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Eaglefest

The bald eagle is the U.S. national emblem, in part, because of its long life, great strength and majestic appearance. Yet few citizens can say they have actually seen a bald eagle up close. Good news! At EagleFest 2017 you can introduce your children to bald eagles and other wild birds of prey.

This annual event created by Teatown Reservation, a leading regional environmental education center and nature preserve, is held on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave. in Croton-on-Hudson.

Families can see eagles and other spectacular birds of prey up close in the Eagle Theater as Bill Streeter of Delaware Valley Raptor Center and Brian Bradley of Skyhunters in Flight, return with their magnificent birds. Andrew Simmons, a lecturer and entertainer who has appeared with his golden eagle and other wildlife on Good Morning America, the Today Show and is a regular visitor at the American Museum of Natural History, also joins the celebration.

There are also opportunities to view eagles in their nearby natural habitats through bus tours along the Hudson River to various viewing sites where eagle experts will be stationed with spotting scopes.

This year see the Sony Pictures documentary The Eagle Huntress, which tells the story of a young Mongolian girl who is the first female eagle hunter in the 1,000-year history of her tribe. The acclaimed film is suitable for all ages and is shown at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Wilcox Hall on the Pace University Pleasantville campus.

The festival also includes live music, including a performance by Tom Chapin, children’s activities and food trucks. Tickets, $22 adults (ages 12 and up), $12 children (ages 6-11) and free for ages 5 and under, are available at teatown.org/events/eaglefest/.

– Jean Sheff