Eaglefest 2017 Expands

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY– Teatown’s Annual EagleFest, a signature Hudson Valley winter event, will take flight with an expanded program at Croton Point Park on Feb. 11.

Created by Teatown Lake Reservation, a leading regional environmental education center and nature preserve, EagleFest gives visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to view these magnificent birds both up close and in their natural environment. This year’s event features spectacular eagle viewing along the Hudson River and educational and informative bird shows, showcasing eagles and other raptors, plus new programs and features such as live musical performances and an inspiring, award-winning documentary film.

“Each winter, bald eagles from Canada, northern New York and New England migrate to the lower Hudson Valley to feed in unfrozen waters. EagleFest embraces the revival of this once endangered species with a one-of-a-kind celebration of wildlife, education and fun,’’ says Teatown Executive Director Kevin Carter. “Each year we seek to enhance the visitor experience by adding new programs and expanding the past favorites. EagleFest 2017 will bring this special event to a new level.”

The newest feature of the festival will be the screening of the critically-acclaimed Sony Pictures documentary “The Eagle Huntress.”

Available to all EagleFest general admission ticket holders, the film is being shown in cooperation with Pace University’s Environmental program. It tells the story of a young Mongolian girl who is the first female eagle hunter in the 1,000-year history of her tribe. The film is suitable for all ages and will be shown at 1:30 and 3:30 pm at Wilcox Hall on Pace University’s Pleasantville campus.

While most of the festival takes place at Croton Point Park, there are also opportunities to view eagles in their nearby natural habitats. Teatown educators will lead bus tours along the Hudson River to various viewing sites where eagle experts will be stationed with spotting scopes. The two-hour tours leave from the Westchester County park at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Seats are on a first come, first-served basis, for an additional fee.

A highlight of EagleFest is the opportunity to see eagles and other spectacular birds of prey up close in the Eagle Theater.

Perennial favorites, Bill Streeter of Delaware Valley Raptor Center and Brian Bradley of Skyhunters in Flight, return with their magnificent birds. Joining this year’s event is Andrew Simmons, a celebrated lecturer and entertainer, who has appeared with his golden eagle and other wildlife on Good Morning America, Today, and is a regular visitor at the American Museum of Natural History. These knowledgeable and entertaining presenters provide insight and understanding into the life and realm of these truly special species. Visitors can also attend a variety of workshops and presentations geared to all ages.

Throughout the day in addition to bird of prey shows, there will be live music, including a performance by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin. These shows and children’s activities are all held in heated tents – a festive atmosphere on a winter’s day! A variety of food trucks to suit everyone’s tastes will be on-site throughout the festival.

Attendees coming from Manhattan or Poughkeepsie can take Metro-North trains to Croton-Harmon Train Station. Special EagleTrain cars will depart from Grand Central at 9:47 am and 9:50 am from Poughkeepsie. During the trip, on-board naturalists will point out various Hudson Valley birds to riders. Free shuttle buses will bring attendees to/from the Croton-Harmon Train Station to Croton Point Park. To participate in this event, guests must purchase a regular train ticket from Metro-North.

Pre-event tickets are discounted and on sale now. Pre-sale tickets are $17/adults (12+), $10/children (6-11) and free for children 5 and under. Tickets sold at the venue on the day of the event are $22/adults (12+), $12/children (6-11) and free for children 5 and under.

In the event of severe weather, the alternate date for EagleFest will be Feb. 12.

The annual Teatown Hudson River EagleFest is sponsored by Con Edison, Club Fit, Westchester County Tourism, Phelps Hospital Northwell Health, WHUD, Westchester Parks Foundation, Westchester County Parks and Pace University. For details visit: www.teatown.org.