Although there have been a few posts here about this amazing place, I thought I would add my observations and photographs to the blog. It’s such an incredible location, and the opportunities for shots of these incredible birds rivals just about anyplace else in the country.

Inspired by others who visited there in the past, and from the photos I had seen posted here, and on Flickr and other places, I decided to make a few trips there this fall. And I was not disappointed. In fact, I am already making plans to head down from New Jersey there in the fall of 2011 for numerous photo shoots.

Conowingo Dam, Maryland

One of the first things you notice is that you can hear the Bald Eagles calling out. Something I had not heard before. It’s amazing to hear them, and to then realize that they are sitting in a tree, directly behind you, not 50 feet away.

At Conowingo, the Eagles seem to be much more at ease with a human presence than anywhere else that I have observed them. In most cases during the past, and at locations like Forsythe NWR in NJ, if you approached an Eagle from any distance, it would flush and take off. Here at Conowingo, they are so intent on feeding and competing with each other for that food, that humans are barely considered a nuisance to them.

The sheer numbers of Eagles there is astounding. On this November 15th, I stopped counting and had to estimate that there were between 150 and 200 of them in the immediate area.

Bald Eagles over the Susquehanna River, Conowingo Dam, Maryland.

It was interesting to see the large number of photographers there, but more interesting to observe the newbies versus the veterans. Those that had come there many times would barely care about or notice an Eagle making a fairly close flyover. They already have so many shots like that, and to them it was just  a waste to bother with more. People like me, who previously had not been anywhere near that close would fire away. After one visit however, and about a dozen close flybys, I had all the overhead shots I could ever want.

What the die-hards and the veterans are there for, is the action. The shots of Bald Eagles diving for fish, the mad chases that ensue, and at times, great closeups of them when they carry their catch back to a nearby tree.

I was lucky as heck to be able to get some of the best shots of my life, in my very first visit to the dam.

Just as the day was drawing to a close, one large female Bald Eagle went out for a fishing run…grabbed a nice Shad off the water, and was pursued by a very hungry male intent on stealing the catch.

The chase begins

Closer.....

Going for the grab...

Swing and a miss....

The female was successful in avoiding having this persistent male swipe the fish from her talons. However, in subsequent visits I saw many occasions of theft in mid air, or of forcing the original hunter to drop their prize in the heat of being chased and pursued.

This day, the female Bald Eagle was going to get to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Flying off with the prize catch

Victorious

She was quite vocal after arriving at this tree to have her meal. That is because the male decided to perch about 4 feet above her, and wait to see if she would drop her catch. I am sure she had no intention of sharing.

Male Bald Eagle (without fish)

Female Bald Eagle (with fish)

Once in a while, the Eagles will let you know what they think of you and your camera:

I hate photographers!

For me, this day was a landmark day in my years of nature photography. I was overwhelmed and astounded by these incredible birds. So close to me. Calling out, fishing, chasing each other. It was a dream come true for me. I had barely been able to get a few shots of Bald Eagles my entire life. On this day, I hit the mother lode.

Soaking up the morning sun.

Juvenile Bald Eagle makes a sweeping turn

Another Shad become Eagle food

I can’t wait to get back. If you live anywhere near this incredible location, and even if you don’t. It’s worth the trip. October, November and December have historically been the peak months of Bald Eagle numbers.

Hope to see you out there!