Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest℠

FAQ’s

Where is EagleFest held?
EagleFest℠ is headquartered at Croton Point Park, in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.  Free parking is available in the park and at lot “A” just outside the park entrance. Additional viewing sites along the Hudson River will be hosted by collaborators and participating organizations will have events at their home sites.

Can I get there using public transportation?
Go Green this year and ride Metro North to the Croton-Harmon station!  Free shuttle buses will operate throughout the day to bring EagleFest℠ goers to and from headquarters from outlying lots, the Metro North Train Station, and the Croton Boat Ramp viewing site.

Is EagleFest free?
A $5 donation/person is suggested to enter EagleFest℠ Headquarters. All the eagle viewing sites are free. Tickets must be purchased for bird shows in the EagleFest Theatre and for bus tours. 

What can I do at Eaglefest Headquarters?
There’s a lot to do!  Take a bird walk, view eagles through spotting scopes, come inside the heated tents filled with educational displays and collaborators’ exhibits to learn about bald eagles and nature in the Hudson Valley.  All shows and presentations in the Eaglet Stage are included and feature Teatown’s birds of prey, Storyteller Jonathan Kruk and programs on flight mechanics and birding optics. For children there are crafts, interactive games, storytelling and more. 

How do I purchase bird show and bus tour tickets?
Tickets for Eagle Theatre shows are $5 per person if purchased in advance. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free.

Bus tour tickets are $25 per person.  Please note that bus tours are for guests ages 12 and over. Buy your tickets early as tours frequently sell-out. For more information call (914) 762-2912 x 110.  

What are the bird shows?
The bird shows are thrilling and informative 30-minute programs on birds of prey. This year Bill Streeter from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center returns to do 3 shows on Close Encounters with Wintering Eagles and Owls. For the first time, Paul Schnell of the Institute for Environmental Learning will present their bald eagle and golden eagle in a program named Exclusively Eagles. James Eyring from Pace Environmental Center will close out EagleFest with his falcons and hawks.

Where do the bus tours go? What do they do?
The bus tours stop at manned viewing sites along the Hudson River.  Each bus has an educator on board to tell the story of the eagle’s flight to recovery, their current conservation status and to answer questions about eagle identification and natural history.  At each stop, spotters with scopes are on hand to help tour goers view eagles and interpret bird behavior. This year, the bus tours will stop at the Croton Boat Ramp, George’s Island in Montrose and Riverfront Green in Peekskill or the New Croton Dam.

Will it be cold?
We hope so!  Eagles are more likely to congregate in the lower Hudson Valley when the temperatures are consistently cold and ice forms on the waterways.  To keep you warm, the tents and theatres are heated.

How should I dress?
Dress for the weather!  EagleFest Headquarters and the Theatre are heated.  For the best chance to see eagles at EagleFest℠ viewing sites you have to get outdoors.  Wear warm clothes, dress in layers and wear appropriate footgear.

Are dogs allowed?
Please leave your dog at home.  Dogs should not be brought to viewing sites as they may bark and scare birds away.

Will food be available?
Sandwiches, soups, warm drinks and other goodies will be available to purchase.  Hot chocolate is available in each warming tent at the viewing sites.

Where can I get an EagleFest℠ map?
EagleFest℠ maps are available in advance at Teatown Lake Reservation, and on the day of the event at Croton Point Park and participating viewing sites.

What if it snows?
In case of a significant snow storm or other severe weather EagleFest℠ will be held on Sunday, February 5.  Last minute updates will be posted on Teatown’s website www.teatown.org, WHUD, WFAS, and Cablevision News 12, or call Teatown at 914-762-2912 x110 for more information.