Arts & Entertainment

Flights of Fancy: Eagles Arrive in the Connecticut River Valley

This weekend kicks off the Eagles of Essex exhibit at the Connecticut River Museum and EagleWatch 2012.

 

Wintering eagles land in Connecticut on a yearly basis from December through March in search of open waters in which to feed. Nearly 100 eagles, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, migrate south to the state when the waters in Maine and Canada become too frozen to find food. The number of eagles fluctuates and is dependent upon the harshness of Connecticut’s winter. If the waters in this state are too frozen, the eagles will continue their trek southward.

This time of year, many of these spectacular birds can be seen along the Connecticut River where they prefer to settle in the brackish river estuary around the towns of Chester and Essex. 

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To spy America’s honored national emblem, head to Essex for these eagle-related events:

Friday, Feb. 3- Sunday, March 11

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

EagleWatch 2012

Get an up-close view and learn the fascinating story of the majestic bald eagle on a 1.5-hour tour aboard Project Oceanology's 65' Enviro-lab III with heated cabin and ample deck area. The event includes:

  • Admission to Museum and Eagles of Essex exhibit 
  • Binoculars and free coffee         
  • Naturalist and educators as guides 
  • Hands-on participation in water quality study   

EagleWatch 2012 takes place every Friday from Feb. 3 – March 9 at 1 p.m. and every Saturday & Sunday through March 11 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and children under the age of 6 are not allowed on board. Call ahead for reservations at 860-767-8269.

Saturday, Feb. 4 

Opening Day of Eagles of Essex Exhibit, CT River Museum

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Drop-in arts and crafts, eagle nest building, bird watching with binoculars and additional activities in the exhibit gallery. Activities are free with paid admission to the museum. Museum members are admitted free. The exhibit will run until March.

The Eagles of Essex answeres the questions of why so many bald eagles winter here and how they went from near-extinction to becoming one of the greatest environmental come-back stories in history. Amateur photographers are invited to submit their digital shots of eagles or other river raptors for inclusion in the exhibit.   

The CT River Museum is located at 67 Main Street in Essex.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Bird Photography Tips, CT River Museum

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn the basic do's and don'ts to photographing birds from international nature photographer Stanley Kolber in this one-hour workshop. The event is free with paid museum admission. Museum members are free.  

Sunday, Feb. 19

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Birds of Prey Show, Essex Town Hall

Meet live birds of prey and learn their individual stories of survival. Presented by Horizon Wings and co-sponsored by the Essex Garden Club and Potapaug Audubon Society. Limited seating capacity - first come, first seated.

For additional information on eagles in Connecticut, visit the DEEP website.


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