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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Birds of Prey Day at Green Chimneys: Visitors will have a chance to get “up-close and personal” with eagles, hawks, owls and falcons.

Mongolian Eagle Hunter Lauren McGough

Few schools are home to more than 200 animals, but the Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center is a pivotal component in the education and therapeutic treatment for the children who attend Green Chimneys School. The children benefit from their unique access to domesticated farm animals and wildlife, and so does the local community, which gets to celebrate traditions like the annual Birds of Prey Day, set this year for June 2.

Launched more than 25 years ago as a fundraiser to build Green Chimneys’ first aviary, Birds of Prey Day has grown into a full-day educational program and celebration of birds of prey and the environment, hosting thousands of visitors. More than 100 birds will be on display at this year’s event, with falconers from across New York and Connecticut.

Visitors will have a chance to get “up-close and personal” with eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, and learn from top wildlife and environmental experts such as Mongolian eagle hunter Lauren McGough, who will share her experiences as a falconer, rehabber and anthropologist; Jim Fowler of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom; Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project; Brian Bradley of Skyhunters in Flight; James Eyring of Pace Environmental Center; and representatives from the New York State Falconry Association.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. High points will include free-flying raptors, live animal demonstrations and the release of a rehabilitated bird.

Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, $35 for families. Free for military with ID and scouts in uniform. Location: Green Chimneys, 400 Doansburg Rd., Brewster, NY. For more info, visit GreenChimneys.org.