Brighton Dam Detailed Information

Brighton Dam, straddling the border between Howard County on the east and Montgomery County on the west, forms the southern boundary of Triadelphia Reservoir. It is one of the area’s premier birding locations for much of  the year.

Highlights: Good views of sky and water combine to make this an attractive location for many bird species. adjacent to the dam on the Montgomery County side is the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden open for a few weeks each spring. A picnic area along the Patuxent River offers access to other habitats.

Handicapped Access: The parking lot is paved and the sidewalk along the dam is accessible. Because of the height of the cement barriers, sidewalk viewing from a wheelchair is problematical

Habitat: Mostly deciduous woods surround the southern end of the reservoir. Precipitation, water usage, and dam maintenance affect the water level—and the potential birds. During periods of low water, a spit emerges from the Howard side. Buoys in the water also provide perches for some species.

Layout: Brighton Dam Road runs across the top of the dam. There is a sidewalk along the north side only. (It is not cleared, so in case of prolonged snow or ice it may be nearly impassible or treacherous.) From this vantage point, one looks out on an expanse of water constituting the southern end of the reservoir. In the distance, a small section of the main reservoir can be seen. The south side of the road contains only a curb from which the  Patuxent River can be viewed. Because this is a busy commuter route, extreme caution should be exercised on  either side of the road. Parking is on the Montgomery County side of the dam. Boating and fishing passes as well as maps may be obtained at the visotor’s center. Everyone needs a pass. They are expected to observe all No Trespassing signs as only limited areas are open to the public. Between the parking lot and the river is a picnic  area accessible during hours and seasons when the reservoir is open to the public.

Birding: The dam draws birders looking for ducks, geese, herons, grebes, loons, cormorants, gulls, terns, eagles, and Cliff Swallows. Besides these species, there is the potential for almost any waterbird possible in the Piedmont. Western Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated Loon, Sandhill Crane, Golden Eagle, and Common Raven were  among the excellent recent finds. Although a scope is not a necessity, it is helpful as the distance to the  Greenbridge boat ramp (visible in Montgomery County as a reference point) is deceptively distant. The sidewalk is  wide enough to accommodate a tripod, but do not step off the curb without checking for traffic. Cliff Swallows nest on the dam. When they are present, they often offer a top-down view. From about mid-December into January, there may be a buildup of Common Mergansers. If there is no ice cover, hundreds can be seen  streaming into a cove out of sight to the west (left) by mid-afternoon and out again in the morning. Be sure to walk the length of the dam to look as far left as possible. Wintering Bald Eagles sometimes congregate here. Although numbers never approach those at some of the best state locations, as many as 27 have been observed at one time. Great Horned Owls can occasionally be heard just before dawn.