Don't Miss Week-Long, Virtual EagleFest

OSSINING, NY — There will be a lot to do during Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest, the wildly popular annual festival celebrating wildlife, especially the bald eagle’s winter migration to the Hudson River. But this year it'll be virtual.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, EagleFest will kick off its 17th season Jan. 30 for a week of exciting virtual and limited in-person programming for children, families and birding enthusiasts.

"While COVID is preventing the festival at Croton Point Park this year, we have extended EagleFest to include an entire week of really exciting hybrid programming we hope will inspire families and bird enthusiasts until we can return to Croton Point Park next year," said Kevin Carter, Teatown's executive director.

New this year will be a presentation on the healing nature of bird watching by Holly Merker, a cancer survivor who credits ornitherapy as a tool in her recovery.

Featured will be Connecticut falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Christine Peyreigne of Cristine’s
Critters; Anne Swaim, executive director of Saw Mill River Audubon, and programs by Zeiss Sports Optics, as well as Teatown’s own animal ambassadors.

Adding some reality to the virtual world will be a new map of viewing sites and virtual visits to select locations developed in collaboration with virtual reality companyA&R360.

Teatown is also planning to host limited in-person family-fun activities including the “Golden Feather” treasure hunt with swag bags as prizes.

Bird photographers don't miss entering a new photography contest sponsored by Zeiss Sports Optics in memory of the long-time Teatown supporter Ed Mertz. Visit the website for contest rules and instructions. Entry is free.

"Last year’s Eaglefest had the highest attendance ever so we know that there is great enthusiasm for the bald eagle and wildlife conservation programming that Teatown provides to families throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond," Carter said.

Teatown is planning some additional fundraising activities. A percentage of the sales of Blonde and Marzen beers at Soul Brewing in Pleasantville during Eaglefest (Jan. 30-Feb. 7) will go to support Teatown. Also, Teatown will sell Eagle Bundles gift sets on its e-Store starting Jan. 18,
including a special Eaglet bundle with unique learning activities for children created by the Teatown educators.

Events will be 30-minute programs with 15-minute Q&A.

Visit the website for a complete schedule of programs.