Eaglets in Codorus Creek nest

Just north of route 30--  Before the foliage hides the bald eagle's nest entirely, you might want to get a peak at the two eaglets in the nest on east side of the Codorus Creek near The Hop. Be sure to take along binoculars or even better, a spotting scope. Check nearby trees and structures, because one of the adults is out searching for food and may take a rest, even on light poles and fences.  The best chance to get a good photo might be now, since the nest is so far away. A 500mm lens will do just fine as they rest, but to shoot the nest, the eagles will show up as a 'wildlife dot' even with a 500mm lens.


I only saw two eaglets-- maybe there are more-- and this is the only photo with both in the picture without foliage blocking the view. To see the nest, park in San Carlo's and The Hop parking lot and walk north on the dike, behind the water treatment plant. You'll see the nest on the opposite side of the creek in a sycamore tree. The Hop is a good place for dinner, once your birding is completed.

To see more nests in York County, check Codorus State Park, McFalls Ferry Road in Lower Chanceford Township and Lake Williams in Kain County Park. There are more, but are built on private land and not accessible without permission. Lancaster County has the second highest number of eagle nests in Pennsylvania-- many are in the Susquehanna River, bordering York County.

To see dozens of eagles, much closer than these and easier to photograph, drive to Maryland's Conowingo Dam.