Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
January 30 - February 7
Our annual EagleFest returns in 2021 with a twist!
Join us for this amazing hybrid festival Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, February 7, as we host a series of engaging virtual presentations and limited in-person programs.
This event, now in its 17th year, showcases the migration of bald eagles to the Hudson River, and was named the “Best Outdoor Winter Event” by Hudson Valley Magazine in 2019!
We look forward to celebrating as the bald eagles descend upon the Hudson River as part of their annual winter migration!
Please email EagleFest@teatown.org for any and all inquiries.
** There will be NO FESTIVAL at Croton Point Park this year **
All events are subject to restrictions or cancellation due to health regulations.
EagleFest Programs
Registration now open! All programs are virtual unless otherwise stated.
Enjoy this program by Christine Peyreigne, the youngest falconer in the state of Connecticut. Christine became a falconer and started hunting with her red-tailed hawk, Theron, when she was just 16 years old.
Teatown’s raptors will steal the show in these cameo appearances by our Animal Ambassadors! Meet and learn about owls, falcons, hawks and vultures as we take a virtual tour around the raptor loop.
Choosing a binocular for birding can be a little confusing! Join Rich Moncrief to learn more about what to look for in a birding binocular, what the characteristics of them are and what may work best for you!
Enjoy this program from Anne Swaim, Executive Director of Saw Mill River Audubon, a local chapter of National Audubon based in Chappaqua.
How do you tell bald eagles from other big birds flying overhead? Over twenty species of raptors may be spotted in our area including two kinds of eagles, ten hawk species, two vulture species, and three species of falcons, not to mention seven kinds of owls! This multimedia program will include some of the best raptor images from local photographers, video clips and more. Learn how to tell the age of a bald eagle. Find out when and where raptors may be seen and how they are doing in the mixed rural and suburban landscapes of the Lower Hudson Valley.
Many birders use a spotting scopes for longer distance observation of nesting or wading birds for example. Discover the fun of using a camera or your smart phone or tablet to take images through a spotting scope. It is fun and easy!
Ornitherapy, or the mindful observation of birds, benefits our mind, body, and soul. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. This can be tiresome; but if we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are self-medicating. Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing.
One of the best shows on earth is right outside your door! Our program shares some basic ideas of how to get kids birding by making it fun and easy and maybe just with a little bit of challenge. The premise is to make it fun and not overwhelm our youngsters. Many of the concepts are valid for new birders as well!
Enjoy this program by Christine Peyreigne, the youngest falconer in the state of Connecticut. Christine became a falconer and started hunting with her red-tailed hawk, Theron, when she was just 16 years old.
Suburban backyards are full of wildlife! Opossums, raptors, snakes and more are frequent and most times unseen visitors. What are their habits and how do we adjust to all of the wildlife that live in our midst? Join Elissa Schilmiester in a compelling program with Animal Ambassadors from Teatown’s collection.
In Person Programs
Bird Walks with Charlie
Friday, February 5 at Croton Point Park
9am – 10am, 10:15am – 11:15am, 11:30am – 12:30pm
The cold weather and open water of Hudson and Croton Rivers bring many birds to Croton Point Park. Eagles Expected! Join Charlie Roberto, birder extraordinaire and local celebrity in searching out wintering birds at the Croton Point Park on Friday, February 5, 2021. Only 3 slots available.
This is 1 hour program by registration only. Pay-What-You-Wish. No walk-ins. 10 people per time slot, masks required, must bring your own binoculars or viewing equipment. Dress for the weather as the program will be held entirely outside. Meeting point: Gazebo at the Croton Point Park. No refunds. In case of inclement weather the program will be rescheduled. Must follow Teatown health protocol. Must complete COVID-19 questionnaire and the temperature will be taken on the date of the program.
EagleFest Photography Competition
Teatown is excited to announce our “Photography Competition and Exhibition” for the upcoming “Teatown Hudson River EagleFest” event, running January 30 – February 7 online and in limited in-person events. Photographers will be encouraged to submit their best photo showing a bird of prey (eagles, owls, falcons, etc.), whether it be perched on a tree, for example, or soaring in mid-flight. Representatives of Teatown and the community will choose the winners, with a live announcement on Friday, February 5 at 1pm on social media. This year’s photography competition and exhibition is in honor and memory of Ed Mertz, a long-time supporter of Teatown, Croton-on-Hudson resident, and well-known bird and nature photographer.
Sponsored by Zeiss Spots Optics.
EagleFest eStore
Fun Eagle Facts!
Eagles live primarily along both U.S. coasts and on major lakes, rivers, and reservoir systems.
Bald eagles are protected by federal laws such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
They usually eat fish, but will also feed on waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion.
Patience is the key to successful spotting. Scan the trees for their iconic white heads, which can look like baseballs.