Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River
By Land
Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River
The Audubon Shop
Saturdays: February 4-March 4 7:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Winter's cold brings dozens of Bald Eagles down the Connecticut River from Canada in search of ice-free fishing. In recent years, over 50 eagles have wintered on the lower Connecticut River. Their 6 - 8 foot wingspan makes the Bald Eagle the largest predator in North America.
Join us for our 29th year leading Eagle Watches on the CT River. Leader Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop will help participants spot eagles from a variety of locations on the river, and will discuss the bird's natural history on this land - based trip. We'll also spot ducks, birds of prey and songbirds and whatever else comes into view!
It is now estimated that up to 100 eagles winter in Connecticut, from December to early March, along major rivers and at large reservoirs. The number of wintering eagles has been increasing slowly, and depends on the severity of each winter. The Bald Eagle's recovery in our state (since there were none occurring in CT in the 1950's) is considered a major environmental victory.
The natural year-round habitat of bald eagles is near lakes, marshes, rivers, or seacoasts, where there are tall trees nearby for nesting and roosting and fish for eating. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, but they also are opportunistic predators and scavengers that will eat anything that can be caught easily or scavenged, such as waterfowl, small and large mammals, and livestock carrion. In addition, they have a reputation of being thieves, and can be seen robbing other raptors or gulls of their catch.
Participants will either meet at The Audubon Shop at 7:45am or at the first location on the river at 8:30am (according to where you are coming from) and then carpool with Jerry to 5 different viewing spots along the river. (This is not a boat trip). Call the shop at 203-245-9056 for tickets and information.
