Connecticut River Museum hosts eagle events this winter

The Connecticut River Museum in Essex will offer a series of programs and activities this winter related to birds that winter on the lower Connecticut River.

The museum will again partner with Connecticut River Expeditions to offer Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises in February and March. These trips offer visitors a chance to get out on the river to see eagles, as well as other winter species that visit the estuary, such as harbor seals. The cruises depart Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at various times in the morning and early afternoon, and are $42 per passenger, 10% less for museum members.

In addition, the museum will offer its annual “Eagles of Essex” exhibit, which offers a wealth of information about bald eagles and their return to the lower Connecticut River. On the opening day of the season, Feb. 3, the exhibit will host family activities related to the return of the eagles from 1 to 4 p.m., free with museum admission.

On Feb. 17 and March 17, photographer Stanley Kolber returns to the museum to offer his annual bird photography workshop, free with museum admission.

A live birds of prey show will be offered at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18, with Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation Organization featuring a bald eagle and several other species of raptors. It will be held at the Centerbrook Meeting House and is free to the public.

For a full listing of event details, visit www.ctrivermuseum.org or call (860) 767-8269. The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main St., Essex, and is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays.

Museum admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $7 students, $6 ages 6-12, free for kids under 6, $8 for military and immediate family, and free for museum members.