On a Wing

On a Wing Family Festival

Saturday, Apr 05, 2008
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Bring your whole family to this afternoon of fun at Belvedere Castle as we celebrate our winged friends in Central Park. Highlights include original bird puppet theater shows and bird puppet craft activities for all ages. Featured presentations include Eagle Dancing, “Birds: An Illustrator’s View” by artist Anne Yen, and “Raptor Inspiration: A Flight that Transcends Culture and Time” by Ranger Rob Mastrianni.

Schedule of Events:

12:00 p.m.: Eagle Dancing on the Belvedere Castle Plaza

Ranger Rob Mastrianni sounds as beautiful as a bird’s song when he plays nature-inspired music to the rhythm of a traditional Native American eagle dance in this live performance. Learn about the unique instruments he plays and the feathery muses behind his art in this special performance.

1:00 p.m.: “Birds: An Illustrator’s View” in the Belvedere Castle Discovery Room

Explore the world of nature through the eyes of an artist. In this presentation, Anne Yen shares her original illustrations of wildlife and discusses how creating art fosters and renews our fascination with nature. As an urban naturalist, a former Urban Park Ranger, and a life-long artist, Anne’s artwork is inspired by observations in the field and enhanced by a love for nature cultivated from childhood.

2:00 p.m.: “Raptor Inspiration: A Flight that Transcends Culture and Time” in the Belvedere Castle Discovery Room

Rob Mastrianni is an Urban Park Ranger, science educator, falconer, amateur photographer, and an accomplished musician, all wrapped into one. His deep passion for each of these pursuits shines in Rob’s captivating presentation about the history of birds of prey in music and art.

FREE. ALL AGES. No reservation required. For more information, please call 
(212) 628-2345. 

This program is part of the On a Wing series, which is co-presented by the Central Park Conservancy and Urban Park Rangers. On a Wing celebrates birds in Central Park through special lectures and family events at Belvedere Castle. Other events in the series include 50 Birds in 50 Days on March 29 and Central Park Naturally: The Photos and Writings of Charles Kennedy on Sunday, April 13.