Winter Raptor Fest 2018 Program Schedule
Saturday, May 19th 2018 – 10AM to 4PM
Please do not try to touch the birds or animals, for your own safety and theirs! THIS IS A NO SMOKING EVENT
11:00 AM: “Predators of the Sky” – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
VINS Educators share secrets of how our native hawks, owls and falcons are adapted for life on the wing in this fascinating “free-flight” demonstration. Learn what makes these amazing raptors such excellent predators of the skies!
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
12:00 PM: “Wildlife Alive” – New York State Wildlife Rehab Council
NYSWRC President Kelly Martin has spent half her life helping injured and orphaned animals. Meet and learn about a variety of owls, hawks and falcons that can’t be released back into the wild. Kelly will share some of her unusual experiences as a wildlife rehabilitator and teach you what to do when you find orphaned or injured wildlife.
Photo courtesy Cliff Oliver
1:00 PM: “Adirondack Mammals & Ticks” – Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
Climate change is increasing tick populations across the country. Learn about the impact of ticks on foxes and other native mammals and meet a live opossum! These often misunderstood mammals eats ticks and other insects that damage trees, making them great for pest control! Presented by AWR Director Wendy Hall.
Photo courtesy Sandi Sullivan
2:00 PM: “World of Raptors” – The Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY
TWIENY Director Trish Marki introduces you to owls, hawks and falcons from across North America, from a tiny screech owl to the majestic Snowy owl of the Arctic tundra. See the birds up close and learn about unique behaviors and issues that impact their survival in the wild. Presented by TWIENY Director Trish Marki.
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
Meet a Bald Eagle in the Wild Encounter Saturday at 2pm!!
3:00 PM: “Winged Wonders” – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Learn about the challenges involved in reaching for the skies as you watch raptors take flight before your eyes! VINS Educators introduce you to the fascinating world of raptors in this close encounter with some of our native hawks, owls and falcons.
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
All New Wild Encounter!
SEE live owls, hawks, falcons in their “natural” habitat! Follow a trail through all NEW grasslands and woodland to see and learn about native wildlife and the habitats they depend on for their survival. Watch for fox, fisher porcupine and other animals along the way!
Funded through grants from International Paper Foundation and New York State Conservation Partnership Program
(photo courtesy Gordon Ellmers)
Horse-drawn Birding Wagon!
Take a horse-drawn wagon ride on a one-of-a-kind family birding adventure! See if you can spot and identify a variety of life-sized bird cutouts along the trail. Be sure to record any live birds you see! FREE drawings for give-aways for kids
(photo courtesy Connie Bush)
Kids Activities & more!
Kids’ Activities, exhibitors, vendors and more round out this exciting weekend where raptors rule!
Wildlife Photographer Gordon Ellmers will sign prints from 12pm – 2pm on both days (at FIBA’s INFO Table)
(photo courtesy Cliff Oliver)
Owl Sponsors
Harrier Sponsors
Sunday, May 20th 2018 – 10:30AM to 4:30PM
All Winter Raptor Fest programs and activities – except birding wagon – take place under cover.
11:30 AM: “Predators of the Sky” – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
VINS Educators share secrets of how our native hawks, owls and falcons are adapted for life on the wing in this fascinating “free-flight” demonstration. Learn what makes these amazing raptors such excellent predators of the skies!
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
12:30 PM: “Owls of Open Spaces” – Whispering Willow Wild Care
Wintering flocks of 40 -50 Short-eared owls were once common across New York. Now, less than 100 remain.
Meet and learn about these charismatic owls, Snowy owls and the harriers, hawks and falcons that breed or winter in the Washington County Grasslands. Presented by WWWC Director Joyce Perry.
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
1:30 PM: “World of Raptors” – The Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY
TWIENY Director Trish Marki introduces you to owls, hawks and falcons from across North America, from a tiny screech owl to a majestic Snowy owl of the Arctic tundra. See the birds up close and learn about unique behaviors and issues that impact their survival in the wild. Presented by TWIENY Director Trish Marki.
Photo courtesy Laurie LaFond
2:30 PM: “Ghosts in the Woods” – Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
Meet and learn about the nearly invisible raptors that haunt the Adirondacks. See a Goshawk in flight and learn about these fierce aerial predators especially adapted to maneuvering thru the woods! You’ll also meet and learn about the owls whose hoots, shrieks and cries you hear in the dark!
Presented by AWR Educators.
Photo courtesy Kristina Martin
3:30 PM: “Winged Wonders” – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Learn about the challenges involved in reaching for the skies as you watch raptors take flight before your eyes! VINS Educators introduce you to the fascinating world of raptors in this close encounter with some of our native hawks, owls and falcons.
Photo courtesy Fred Wehner
Elite Honorary Committee
Dan Albano, Ken Beckley, Stephen Davie, Constance Hasko, David Hasko, Frank Reilly
Honorary Committee
Elizabeth Jane Cockey, John Kent, Debbie Kidalowski, Linda & David McAllister, Helen Otte, Kathleen R. Roberts, Marjorie Rosen, Beth & Richard Saunders, Todd Scheuermann, Rich Speidel, Arlene & Ron Strader, Sheila & Rey Wells
Special Thanks
Washington County Fair, NYS DEC, Little Theater on the Farm, Karen Chapman, Gordon Ellmers and all our WRF 2018 volunteers!