Yes, I know – everyone is gearing up for the Superbowl. But there are many who would like to share in outdoor activities this weekend.
For the past 8 years the Hudson Valley has celebrated the renewed presence and vibrancy of our national bird in the Hudson Valley. Many are too young to remember, but in the 1970s the American bald eagle was an endangered species. Now they are thriving and I have witnessed their presence on more than a couple of occasions. The photo at the right is one I took at Kingsland Point Park about a year ago. Apparently, the majestic soul in the portrait was watchful but not fearful of me or my telephoto lens….But the photo shows that my presence did not pass unnoticed…he was well aware of me and watching my every move – with his eagle eye!
This post is more than a bit tardy – and for that I apologize. The bus tour is sold out. However, there are still ways to participate and learn more about some of our most majestic birds of prey.
The event is hosted by the Teatown Reservation but the epicenter is at Croton Point Park – There are many ways to participate:
Eagle Theater Schedule:
- 10 AM, 11AM & 12 PM - Close Encounters with Wintering Eagles and Owls
- 1 PM, 2 PM – Exclusively Eagles
- 3PM – Flight of the Raptors
Advance Ticket sales are $5.00/person and $10/person when purchased at the door.
Eaglet Stage Schedule:
These shows are free of charge!
- 9 AM – Eagle Identification Tips
- 10:30 AM & 2:15 PM – Jonathan Kruk – Master story teller
- 12 PM – Teatown Birds of Prey Program
- 12:45 – Physics of Flight – Beyond Feathers
- 1:30 – Birding Optics
Additional eagle viewing sites along the Hudson River…
Each area is staffed by eagle experts with spotting scopes.
- Croton Boat Ramp at Croton-Harmon Train Station
- George’s Island Park – Montrose
- Riverfront Green Park – Peekskill
- Kathryn W. Davis Riverwalk Center – Sleepy Hollow
- New Croton Dam – Cortlandt
- Bear Mountain State Park Trailside Museums & Zoo.
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Hi Ruthmarie, I sure wish I could be that close again to the Eagle. I have a small collection of porcelains of this bird. They have always been a facination to me.
Ruthmarie~~ I have lived here in the Hudson Valley since .. well a long time.. and i did not know this. Unfortunately I will be away for this. I will reblog as I'm sure there are people up my way that would be interested. Keep me posted of anything else like this in the future! I would love to know about these events!!
What a great sounding event. And I love your photo... incredible detail. You've protrayed such a sense of power and dignity. I join you in being thankful eagles are rebounding, as they deserve to.
Gretchen
Congrats on the feature! How wonderful that our national bird is off the endangered species list. These sound like wonderful family events. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
Hey Ruthmarie. Congrats on the local feature. Eagles are so regal. They are really incredible.
Ruthmarie, sure glad Benjamin Franklin didn't get his way when our nation's leaders chose the Eagle as the national bird. We have a park in our area where Eagles nest. Nice Post!
Hi William - They are definitely out in force around here. We also have a lot of red-tailed hawks. Beautiful animals.
Hi Janis - Thanks so much for the reblog- I'm sorry you are missing this. It happens every year in early February..so mark your calendar for 2013!
Hi Gretchen - I was just lucky to get the shot. I had a 250mm telephoto lens. But it was about 15 degrees with a high wind - and I didn't have my tripod with me. The zoom lens magnifies any movement. So I got off about 14 shots, but this was the one that turned out because it was so windy - the rest did not. Fortunately that magnificent soul was very patient with me. He appeared to know that I meant no harm and almost seemed to be posing for me...
Hi Laurie - The comeback has been wonderful. It shows that we can do something positive for our environment when we put our minds to it!
Hi Debbie, I love looking at them fly!!! They have such a wingspan. Amazing. I keep forgetting how large they are until I see another one. They are also very intelligent.
Hi Michael - Yes, I think he wanted it to be the Turkey....No one thinks of an eagle for their Thanksgiving dinner. That was a bad idea. No disrespect to Franklin...
I have never heard of this before either. I have wanted to get closer to see eagles in their nests as well. Over by me I don't get to see them at all. I saw my first one in the last two months. Congrats on the feature!