Eagle Watch in CT's Litchfield Hills

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. October 14, 2008

JANUARY 2, 2007. The eagles have landed! Come winter, our national bird, the great American bald eagle, looks for feeding spots where rivers are not frozen, and one of their favorite havens is the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River near Southbury, in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills. The dam, where running water prevents icing, provides a ready supply of fish, the eagle's favorite dish.

Spectators can have a front row seat to watch the birds in action at the Bald Eagle Observation Site operated by NE Energy Services, near the Shepaug Hydroelectric Station. The viewing station is located 1000 feet from the river, insuring safety for the eagles while providing an excellent vantage point for visitors. This is the only enclosed viewing station in the state as well as the only place with staff on hand to explain what a juvenile eagle looks like, compared to an adult. Volunteers from Connecticut Audubon are present to help spot the eagles and to answer questions about the birds.

As many as eight eagles may be seen on an average day, swooping from perches in the trees to feed at the dam. With a wingspan that can be in excess of seven feet, they are fascinating to observe as they soar overhead to spot their prey with eyesight many times stronger than human. Eagles can fly between 36 and 44 miles per hour and may move even faster when diving for their dinner.

This is the 22nd season for the organized eagle watch. The station is open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Telescopes are set up in the viewing area and viewers also are welcome to bring their own binoculars. Warm clothes are suggested for visitors, since the shelter area, while protected, is not fully heated.

Sponsored by NE Energy Services, admission to the Eagle Observation Area is free but because of limited space, it is by reservation only. Information, driving directions and reservations are available by phoning (800) 368-8954 from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To ensure as many people as possible get the chance to view the eagles, families are limited to one viewing session per season. While groups of children are welcome, one adult chaperone must be provided for every 10 children.

For more information on winter activities, skiing, sleigh rides, antiquing and a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to lodging, dining and all the attractions in the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut, contact the Northwest CT Convention and Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506 or visit the web site at www.litchfieldhills.com.