Long, sharp talons. Hooked beaks that slice and tear. Highly developed eyesight and hearing. We’re talking raptors, the hunters of the avian world. Birds of prey with keen adaptations that provide speed and accuracy for the hunt.  And they’re descending on the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center for Raptor Weekend, September 13 and 14, 2008.

Wildlife rehabilitators and experts from across the Northeast will be showcasing a wide variety of these extraordinary birds prey at the largest raptor celebration in New England.  Eagles, falcons, owls, vultures, and hawks will be featured in live flight demonstrations and educational programs for bird enthusiasts of all ages.

On Saturday, September 13, join master falconer Laurie Schumacher from Hamilton, New York, for Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Gyr Falcons, European Eagle Owls and American Kestrels are just a few of the raptors featured. Breath-taking free flight demonstrations highlight this program focusing on falconry, raptor biology, and conservation. Also on Saturday, Hope Douglas, director of Wind Over Wings wildlife rehabilitation center in Connecticut, presents a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, and other majestic birds in an inspiring presentation on raptor conservation.

Arriving on Sunday, September 14, are Julie Collier and Jim Parks of Wingmasters , licensed raptor rehabilitators who provide a up-close, educational experience with a Golden Eagle and many owls native to the Northeast. Also on Sunday look for the Raptors! Rulers of the Wind presentation at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., featuring a Barn Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon and other birds of prey.

Both days feature the raptor presentation Hunting with Hawks: The Sport of Falconry by Al Jordan, falconer and master bird carver from Rochester, New York, as well as with numerous programs showcasing live birds of prey by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

The ever-popular Binoculars 101, providing guidance on choosing and using binoculars, will be available both Saturday and Sunday.  Programs throughout the weekend include entertaining and educational activities for families. Included with admission is access to the award-winning Audubon Environmental Education Center and entrance to the Center's 28-acre wildlife refuge, including the recently re-opened boardwalk to Narragansett Bay.  Food and refreshments will be available.

The event is sponsored by ABC6 , 93.3 Coast FM , Cox Communications , East Bay Newspapers . Admission is $12 adult and $6 children 4-12, with member discounts available.  For more information call (401) 245-7500 or visit www.asri.org.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 13
 
10:00 am:     Flight Program: Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience
11:00 am:     Raptor Presentation by Wind over Wings
12:00 pm:     Hunting with Hawks: The Sport of Falconry by Al Jordan
12:30 pm:     Binoculars 101: Proper use binoculars and choosing the right one for you.
1:00 pm:       Flight Program: Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience
2:00 pm:       Raptor Presentation by Wind over Wings
3:00 pm:       Hawk Identification Workshop by Michael Tucker (Audubon Society)
3:30 pm:       Audubon Society of Rhode Island Raptor Presentation
 
Sunday, September 14
 
10:00 am:     Raptors! Rulers of the Wind
11:00 am:      Birds of Prey Presentation by Wingmasters
12:00 pm:     Hunting with Hawks: The Sport of Falconry by Al Jordan
12:30 pm:     Raptor Communication Workshop by Tracey Hall (Audubon Society) 
1:00 pm:       Raptors! Rulers of the Wind
2:00 pm:       Birds of Prey Presentation by Wingmasters
3:15 pm:       Audubon Society of Rhode Island Raptor Presentation
4:00 pm:       Raffle
 
On-going Activities throughout the Weekend

Learning stations and activities:
     Raptor Action
     Raptor Scavenger Hunt
     Build a Bird
     Bird Hurdles
     Raptor Bingo
Crafts and Face Painting
Owl Pellet Dissection
What's Your Wingspan?
Raffle, refreshments, and more!