Watch for eagles soaring and gulls bobbing on this hike along the Susquehanna River as it tumbles out from the Conowingo Dam at Fisherman’s Park. This spot is one of the top spots in the US for eagle viewing, and their numbers grow to the hundreds in the winter months. Eagles dot the trees and cruise over the rapids, watching for shad, herring, and eels to bob up to the water’s surface, stunned by the dam’s turbines. Birds migrate here from Canada and New York to take advantage of the easy feeding opportunities and the tail race that remains unfrozen all winter due to the water’s turbulence. Several eagle nests are located in the park and on the island near the center of the river.
We will be on the lookout for some of the more uncommon species lesser black-backed gull and Iceland gull, as well as overwintering cormorants, various waterfowl, woodpeckers, winter wren, and peregrine falcon. We will begin our trip with plenty of time to watch from the dam overview areas. We will continue down the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail for about a mile, out and back, depending on our time. The trail follows the river along a rail bed, an abandoned line that allowed the Susquehanna Power Company to transport heavy equipment to the dam from the B&O Railroad in Havre de Grace during its construction. The trail is wide and flat.
Eagles and waterfowl are the main attraction here, but the Conowingo Dam is impressive to view as well. Conowingo is listed as Maryland’s largest renewable energy source since its operation began in 1928. Owned and operated by Constellation Energy, the dam has 11 turbines, which can produce up to 572 megawatts of electricity, enough power to supply 165,000 homes under normal operating conditions.
Our trip leaders are Dave Webb and Mark Johnson. Dave is an editor with Maryland Biodiversity Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to cataloging the flora and fauna of Maryland. The project promotes conservation, science, and education by building a nature study community. Check out the project here: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/. Dave also edits BugGuide.net, vetting the identifications of arthropods photographed by other outdoor enthusiasts, including his own photos. Mark is a past president of the Harford County Bird Club, a master bird bander, and a former assistant editor of the Maryland Yellowthroat, published by the Maryland Ornithological Society.
Participants may choose to hike a shorter distance and are welcome to walk back on their own at any point.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Consider hand/toe warmers or whatever you need to keep yourself comfortable. It will be cold.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
