The last day of the eagle-watching season at the hydroelectric power plant at Shepaug Dam in Southbury, Connecticut, was nothing short of spectacular. The sky above was a swirling dance of eagles—majestic adults and scrappy juveniles—alongside Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and a Great Blue Heron with a bold flyover, all making their grand farewell appearance for the season. It was nature’s encore, a final breathtaking performance before the curtain closed on another winter.
But the eagles weren’t the only stars of the show. Christine’s Critters, the beloved Connecticut-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey, brought along some of their incredible feathered ambassadors to educate and inspire the crowd. And what a lineup it was!
Birds of Prey are the Spotlight at Shepuag Dam
Magma, the show-stopping red-phase Eastern Screech Owl, proved that size isn’t everything. This tiny raptor may be small, but it carries the fearless heart of a Great Horned Owl.
Not to be outdone, Ash, a stunning gray-phase Eastern Screech Owl, captivated onlookers with her quiet charm and mysterious presence.
Mystery, a striking Red-tailed Hawk and one of Christine’s personal falconry birds held a special place in the day’s events. This hawk’s story is one of resilience—rescued as a nestling when its home was destroyed by tree-cutting, Mystery was nursed back to health and raised with the help of adult Red-tailed Hawk ambassadors.
Then came Equinox, the awe-inspiring Peregrine Falcon. Once on the brink of extinction due to the devastating effects of DDT and other pesticides, this species is a living testament to the power of conservation efforts. Equinox’s presence was a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much work remains to be done.
And last but certainly not least, there was Ariel, a beautiful Broad-winged Hawk who should have been soaring over the warm skies of Central or South America. A tragic window collision changed her fate, but thanks to Christine’s care, Ariel now serves as a bird ambassador, teaching people about the dangers of reflective glass and how to prevent similar accidents.
Education, Humor and Learning Moments
The program wasn’t just about admiring these incredible birds—it was packed with education, humor, and hands-on learning moments. Christine and her mother, Betsy, shared insights into the everyday challenges birds of prey face and how small changes—like avoiding the use of rodenticide (rat poison), switching to lead-free fishing tackle, and using window clings—can make a huge impact in protecting them.
Christine’s presentations never fail to engage audiences of all ages. With her blend of heartfelt storytelling and conservation wisdom, she keeps kids and parents on the edge of their seats. Whether at Shepaug Dam, schools, live and remote programs, or private events, Christine and Betsy are on a mission to inspire the nature stewards of tomorrow.
Since meeting Christine’s Critters in 2018, we’ve been in step with their mission and are proud to support their efforts. Through our Etsy shop, a portion of our proceeds goes toward sponsoring five of their bird ambassadors, helping provide food and care for these remarkable raptors.
Shepaug Dam’s Grand Send-off
As the eagles soared above, diving and gliding effortlessly on the crisp March air, it felt like a grand send-off—celebrating the wild, the wonderful, and the winged.
Though this eagle-watching season at Shepaug Dam has come to a close, the magic of these birds lingers. If you ever find yourself in Connecticut during the winter months, make sure to reserve a spot for next season’s eagle-watching extravaganza. Witnessing a Bald Eagle in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that reminds us why protecting these magnificent creatures is worth every effort.
If you enjoyed reading this story, we’d be grateful if you could support us by subscribing to our website and following our YouTube channel. We regularly post amazing videos of birds on our channel. We also have an Etsy shop where we offer a variety of handmade gifts inspired by birds and nature. Every purchase you make significantly supports bird and wildlife organizations, like Christine’s Critters, a birds of prey wildlife rehabilitator in Connecticut. Your support makes a real difference.