Fly Like an Eagle to Westchester This Winter

Soon, the sky above Westchester County in New York will feature a magnificent sight: the migration of the bald eagle. This winter tradition peaks in January and February when the birds move south from northern states and Canada to find open waters and build nests. The waterways of the lower Hudson River along Westchester County are a popular choice for these enduring symbols of our country during the magical winter season.

According to New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation, stretches of the Hudson Valley increasingly popular with bald eagles include Riverfront Green Park and Charles Point/China Pier in Peekskill, the Cortlandt Waterfront Park, and George’s Island Park in Montrose. Metro-North and Amtrak riders might also snag a sighting from the river side seat of trains between Croton-on-Hudson and Albany.

Take the train to scenic shorelines.

Just a quick 50-minute ride from Grand Central Terminal, take Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line to the Croton Harmon Train Station. Venture over to Croton Point Park for eagle watching. Winter is uniquely beautiful on the water and walking the Hudson riverfront offers a chance to spot bald eagles overhead (pro tip - look for birds that hold their wings straight across). Or, scan the tree lines around the water to spot the iconic white head of a mature eagle (it will look about the size of a snowball).  

Soar to Teatown's Hudson River Eaglefest.

Celebrating its 22nd annual program, Teatown's Hudson River EagleFest is an all-day celebration at Croton Point Park. Held Saturday, February 14, the event includes thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks to view eagles through spotting scopes, heated tents filled with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for children, food trucks and more. Arrive to EagleFest in style aboard the Metro-North Railroad Eagle Train departing at 9:25 a.m. from Grand Central Terminal and 8:58 a.m. from Poughkeepsie. Each departure features a dedicated train car with a guest naturalist aboard. 

Visit the historic Croton Dam.

Croton Gorge Park is a 97-acre escape that features the Croton Dam, one of the largest hand-hewn structures in the world. If weather conditions allow, the area is a popular sledding and cross-country skiing spot in wintertime.

Fuel for your winter wanderings. 

Find something warm to drink to accompany your winter walk by swinging into The Black Cow Coffee Company. For lunch or dinner, try Croton Tapsmith, a well-loved Hudson Valley craft beer and wine tavern. In addition to regional brews—crafted no more than 3 hours from the taproom—the pizzas are a must-try. Satisfy a sweet tooth at Baked By Susan, considered one of the best local bakeries in Westchester. See their expert bakers use mostly vintage bakery equipment from the glass-fronted store and sample their made-from-scratch cakes, cupcakes, muffins, scones, brownies and more.

Eagle eyed shopping. 

Local resident experts in backyard birding are behind the wonderful Feed The Birds! store, where you’ll find everything you need to make your backyard a home to all the  birds in your own neighborhood. You can outfit your home with antiques and collectibles, including decorative arts and signs at Croton Antiques and Art. 

Make it an overnight stay. 

Make a night of it at a selection of regional Westchester County hotels, including The Opus, Westchester (just a short walk from White Plains Train Station), Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Peekskill Metro-North Train Station is conveniently nearby), Hotel MTK (take Metro North to Mount Kisco) and Courtyard by Marriott - Rye (also a community serviced by Metro North).