CENTERPORT, NY | November 7, 2026
Bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls took center stage at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum on Saturday, November 7, as the Bald Eagles of Centerport hosted its annual Raptor Day, bringing families, wildlife enthusiasts, and local organizations together for a day of education, conservation, and fundraising.
Held under the museum’s Celebration Tent overlooking Northport Harbor, the event featured rescued birds of prey, live falconry demonstrations, Native American dancing and music, an art exhibit and auction, local vendors, raffles, and children’s activities.
From Facebook Group to Community Fundraising
Rob Schwartz founded the Bald Eagles of Centerport, NY Facebook group in 2017 after discovering a pair of bald eagles nesting near his home. His wife, Liz Schwartz, became involved in photographing the eagles and helping organize the group’s activities. What began as a way to share photographs and observations grew into a thriving community of passionate wildlife photographers capturing the eagles in their natural habitat, while also supporting conservation, wildlife rescue, and fundraising efforts.
The group has since raised money through wildlife photography calendars, merchandise, and Raptor Day to support Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation (WINORR), a Long Island nonprofit that cares for injured and distressed wildlife.
“So whereas organizations close Friday at 5:00, they’re open 24/7. We’ve called on them. Our members have called them in the past,” Schwartz told Huntington Matters.
Proceeds from Raptor Day also benefit the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and the Bald Eagles of Centerport Scholarship Fund.
A Day With Birds of Prey
Visitors met rescued raptors and learned about their care and conservation. Among the participants was Tania Scaduto of The Kindred Falconer, a licensed falconer and wildlife educator. Local animal rescue organizations, therapy dogs, artists, and businesses also participated in the event.
“This is about family, kids, the environment. There’s nothing like this anywhere. We wanted to bring the community together. This is all about our love for Long Island’s environment,” Schwartz said.
Centerport’s Eagles and a New Scholarship
Centerport’s bald eagle family welcomed two eaglets in 2026, bringing the total number of eaglets reported by Schwartz to 21 since the birds began nesting in the area.
This year’s Raptor Day also introduced a scholarship initiative for two graduating local high school students pursuing environmental studies.
“It’s a few thousand dollars we’re giving out to each student as a scholarship so that they’ll continue the love of the environment,” Schwartz explained.
Photography by June Margolin and Diane Schaber. Videography and Editing by June Margolin.
