Watch hawks migrate at Westchester events

Monday September 10, 2012 3:00 PM By Kristin Taveira

Photo credit: Handout | A red-tailed hawk soars in the sky.

Hundreds of Hudson Valley hawks will make their annual pilgrimage to warmer climes this weekend, and there are plenty of family-friendly ways to bid the birds bon voyage. A breakfast at Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch, a guided, kid-friendly hike and an organized watch on a lawn are three great ways to get a front-row seat for the exciting sight of hawks in flight.

Saturday: Watch the birds at Teatown Lake Reservation

Families are invited to gather on the lawn at the Kathryn W. Davis River Walk Center for a view of the hawks making their yearly trip along the Hudson River Flyway. And kids can get an up-close look at one of the majestic birds of prey: Educator Erin Baker will be on hand with one of Teatown Lake Reservation’s resident hawks at this free event. Advance registration is recommended.

When: 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 15

Info: Kathryn W. Davis River Walk Center, Kingsland Point Park, 266 Palmer Ave., Sleepy Hollow; 914-762-2912 x110; www.teatown.org; free

Saturday: Take a hike at Cranberry Lake Preserve

Pack a snack, put on your walking shoes and meet naturalist Jason Klein at Cranberry Lake Preserve for a guided, kid-friendly hike along scenic, woodland trails to Cranberry Lake Quarry. There, you’ll have a prime view of the feathered friends in flight over lower Westchester.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15

Info: Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard Street at Route 22, North White Plains; 914-428-1005; parks.westchestergov.com/cranberry-lake; free

Sunday: Hawk-watching breakfast at Westmoreland Sanctuary

Rise and shine for Westmoreland Sanctuary’s early-morning “Breakfast with the Birds – For Families.” Meet at the Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch, where the birds will be observed and counted with co-sponsor Bedford Audubon's hawk counter. Bring binoculars and a mug: Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided as you take in the vista. Reserve spots by Sept. 15 for this free program. Can’t be there? Don’t despair -- future family hawk watches are being planned throughout the fall.

When: 8 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 16 (also 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 27 and 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14)

Info: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch, Arthur Butler Memorial Sanctuary, across from Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mount Kisco; 914-666-8448; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org; free
 

Tags: Mount Kisco , Sleepy Hollow , White Plains , parks , events , kids