When you think of birds flying south for the winter, you probably don't imagine that their warm weather destination is... Connecticut!
From January through March, though, many Bald Eagles (and occasionally some Golden Eagles) leave their homes in Canada and other points north for the warmer winter waters of the lower Connecticut River. According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Connecticut River Valley's winter population of eagles can number as many as 100 birds.
One of the best ways to view these spectacular eagles is to book passage aboard a winter eagle watch cruise. The Connecticut Audubon Society will sponsor a number of Eagle Boat Cruises during the winter of 2009. The cruises depart from Steamboat Dock at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut, on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. from February 7 through March 15. The eagle-watching excursions, which run about one hour and 45 minutes, give birdwatchers many opportunities to see the majestic eagles perched and in flight as the cruise boat makes its way from Essex to East Haddam and back.
For 2009, Winter Eagle Watch cruise prices are $40 for all. Reservations are a must and may be made by calling Connecticut Audubon EcoTravel at 860-767-0660 or toll free, 800-996-8747.
To improve your chance of getting a good view of the eagles and other birds, bring along a strong pair of binoculars and a camera with a good telephoto lens. As you can see from the photo in the slide show above (click the image to launch the slide show), even with a 10X zoom, my digital camera couldn't quite bring the bald eagles along the shoreline into view.
Keep in mind as you're preparing for your eagle cruise that even on what might be considered a sunny and mild winter day in Connecticut, the temperatures on the river can be quite a bit colder, and it's quite windy on the water, too. Although you can find warmth and protection from the wind on the riverboat's lower deck, you'll have better views of the birds and the winter scenery if you can brave the cold on the upper deck. You won't regret bringing along an extra scarf and a pair of earmuffs.
If a cruise isn't quite your speed and you'd still like to see eagles while they're "vacationing" in Connecticut, here are a few other options:
Annual Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River - Haddam, CT
Eagle enthusiasts will enjoy land-based guided tours of several sites along the Connecticut River that allow for excellent eagle viewing. Tours begin at the former Camelot Cruise boat launch in Haddam, Connecticut, and are followed by a luncheon at Oliver's Restaurant & Taverne in Essex. 2009 Dates are January 31, February 7, 21 and 28 and March 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call ahead for reservations. The tour price is $20 including lunch. For more information and reservations, call 203-245-9056.
Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area - Southbury, CT
Connecticut Audubon Society staff naturalists and volunteers will be on-hand to provide information and answer questions at the Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area in Southbury from the last weekend of December through mid-March on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made by calling toll free, 800-368-8954, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays through March 7.
Annual Connecticut River Eagle Festival - Essex, CT
Due to lack of sponsorship, this nine-year-old free festival celebrating eagles in Connecticut has been canceled for 2009. The Connecticut Audubon Society hopes to revive the event in future years.
