Eagle Viewing At Dam Is Worth The Trip From Fairfield

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Bald eagles have returned to feed near the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River in Southbury and organized eagle watches every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday through March 5 are well worth the trip for Fairfield County residents.

A bald eagle feeds near the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River in Southbury.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle*

The Shepaug Dam is a popular spot for bald eagles to feed during the winter months.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons*

Joe Jenkins

01/18/2014 4:00 a.m.

The organized watches are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a shelter located 1,000 feet from the river. The area provides an excellent vantage point to watch the birds feed and also has high-powered telescopes to give viewers an up-close look.

On an average day in past years, six or seven eagles were sighted, but lucky viewers on the best days in the past have spotted as many as 15 to 21 eagles in action. Chances are best on cold clear days when the surfaces of most other rivers and ponds have frozen.

Visitors are advised to dress warmly in layers and to allow plenty of time to wait for the eagle action to begin.

Admission is free but space is limited and reservations are required. Click here to reserve a spot online, or call 800-368-8954 Tuesdays through Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to reserve a spot.

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