Winter Raptor Fest Program Schedule and Presenters
Note that Winter Raptor Fest will not be held in 2021. This schedule was from the 2020 program and is for informational purposes only.
“Night Owls” – Whispering Willow Wild Care & North Country Wild Care
Educators Joyce Perry and Nancy Kimball introduce you to the owls that only come out at night! Meet a a diverse lineup of native owls, from tiny Saw-whet and Eastern Screech owls to the much larger Barred and Great horned owls!
You’ll learn about these nocturnal owls, their habitat, prey and specialized tactics for survival.
Photo courtesy Sandi Sullivan
“Predators of the Sky” – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Join VINS educators and birds of prey as they reveal the tools and skills that help native hawks, owls and falcons rule the sky in this exciting free-flight demonstration!
You never know what you’ll see and learn when VINS educators take the stage with their fabulous birds of prey!
Photo courtesy Sandi Sullivan
“The Threat to Boreal Habitats” – Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
AWR Director Wendy Hall and Kayla, a Lynx who lives at the refuge, introduce you to the mysteries of these big cats and how they, Great gray owls and other animals survive in such frigid climates. Find out why boreal forests matter to all of us and learn about the human activities that threaten their survival.
Wendy will share fascinating facts about Kayla, the Lynx, and her stories about living with a lynx at the refuge.
Photo courtesy Wendy Hall
“Raptors in Flight” – Adirondack Raptors
See and learn about birds of prey adapted for hunting on the wing in this exciting aerial demonstration by Master Falconer Mark Manske! Discover fascinating facts about hawks and falcons, their behavior and changes in local raptor populations. Mark will also share details of various research projects he participates in – including the American kestrel nest box project.
Mark is a retired science teacher and children’s book author when he’s not practicing falconry.
Photo courtesy Longbow Media
“Wildlife Alive!” – New York State Wildlife Rehab Council
NYSWRC Director Kelly Martin introduces you to a variety of birds of prey from the great Northeast. She’ll share stories about the owls, hawks and falcons she’s rehabbed and give you tips on what you should do when you find orphaned or injured wildlife.
Kelly has been rehabbing wildlife for over 30 years, including state endangered Short-eared owls, Northern harriers (threatened), American kestrels and more!
Short-eared owl photo courtesy Fred Wehner
“Those Amazing Grassland Raptors!” – The Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY
We’ve lost 700 million grassland birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970!
Meet and learn about the amazing owls, hawks and falcons that depend on open grasslands for their survival! TWIENY Director Trish Marki explores the interconnected relationship between grassland raptors and their habitat. Discover the myriad benefits of grassland bird conservation, from protecting our food supply to mitigating climate change.
Photo courtesy Cliff Oliver
Special Thanks to our Winter Raptor Fest Owl Sponsors!
Elite Honorary Committee
Jeff Leon, Dave Hasko, McCarthy & Conlon LLP
Honorary Committee
Sandi Sullivan, Beth & Rich Saunders, Helen Otte, Debbie Kidalowski, Kathleen Roberts, John Kent, Mack Brook Farms, Todd Scheuermann & Karen Hunter, Monica Bradbury, Kathy & Hugh Roome
Special Thanks
Washington County Fair, 2020 WILD Encounter Committee (Antoinette, Mary Beth, Jon, Laurie & Mark), 2020 Winter Raptor Fest Committee (Ron, Scott, Keith, Laurie, Paloma, Mark J., Karen, Paula F., Jeff & Mike M.), Karen Chapman, Queensbury Hotel, Clarion Inn & Suites, Steve Sanford, Brookside Nursery, Gordon Ellmers and all our WRF 2020 Live Bird of Prey educators and volunteers!