Guide to Photographing Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam, Maryland
Conowingo Dam, located on the Susquehanna River in northern Maryland, is one of the premier spots on the East Coast for photographing bald eagles. Each fall and winter, dozens of eagles congregate below the dam to fish, perch, and engage in aerial battles, providing photographers with close-range, action-packed opportunities rarely found elsewhere. With paved access, a dedicated viewing platform, and reliable eagle activity, the dam attracts both amateur and professional wildlife photographers from across the country.
Whether you're hoping to capture mid-air talon clashes or iconic portrait shots of perched adults, this guide will help you plan your trip, use the right gear and settings, and photograph respectfully and safely in this unique setting.
Acknowledgment of Risk
This guide is intended to provide helpful information for safely and ethically photographing bald eagles at Conowingo Dam. However, all outdoor activities carry inherent risks, especially near fast-moving water, steep embankments, uneven surfaces, and active wildlife.
By using this guide or visiting the area, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and actions. The Conowingo Dam area includes natural and industrial features that can be dangerous if misused or ignored. Follow all posted signage, obey dam personnel, and stay within designated public areas.
This guide does not replace personal judgment, local regulations, or official guidance from Exelon (the dam operator) or state authorities. Please exercise caution at all times and be respectful of both wildlife and other visitors.
Guide Legend: Photographing Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam
Introduction
Acknowledgment of Risk
About the Bald Eagles
Best Times to Visit
Viewing Platforms and Accessibility
Camera Settings for Bald Eagles
Juvenile vs Adult Bald Eagle Plumage
Photography Tips for Bald Eagles
Safety Tips
Ethical Photography Practices
Summary
About Conowingo Dam and the Eagles
The dam sits on the lower Susquehanna River near the town of Darlington, Maryland, and provides hydroelectric power and water management for the region. During colder months, water released from the dam stuns or kills fish, making them easy prey for eagles and other birds. This predictable food source attracts one of the densest seasonal concentrations of bald eagles on the East Coast.
Eagle numbers typically peak in November and December, though birds can be seen from late October through February.
Best Times to Visit
Season:
Peak eagle activity is from early November to mid-December
Some resident eagles remain year-round, but action slows in warmer months
Time of Day:
Sunrise/Morning (5:30 AM to 9:00 AM) is best for lighting and observing eagle fishing behaviors
Activity may pick up again in late afternoon, especially on cloudy days
Weather Tips:
Cold, overcast days can produce more eagle action
Avoid weekends if possible, as the area becomes crowded
Bald Eagle Plumage: Comparing Juvenile and Adult Coloring
Understanding the differences between juvenile and adult bald eagle plumage is essential for both identifying the birds and capturing their unique features through your lens. The dramatic transformation from juvenile to adult plumage provides a fascinating opportunity to photograph eagles in various stages of life.
Juvenile Bald Eagles (0-4 Years)
Coloration: Juvenile bald eagles have a strikingly different appearance compared to adults. Their feathers are a mottled mixture of dark brown with white and light brown streaks or spots across their bodies. They often lack the distinctive white head and tail that adult eagles are known for.
Head and Tail: The most noticeable difference is the head and tail. Juveniles will have a dark head with streaks or a faint white patch that does not resemble the bright white feathers of an adult. Their tail is generally dark with a few lighter streaks.
Body: The body is mostly dark brown, but the plumage lightens gradually as they age, particularly around the wings and belly.
Eyes: Juveniles typically have a dark brown or almost black iris, which gradually lightens as they mature.
Photographic Tip: Focus on capturing the contrast between the dark body and the light mottling on the wings or tail. Juveniles also exhibit more erratic flight patterns, which can make for exciting action shots.
Adult Bald Eagles (5+ Years)
Coloration: Adult bald eagles sport the iconic color pattern that most people associate with this species: a pure white head and tail with a dark brown body and wings. This sharp contrast makes them one of the most majestic birds in North America.
Head and Tail: The mature eagle's white head and tail feathers are distinct, offering a sharp contrast against the dark brown of its body and wings. This is a key characteristic that becomes fully apparent only after 5 years of age.
Body: The body remains dark brown, although the wings are slightly lighter compared to the rest of the body, especially when the eagle is in flight.
Eyes: As adults, bald eagles develop bright yellow eyes, which are one of the species' most striking features.
Photographic Tip: The stark white head and tail make adult eagles ideal subjects for portrait shots, especially when perched. Use the light to enhance the texture and contrast of their plumage, highlighting their majestic features.
Understanding these plumage differences can help you identify the eagles you encounter and adjust your compositions accordingly, whether you're photographing a juvenile in flight or an adult perched majestically against the sky.
Where to Set Up
Fisherman’s Park (Main Viewing Area):
Paved lot with open views of the river and dam
Ideal for spotting perched eagles and mid-river activity
Get there early for a front-row spot along the railing
Under the Towers:
Walk upriver along the parking lot fence-line until you are under the power lines, the eagles often fly to and from these towers
Offers closer perspectives of perches and some flight paths
Behind the Trees Downriver:
Explore the wooded edges above the lot for alternate angles, eagles often land here to eat fish!
Good for backlit shots in the morning or eagle-in-environment compositions
Camera Gear Recommendations
Camera Body: Fast autofocus and good high ISO performance (DSLR or mirrorless)
Lens: 400mm to 600mm (prime or zoom). A 100–400mm or 200–600mm lens is ideal
Tripod or Monopod: Helpful for long waits and heavier setups
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Cold weather drains power faster
Weather Protection: Rain covers for gear, gloves, and layered clothing
Camera Settings for Bald Eagle Photography
In Flight (Fishing, Chasing, Soaring):
Mode: Manual or Shutter Priority
Shutter Speed: 1/2000 to 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/4 to f/6.3
ISO: Auto with cap at 3200 or higher, depending on your camera
Focus Mode: Continuous AF (AI Servo / AF-C)
Drive Mode: High-speed burst
Focus Area: Expand or Zone AF for tracking moving subjects
Perched Eagles:
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f/4 to f/8 for sharpness and background separation
ISO: 200–800
Shutter Speed: 1/500 sec or faster
Focus Mode: Single-shot AF
Focus Point: Single point on the eye
Environmental Shots (Wide-Angle):
Aperture: f/8 to f/11
ISO: 100–400
Shutter Speed: Varies
Consider including the dam, towers, or crowd to tell a visual story
Composition Tips
Track behavior first: Watch for signs like circling, vocalizing, or talon posturing to anticipate flight or action
Leave space in the frame: For birds in flight, allow room in front of the subject to move into
Layer with background: The dam wall, water textures, or distant hills can add visual interest
Use diagonals: Wing angles and swoops make compelling lines
Include interaction: Capture eagle disputes, food transfers, or fishing dives for more storytelling impact
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Stay on designated walkways and public areas
Do not feed or bait eagles
Do not use audio calls or other attractants
Respect other photographers and visitors
Leave no trace: pack out all trash and avoid trampling vegetation
Drones are strictly prohibited
Local Tips and Amenities
Restrooms are available at the parking area
Arrive before sunrise to secure parking on weekends
Bring snacks and water; there are no vendors on site
Nearby towns (Darlington, Port Deposit) offer small restaurants and lodging
Summary
Conowingo Dam offers some of the best opportunities in the country to photograph bald eagles up close in their natural behavior. With seasonal predictability, ease of access, and supportive infrastructure, it is a must-visit for any bird or wildlife photographer. By preparing the right gear, understanding eagle behavior, and photographing ethically, you can capture powerful images while contributing to a respectful wildlife photography culture.