By Kirsten Philippides
Croton Point Park
https://www.teatown.org/events/eaglefest/
Attending the Eaglefest, which takes place early February every year, has by now become a traditional event much looked forward to in our family.
If you do not have a car, it is quite easy to get there by The Hudson Line train from Grand Central Station. The ticket to Croton Harmon costs about $20 per adult and $15 per senior roundtrip. When you arrive in Croton Harmon, wait for a yellow shuttle bus which will take you gratis back and forth to the site near the river. The entrance costs $25 per person, no discounts for seniors.
This eagle was injured by a hunter and now lives at Lowry Zoo in Tampa.
Photo by Nathan Lemon. unsplash.com
This Eaglefest is one of the few places where one can observe these amazing raptors up close. The animals are all chosen because they were rescued and brought back to life from a certain death and due to injuries are no longer capable of taking care of themselves.
In these days with the environment being threatened it is important to support this excellent organization which has contributed much to celebrate the return of the bald eagles to this majestic river.
There are bald eagles, hawks, peregrine falcons and four different varieties of owls, and the bird trainers do their best to regale the audience with surprising stories about these birds of prey, or raptors, as they are also called. Did you know for example that bald eagles nest for life?
At this time of year, outside in the treetops the majestic birds sit patiently on their eggs, painstakingly taking turns to sit on the eggs, or supply food to the spouse when the eggs have hatched.
Surprising facts emerge: did you know that peregrine falcons fly at a speed of over 200 mph? They will fly high up in the air and when they spot an animal, they zoom down at a furious speed to take the prey. Another fact is that adult birds will eat 2 ½ oz. of meat per day. Another fact is that owls have amazing eyesight and hearing, and can turn their heads 260 degrees.
Bird walks take place throughout the day, and the majestic Hudson river is nearby for us to see, reminding us that we must all be stewards of nature, of its wild animals, large and small.
A day well-spent and good for the body and soul, and don’t forget your cell phone or camera to take plenty of photos.
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Kirsten Vibe Philippides is a reporter and NYC editor for the Danish Pioneer newspaper. She enjoys writing about her frequent travels, which include her wildlife watching experences.