Flanders To Host Eagle Watching At Shepaug Dam

SOUTHBURY — Nature Center & Land Trust will host an outing on Saturday, February 11, at the Northeast Utilities Shepaug Bald Eagle Observation Area, located near the Shepaug Hydroelectric Station on the Housatonic River in Southbury.

Those interested in a brief overview discussion of bald eagle identification and natural history should will meet at Flanders’ Studio Welcome Center at 10 am;  others may join the group at the Observation Area at 11 am.

Flanders’ Welcome Center is at the corner of Flanders and Church Hill roads in Woodbury. The Shepaug Hydroelectric Station is on River Road in Southbury.

The Shepaug Dam area is especially appealing to eagles in winter months when the station is in operation due to the fact that the turbulence below the dam  keeps the water from freezing over and the fish provide a reliable food source for the hungry eagles.  On average, about nine eagles feed at the Dam daily.  As with any wildlife observation, however, there is no guarantee that eagles will be visible at any given time.

The observation station is staffed by volunteers from Connecticut’s Audubon Society. As a limited number of spotting scopes are available, it is advised that anyone owning binoculars should bring them – and dress warmly.

For reservations and directions, call Flanders at 203-263-3711.