Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are birds that hunt for their food. Hawks, eagles, ospreys, falcons and owls make up this group of birds with great vision and sharp talons for catching hold of their meals. Learn more about these majestic predators at Birds of Prey Weekend on February 1 and 2 at Rocky River Nature Center in Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. Birds of Prey Weekend features free hikes and demonstrations, including:
Saturday, February 1:
11 a.m. to noon � Ice Carving Demonstration
See master ice carver Dave Zajac turn blocks of ice into beautiful birds of prey.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. � The Ancient Art of Falconry
Falconry involves using different birds of prey to hunt for small game. Join licensed falconers Don Jessie and Al Harris to meet their birds and learn about this ancient sport.
2 - 3 p.m. � Live Hawks, Owls and Falcons
Join a wildlife specialist from Lake Erie Nature & Science Center for an up-close look at Northeast Ohio's birds of prey. Learn about local hawks, owls and falcons.
3 - 4 p.m. � Raptor Rehabilitation Stories
Enjoy raptor rehabilitation stories from Lake Erie Nature & Science Center staff. Learn how and why raptors are cared for in a rehabilitation setting.
Sunday, February 2:
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. � Bird or Bust: East 72nd Waterbirds
Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield for a morning waterbird class at the warm water outlet at East 72nd Street. The ice-free water is a good location for seeking gulls and waterfowl. Then look for northern saw-whet owls in nearby Gordon Park. The group will meet at the Lakefront Administration Building at East 72nd Street in Gordon Park. This program is for kids ages 13 years and older and adults.
9:30 a.m. to noon � Bird Banding at Rocky River Nature Center
See the intricate details of birds through bird banding, an essential tool for collecting information about our feathered friends. Catch, band and release a few birds found around the feeder.
11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. � Naturepiece Theatre: Birds of Prey
Join Naturalist Mindy Murdock and the Naturepiece Theatre puppets as they discover the world of birds of prey. Have a �hooting� good time exploring owls, hawks and eagles with a puppet show and activities.
1 - 2:30 p.m. � Birds of Prey 101
Did you know that most people have raptors living in their neighborhoods? Come learn a little about your avian neighbors with Laura Jordan of the Medina Raptor Center and see some live birds of Ohio.
3 - 4:30 p.m. � Raptor Rehabilitation
When you get sick you can go to the doctor, but where do wild animals go? The Medina Raptor Center has been rehabilitating wild animals for more than 20 years. Laura Jordan will share some of her favorite stories and tell you what you can do to help sick and injured wildlife.
Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Take flight this February in Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com
ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com
