Six magnificent birds will be flying into Vernon from Vancouver Island for a fundraising event this summer.
Staff and birds from The Raptors, a wildlife sanctuary in Cowichan Valley, will be at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre (ABNC) from July 4 to 9, providing education about the predators.
While the specific raptor lineup is a mystery, it could include a Harris’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, kestrel, turkey vulture, screech owl, spectacled owl or peregrine falcon.
“Having these birds of prey demonstrate their power and finesse at the centre is something we really look forward to,” says Cheryl Hood, the ABNC manager.
“ABNC doesn’t have access to government funding, so events like this ensure our programs can continue.”
There will be daily presentations, including demonstrations for larger crowds that are observation only and private encounters for groups of up to six people.
“When The Raptors are here, people take the time to discover more about these amazing birds,” explains Alexis Olynyk, the ABNC education coordinator. “It’s more than just seeing them fly.”
“It’s learning about their behaviours, what they eat, what makes them unique and their crucial roles in nature.”
In recent years, ospreys were near the point of extinction because of industrial chemicals, but awareness prompted changes that made recovery for the species possible.
Robyn Radcliffe, the director of operations at The Raptors, says the organization’s goal is to inspire a sense of personal responsibility for the future of both birds of prey and the planet.
“We’re dedicated to the conservation of raptors and wildlife, and we love to share this passion with everyone we can,” Radcliffe explains.
“The partnership with ABNC allows us to bring these wonderful birds to the Okanagan and share why they’re so essential to our ecosystems.”
Event tickets are available online.
Radcliffe adds: “By bringing people closer to our birds of prey, we hope we can help inspire a love for nature, and in turn, a future where birds and humans can live in balance.”
