As part of their annual Backyard Birds series, Wilderness Road State Park will host a special birding program, Remarkable Raptors, on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 1 p.m. This program will feature live birds of prey such as the American Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagle and commonly found local raptors such as the Red-Tailed Hawk and American Kestrel.
The program will be presented by Frances Carter, director of the Southwest High School in Somerset, Kentucky, and her students. They plan to showcase several live birds while answering questions about these oftentimes misunderstood feathered friends. Topics to be discussed will include their eating preferences, hunting skills and remarkable eyesight.
The purpose of the program is to encourage participants to discover the exciting and educational experience of seeing these Remarkable Raptors up close, while getting a better understanding of their place in the natural ecosystem. “Many people don’t truly appreciate these birds,” stated Michael Brindle, parks concessions manager. “They are so beneficial, and hopefully this program will give people a better perspective and appreciation on these raptors.” The program is $5 per adult with children 12 and under admitted free to create a unique educational experience.
The purpose of the program is to encourage participants to discover the exciting and educational experience of seeing these Remarkable Raptors up close, while getting a better understanding of their place in the natural ecosystem. “Many people don’t truly appreciate these birds,” stated Michael Brindle, parks concessions manager. “They are so beneficial, and hopefully this program will give people a better perspective and appreciation on these raptors.” The program is $5 per adult with children 12 and under admitted free to create a unique educational experience.
Birds of prey are birds that hunt for food primarily on the wing, using their keen senses, especially vision. They are defined as birds that primarily hunt vertebrates, including other birds. Their talons and beaks tend to be relatively large, powerful and adapted for tearing and/or piercing flesh. And in most cases, the females are considerably larger than the males. Because of their predatory lifestyle, often at the top of the food chain, they face distinct conservation concerns.
The Remarkable Raptors program will give guests vital information as to what we, as bird enthusiasts, can do to help with conservation efforts.
For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065 or email us at: [email protected].
