Birds of Prey and Bird Walk
The Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting a couple of events next Saturday, June 18, that will be interesting and entertaining for many.
One Event: Meet Live Raptors
Birds of Prey Northwest will provide a rare opportunity to get a close look at several birds of prey species in a special program where people can meet live raptors. Currently they plan to bring a Golden Eagle, a Swainson's Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Great Horned Owl, a Peregrine Falcon, an American Kestrel, and a Merlin.
Due to the limited room in the Education Barn and the popularity of Birds of Prey Northwest events, this will be held in a "staggered" format. Small groups of attendees will be allowed in periodically. Those who attend will be able to view the birds, listen to the handlers talk about each species, and ask questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please help keep the birds happy and calm: No photography, No cell phones, No loud noises or sudden movements, and use your inside voices.
This Birds of Prey program will be held at the Education Barn at the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, running from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A $5 donation per person is suggested. Your donations make this program possible and we thank you!
Birds of Prey Northwest is involved in working with raptors in the region. They provide medical treatment and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild. They also provide educational programs with live raptors and collaborate on research projects and other educational programs. Find out more about Birds of Prey Northwest at www.birdsofpreynorthwest.org.
To see the official poster for this Birds of Prey event, click here.
But wait, there's more!
The Other Event
The Friends of the Refuge are also sponsoring another program on the same date, Saturday, June 18, where anyone can learn more about birds in our area.
Bring binoculars and/or a scope and a field guide if you have them. It may be warm, so water and sun protection (hat, sun glasses, sunscreen) are a good idea. Wear hiking shoes and come dressed for the weather. We go out rain or shine.
Expect to be out about two hours. Everyone, regardless of their level of birding expertise, is welcome. Young people under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Water and public restrooms are available at Refuge headquarters, but not on the trail.
This Bird Walk event runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. To participate, meet at the Refuge Headquarters building.
Start your day by seeing the birds at the Refuge. After the Bird Walk, stop by the Ed Barn to see the raptors being presented by Birds of Prey Northwest.
For more information about both of these programs, call 208-267-3888.