Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug

Make reservations to enjoy a unique opportunity to view bald eagles as they gather near the Shepaug Dam during the winter months. Since 1985, the public has been invited to visit its bald eagle observation area, located near the Shepaug hydroelectric station on the Housatonic River in Southbury, Conn.

The observation area is open for eagle viewing from late December to mid March by reservation only. The observation area opens each year for picnicing and hiking on Memorial Day.

The observation area is open for eagle viewing from the late December through mid March on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Admission is free but reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-368-8954, Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., from early December through early March.

In the case of current or anticipated inclement weather, visitors are urged to call 1-860-895-6468 to verify whether or not the viewing area is open before arriving on the reserved viewing day. Visitors closed out due to bad weather must re-contact the reservation line, 1-800-368-8954, to reschedule their visit.

Click one of the links below for printed fliers or more information:

• Shepaug Eagle Observation Area Rules & Regulations
• Bald Eagles in Connecticut
• Bald Eagle Fact Sheet from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
• Frequently Asked Questions About Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles in Connecticut

Visitors gather in a blind with spotting scopes set up to provide excellent viewing. Volunteers can assist viewers, provide information and answer questions. Individuals and school groups are welcome.

The bald eagle is making a comeback thanks to intensive conservation efforts. Pesticide poisoning and direct human interference had decimated bald eagle populations, but the banning of DDT and stronger legal protections, combined with reintroduction and management efforts, have allowed eagle populations to rebound.

In the recent past, eagles were rarely seen during the summer months in Connecticut because nesting did not occur in the state. In 1992 a pair of eagles made Connecticut their home for what was believed to be the first time in 41 years. They began a new generation of eagles, and within a decade there were eight nesting pairs.

The Shepaug Dam, on the Housatonic River in Southbury, holds a special appeal to the wintering birds because the hydroelectric station's operation prevents water from freezing, making it easy to feed on fish below the dam. Since it opened in 1985, the Shepaug Eagle Observation Area has hosted thousands of visitors to observe the eagles and view exhibits. The program is managed by volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon.