifying that the project will meet state water quality standards before FERC can grant a new license. And yes..a perfect place for your 600mm. The decision comes about a year after environmental groups represented by Earthjustice challenged FERCs decision to renew the dams operation for another 50 years. Use negative Exposure Compensation to offset. Yes, it would help with them too. Please call ahead to verify availability with the Conowingo Dam Visitor Center at (410) 457-5011. Any time is a good time for the eagles as you never know when they decide to fly by. Relicense the dam and look at the whole watershed issue, not just Conowingo.YES", Relicensing the dam is a no-brainer for Maryland. The best conditions are when the winds are light and not from the north-northwest. That is simply not true. Oh wow! Only the vultures and a few Sea Gulls, and lots of photographers waiting patiently in the cold! 21.5. FERC exceeded its authority when it approved license without certification Maryland issued in 2018 (Silver Spring, MD) Today, the U.S On October 11, 2022, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, Sassafras Riverkeeper, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation provided arguments to the U.S Waterkeeper groups fight to ensure Constellation Energy pays it fair share and does not destroy the Bay (Takoma Park, MD) 2023 Waterkeepers Chesapeake. NOTE: Gauge reading affected by power generation. Best watershed management practices across NY, PA and MD are the logical solution path, not dredging.This political football must be addressed by knowing the science revealed in this study. You can modify as needed from there. The woman working at the visitor center was very helpful. Dress warmly in layers to add/remove as needed. If you ever do, let me know when youre up here. Thanks Rich! If I had such wish list then the Dam would certainly be on it. Bella I spent the last two weeks between the dam and Lapidum watching Eagles while Shad fishing. Earthjustice represents Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, ShoreRivers, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Exelon sought a new 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). If you have access to two camera bodies, bring them along. NAD83/WGS84. Thanks! Did the trail and saw several eagles on the trail in the trees. you will have to visit Nova Scotia in the winter !! http://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/quantity/8741f87c43a7b077d82a84578c0e12f4c9c70a5e/11295. Eagles are seen in trees around parking lot,. There is usually a chase and fierce competition once the fish is caught. Glad I discovered your site! To see so many Bald Eagles in one place. Drive down the hill to the parking area along the river. Good luck! Eagles are unpredictable and you never know when they decide to fish. If swimming were mandated across the country I dont think that we would have the problems that we have!. I use borrowlenses.com, they ship directly to your home or a nearby FedEx office. This was my first time photographing them. Then, with one quick swipe, the fish is caught and quickly inspected by the eagle attempting to take flight. This is a big win for the Chesapeake Bay, watermen, downstream residents and the entire Chesapeake Bay clean-up plan., Vacating the unlawful 50-year license for Conowingo Dam which was conspired by the Dams owner Constellation Energy and Maryland Department of the Environment sets national precedent in protecting our communities and upholding the statutes of the Clean Water Act, said Ted Evgeniadis, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. Best of luck to you. Rather, thescience clearly shows that the pollutants that travel down the Susquehanna River, from NewYork and Pennsylvania, are the source of the nutrients and sediment that flows into the Bay. Good luck! And remember, the park can get crowded during the weekends, so consider a weekday visit. As a result, the reservoir which used to be about 120 feet deep has filled up with pollution and is now only 15 feet deep or less. A person at the pier mentioned exiting, making a left and then another left on ?Stafford street. 2010 Operations Summary for Conowingo Dam East Fish Passage Facility TABLE OF CONTENTS . Because the dam owner has not kept up with the giant reservoir behind it, it gets filled with millions of tons of sediment and pollution that get dumped into the river and bay during storms. In addition to the birds, the movements of fish attract larger fish, and even larger fishermen. So what are you waiting for? Head north on Route 155 / Level Road. Be sure to check the Conowingo Dam Hotline for their generation schedule (888-457-4076). Exelon currently owns and operates two hydroelectric generating stations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. They are there. An immature bald eagle prepares to snag a fish from water. 48: 55-60. "Some of my fondest memories are from my time spent at the Conowingo Dam. Notification level 8 with 36 to 42 gates open at Conowingo Dam. Bring the longest lenses you have, and two bodies. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Ten miles from where the Susquehanna feeds into the Chesapeake Bay sits the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam. I need to get my little instruction booklet out and figure out how to do that. The State of Maryland issued its Water Quality Certification on April 27, 2018, and Exelon sued the State on May 25 in federal district court, challenging the states authority to require any pollution reduction from upstream sources. Photography Workshops and Private Mentoring. Plan on it being quite cold here so winter boots and layering will help keep you warm. Just editing some of the photos Ive taking there. My favorite part? By comparing more recent surveys with this baseline data, it may be possible to discern trends in fish populations resulting not only from conservation practices, but from many other variables which may impact the Conewago Creek Warmwater Stream ecosystem in Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties. Their numbers peak in November/December and January, thus the excitement during that time of year. Looking forward towards meeting you. Then I would suggest you visit the visitor center. Eagles can be seen sitting in the towers on the island near the dam and in the trees that line the parking lot. An adult bald eagle in flight with its fish in the "tuck" position. Discussions to-date about sedimentation have chased the wrong contributor. The recording is updated daily at 5 P.M. to provide information for the following day. 1,814. I learned about this location from a fellow photographer on a shoot last night and I am already planning a trip in the next few weeks. Appreciate your wonderful comment. Why aren't the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers showing on the ESRI Map?Possible reasons: Note: Your zoom level may have changed. is it still very crowded?? The lucky few often see a dropped fish caught by another eagle in mid-air. For 90 years, the Conowingo Dam has served as Marylands largest source of reliable and renewable energy. bellaremyphoto@aol.com. Park closer to the dam. I would love to get some great pictures, but I only have the 18-55mm lens tha came with my camera. The park is in the shade and the water is colder then the air temperature. I love this location for eagle viewing. Sounds like just the right place for my Canon 600, woohoo! 93% of travelers recommend this experience. It is early March and eaglets are hatching along the Susquehanna and Chesapeake Bay region. There are a couple of muddy spots due to all the rain, but very nice walking by the water! Perhaps our paths will cross at the dam. Address is: 2569 Shures Landing Road, Darlington, Maryland 21034. The arrival of migrating Hickory Shad heralds the start of a movement that will soon include White Perch, anadromous American Shad, and dozens of other fish species that swim upstream during the springtime. . The trees are covered in leaves and the eagles retreat to shady areas to stay cool. I remember going to Red Wing, MN to look at the eagles. Learn how your comment data is processed. Notification level 1 with 10 to 11 gates open at Conowingo Dam. Read more in ourCWIP Comments. An analysis was conducted by Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3) to estimate the range of market revenues for Conowingo Hydropower Dam, assuming it remains a merchant generator in the Mid Atlantic electricity market, in order to inform how much economic headroom (i.e., excess profits) exists to mitigate the incremental impacts of the Dam's continued operation on ecological resources of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. PARKING INFORMATION: Parking is now in high demand at the dam during peak season. wow finally i found somewhere that tells me where to go been wanting to go see eagles since i moved here 3 years ago! the Range of Possible River Levels, Weather Forecast Office (Baltimore/Washington) Sterling, VA, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data and Site Info for Conowingo Dam. The dam was commissioned in 1928 and houses power-generating turbines and spill gates. Actually yes ! (LogOut/ Change). Were happy that the right decision was made in this case for our maritime communities and economy, and to protect all of the restoration work that Marylanders have worked so hard to implement.. The Shuttle will be available during peak Bald Eagle season from the first week of November through December. My husband is a wildlife photographer that specializes in bird photography. There are 200 million tons of sediment behind the dam. Turn right onto Old Quaker Road, go .4 miles. I wasnt sure how to comment on the page , A wonderful and beautifully illustrated guide, Emily. During the water release or when the eagles are in action, is that area of the river navigable on a jon or bass boat?? The Eastern Shore bears the brunt of the pollution that flows through the Conowingo Dam, creating navigational hazards, shorelines choked with debris, and oyster bars and underwater grass beds smothered with sediment, said Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher, from ShoreRivers. The eagles fish more when water is released but as any wildlife are unpredictable and fly at any time. The classic "inspection" after catching a fish. 2010 Operations Summary for Conowingo Dam East Fish Passage Facility ConoEL10final-Aug.2010 2 Normandeau Associates, Inc. daily/hourly fish passage numbers. Here: WOW! Anyway The main reason I am writing is that I found a tripod and a camp stool on the side of the road at one of the observation areas in the park. Ill be in the area in November and plan on making this part of my trip. Closer to the water and action in front of the pier. Also, they are more active early in the morning. Right now there are probably 80 eagles in the area, mature and immature. Make sure you have plenty of memory cards and charged batteries. http://bep111blog.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/wild-weekly-photo-challenge-10-flying/. You can get the generating schedule for the Conowingo Dam by calling the Conowingo Generation Hotline at 888-457-4076. Southwestern provides a current day schedule online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station and Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility provide more than 1,600 megawatts of low-carbon power generation, as well as much needed load-leveling and 24/7 baseload power. 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. Yes I did!! All need some article of clothing or sticker to help identify fellow FM'ers there all others in same! Here are several Letters to the Editor weve seen so far. Conowingo Dam is a hydroelectric dam that has been trapping sediment from the Susquehanna River, blocking fish passage, and affecting the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay since it was built in 1928. Thank youas for cold Spokane is close to both Canada and the Idaho panhandle so while the low temp wont be funat least the cold will not be a shock.its the wind that is the killer, Love this Place , great action. I believe the family has fledged a while ago. Unless they fly high in the sky or low in the water there will be a background. When the parking lot is full, the gate is closed and drivers are instructed to go to the shuttle parking lot. In March 2021, FERC approved Exelon's Conowingo relicensing for the next 50 years. Minor flooding begins in the town of Port Deposit, Maryland. Ill be dressed like a military Eskimo; and comfortably warm. 1974. The eaglets are now approaching adult size and heron chicks are fledging from their nests. Meet the Double-crested Cormorant, a strangely handsome bird with a special talent for catching fish. Would the eagles be around even this time of year? Is this week a good time to view Eagles here? Obviously theres no such thing as a guarantee but I was just curious. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In October/November the resident and migratory bald eagles congregate here in droves. Thanks for the tips, Im an Aussie based in the UK, but I need to get away for a week and I love Bald Eagles so Im thinking about a trip to the US and the dam looks like the place to go! Conowingo Dam, May 2019. I agree with you 100%. The water impounded by the dam forms a 14-mile long reservoir, and the tailrace downstream of the dam never freezes. There were so many eagles that I could not count them all. A Preliminary Report on the Conewago Creek Faunal Survey, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. But you dont ALWAYS need the best of the best to get a great shot. It is my pleasure to share your post, it was amazingly beautiful. It is especially thrilling to see a catch right in front of you as the eagle approaches the water with its out-stretched talons. The forestry service had various eagles and owls for viewing. Listed by the Audubon Society as one of the Top Five Hotspots for Photographing Bald Eagles, Conowingos proximity to live action thrills attracts large crowds during the late fall through spring. Why are there dozens of people with enormous lenses on complicated cameras atop sturdy tripods gathered at Fishermans Park below the Conowingo Dam on the lower Susquehanna River in Maryland? The Conowingo Dam is a great place to see Eagles. Ever since the dam was built in 1928, it has changed seasonal river flow; blocked the migration of shad, herring, eel and other fish; destroyed fragile aquatic habitat; devastated the shellfish communities that naturally filtered the Susquehannas water; killed millions of fish caught in hydroelectric turbines; and altered the rivers natural ability to transport nutrients and sediment. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect peoples health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences. It really is amazing Renee. Thanks. Since that did not work out for us, next time we will try dawn as I saw a recent review that reported a lot of activity early. The Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bays water quality have substantially suffered because of sediment and other pollution that gets dragged through the dam and dumped into them. This study finds that nutrients are the longer term culprit. And remember, the park can get crowded during the weekends, so consider a weekday visit. Since some, like me, travel at least a couple of hours each way, laying the odds for a successful photo day is always a good idea. Youll want warm clothing, binoculars, and a camera too. River Stage. Awesome place- requires patience, and planning. 1st visit was in Dec 2020. I just sent you a friend request on FB and we can continue this discussion there. Hi Kim, there are eagles year-round at Conowingo Dam, so youre guaranteed a sighting regardless of when you visit. Fabulous images and very helpful data. Thanks Sam for your interested. Nearly 200 million tons of sediment pollution have accumulated behind the dam. . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I do as well a lot of the time too! For 90 years,the Conowingo Dam has been a source of reliable, clean energy, today accounting for 55%of the renewable energy in Maryland. Also if you have any suugestions about other wildlife in the area I would appreciate it. A cormorant trying to escape nearby poachers. Absolutely thrilled that you found this post and its helpful in finding the eagles. I have always wanted to go to here for photos. Its how you use the camera and equipment that you have that makes you a great photographer, not how much you spend gear.. The earliest CWIP framework documents included Exelon as the likely source for funding the plan. The Conowingo Dam is a great place to see Eagles. The lighting quickly fades in the afternoon, quickly turning dark after 4:00 pm, EST. Hope you can use some of this tips in the future. Must admit that I didnt give away all of my secrets, but i certainly learned a lot in the 21 hours of standing in three days time at the dam. The excitement starts when the sirens start to wail and the red lights begin flashing. Much of my time was spent in the Conowingo, Holtwood area in the late 60s. http://bep111blog.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/wild-weekly-photo-challenge-10-flying/, Spectacular views of bald eagles over the Susquehanna River | Healthy Waters for EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region, https://www.facebook.com/mark.tiller.50/photos_albums, Conowingo Dam & Turkey Point Lighthouse_11-10-2013, Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam | Birding Pictures, 12 Months of Nature: January Wildly Mistaken. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Practice, Practice, Practice before you get here. Photographers with long lenses line the fence line. They can be seen diving towards the water with their large, yellow talons extended and plucking a stunned fish from the top of the water. Gorgeous.! Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map FOR SURROUNDING RESTAURANTS NEAR CONOWINGO DAM CLICK HERE. Groups argued the agency unlawfully renewed Constellations license formerly known as Exelon Corp as it did not require the company to follow Marylands mitigation practices necessary to restore water quality downstream. Conowingo also provides prime breeding, nesting and foraging grounds for the American Bald Eagle and helps 1 million migratory and native fish travel over the dam for spawning in the Susquehanna each year. This data should not be used as a determination of river or water safety during boating, fishing or other water activities. Notification level 2 with 12 to 15 gates open at Conowingo Dam. I tried to printout the page and just got page after page of blank paper. Dave Harp. Did you click through Judy? As owners of the Conowingo Dam, Exelon Generation shares the concerns of the public regarding the safety and the health of the Chesapeake Bay, in particular the amount of trash and debris across the bay. One drains the Gettysburg Basin west of the river, mostly in Adams and York Counties,then flows into the Susquehanna at the base of Conewago Falls. "Maryland must now make the dam's owner clean up its operations, stop choking the Bay and the River with pollution, and stop blocking the great migrations of fish that are vital to the Bay's health. For photographing, all spots have positives and negatives. LIFE IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATERSHED, A Natural History of Conewago FallsThe Waters of Three Mile Island. Thanks! If youre able to visit Conowingo Dam and visit this incredible sight of these majestic birds, have a wonderful time and happy shooting ! I will not be able to meet you at Conowingo in November as I will be in Montana, hopefully getting some great shots there. Youll love the experience Jason. The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. Thank you for this great set of information. Flood Impacts Gauge Stage Changes Thanks again Bella, Ill dog ear my calendar for the November dates. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. Sometimes they stay active and sometimes they sit in the trees to conserve energy. i know where i am going this November this looks great hoping to see a golden eagle. Plan on spending many hours standing and waiting for the action of fishing and fighting. Sunrise over the Susquehanna River viewed from the Conowingo fishing pier. Notification level 7 with 33 to 35 gates open at Conowingo Dam. Thanks again! Still one if the best places to see photograph Bald Eagles. Stay informed on how we hold accountable those who break our environmental laws. All rights reserved. Great Blue Herons are building nests as are cormorants and other shore birds. This is called big glass, and there is a lot of it at Conowingo! More specifically, the area you want to go to is called Fisherman's park. Can you provide a date and possible item brand names? Note: Use the official hydrograph at the top of this web page As a hydropower dam, Conowingo has replaced a free-flowing section of the Susquehanna River with a 14-mile-long, 9,000-acre reservoir. I remember some mentioning an accessible nest earlier this year but no current reports. At the northern end, there is an indoor restroom with running water, by Shuresville Landing I also saved the link and will make the trip to the dam this fall. If the water is high and/or all the generators are running, the water gets pushed north of the island and makes it difficult for the eagles to see fish between the dam and the boat ramp. Conowingo Dam, May 2019. He has spent the past three decades capturing the beauty of nature on land and underwater. 20. I am definitely thinking of making the 3+ hr drive from VA to photograph these guys! We spoke to several to had been there nearly all day and each said unusually quiet! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Lodging of Filings Regarding Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Challenges. I gather the eagles fly when the water is released. Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River near Darlington, Maryland, attracts piscivores galore. Wishing you a wonderful visit with you come in November. If youre at the dam next week (1st week of November) there are lots of regulars that are welcoming and helpful. Dont know how there could be more than one entrance to the fishing platform as its a dead end road. The Eagles are there from early november to spring. They lay their eggs near the beginning of February and incubate them for a month. The eagles really get active at sunrise! Its a good start. I have time, patience, two fairly good Canons,(70D), a 400 f4.5-5.6 prime and a Tamron 150-600 f4.5. HOW TO GET THERE. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A good friend of mine just yesterday informed me of the eagles at Conowingo and it only took another click or two to discover your page, thanks so much for sharing. Then go to Fisherman's park. These two hydroelectric power plants provide more than 1,600 megawatts (MW) ofreliable, environmentallyfriendly power generation. 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